birdwatching and bird records in brunei and bird records in brunei august 2005 – september 2009...

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BIRDWATCHING AND BIRD RECORDS

IN BRUNEI

August 2005 – September 2009

Jeremy Moore

Introduction During the last four years I have enjoyed many days searching for, observing and occasionally photographing the varied bird species to be found in the country. I have used several earlier accounts of bird sightings and locations made by PNHS members

and others as an invaluable guide to find suitable locations and as a guide to the likely species to be seen here. The most recent of these records is already close to 20 years old and a lot has changed in the intervening time. While the loss of forest areas around Anduki or the Seria bypass is undoubtedly a change for the worse, many sites in Andalau and Labi remain as they were in the past while the Kuala Balai road area is now much more accessible and seems to attract many more bird species than recorded previously. This

record of my observations and current access advice to various birding sites will hopefully be of use to future birders lucky enough to spend time here as well as any future efforts to protect any of the areas from further degradation. The locations list concentrates on good places for forest birds since most of the important sites for waterbirds have been well documented in the Asian Waterbird Census 2008 report by Andrea Bloem (see references section). At Wasan ricefields and Mentiri Prawn Farms there have been some changes in the access and layout of the sites since this report was written so I have included more details on these areas at the end of the section. The majority of the sightings are my own, many made in the company of Mark Hessels, Andrea Bloem and Hans Vis all of whose company and equal dedication to a pastime often requiring standing for hours in the forest waiting for the birds to show themselves I have really appreciated over the last few years. Thanks also to Graham Durrance, Wietse de Werff, David Mendes and Shirley Hee for also joining in several trips as well as the Asian Waterbird Census 2009 counts from which some records are included in this list. My father, Derek Moore, spent a fruitful holiday here in 2007 and also photographed many of the species and I have also added a few unusual records from the rest of the family to the list. In general I have tried to be rigorous in only including species where I am 100% certain of the correct identification and there are a few extra species listed at the end which are ‘maybes’ as they were not seen clearly enough to confirm their identity.

White-breasted Waterhen and chick

Cattle Egrets

I have also included a more detailed summary of bird sightings along the Kuala Balai Road area just south of the Panaga camp. During the period 2007 – 2009 I made over 80 visits to this area covering all months of the year, providing a unique opportunity to understand the variation in species occurrences over a prolonged period. This summary really just scratches the surface of understanding the bird population behaviour in this area, but does highlight the necessity of multiple visits in properly understanding the importance for wildlife of any site in Brunei. Last, but no least it is not only birds which are encountered in the gardens and forests of Brunei and so there is room for some of the mammals seen here as well. When to Watch Birds The key requirement for watching birds in the Brunei rainforest is patience. On many occasions it can seem that there are no birds to be seen, only sounds and some vague movement in the leaves. It is quite possible to spend a whole morning in the Andalau and Labi areas and see only 20 species while on other days the list can be closer to 50 with many unusual sightings. Only the Kuala Balai Road consistently produces between 40 and 50 species on each visit and even more if including those which are only heard. What follows are some general observations on what birds can be expected through the year and the best time and locations to see them. Even so, there will always be those ‘dull days’ with a handful of sightings but as long as you put in the time there will also be plenty of good days as well. The generally hot and humid weather in Brunei mean that birds and larger animals are most active in the coolest parts of the day. In practice this means that for forest bird sites such as Kuala Balai Rd, Andalau and Labi it is necessary to make an early start and be there at first light (6am in summer, 30 minutes later in winter) when most birds start to become active. By 10.00 activity is usually quietening down with only the larger birds such as raptors and Hornbills still flying around. On cloudy days this might extend for a bit longer but during the middle part of the day there are always far

fewer birds to be found. Activity does increase again in late afternoon (after 4pm) as species such as Hornbills, pigeons and parrots gather prior to roosting but smaller species such as Bulbuls, Sunbirds and Babblers are much less visible at this time. Nocturnal birds and animals normally become active only in complete darkness at least 30mins after sunset. Waterbirds remain active all day and will move

around depending on the state of the tides and gather at roosts just before sunset. At sites such as Wasan other species such as Bitterns and Quail can best be seen before

Oriental Pied Hornbill

Olive-backed Sunbird

the hottest part of the day and although it is generally more pleasant for the birder to be here early as well, the main wader species can be seen at any time of day. Given its equatorial position, it is perhaps surprising that there are strong seasonal variations in bird species distribution and occurrence just as much as in more temperate regions. The fruiting cycle of important food sources and also migration of many species form the north for the winter result in significant differences in the species which can be encountered in different months. The most noticeable cycle is the presence of large numbers of Egrets during the winter months, with counts exceeding 3000 common at the Sungai Seria roost with numbers dwindling from end May to perhaps a couple of hundred birds before the return migration starts already in late August. Most of the wader species show a similar pattern with migration occurring August / September and a return migration generally in smaller numbers in March / April. Although many waders do stay in Brunei for the winter, other species such as Oriental Pratincole are only passing through on their way to northern Australia. Smaller migrants such as flycatchers and Arctic Warblers tend to arrive later in the year with peak numbers in November / December and a return migration through to April. The Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo is almost unique in performing migration in reverse, breeding in Australia in the southern summer and spending the ‘winter’ of June to September in Borneo and SE Asia. Other species such as Drongo and Oriental Cuckoos as well as Crow-billed Drongos have been recorded most frequently during the Spring migration and hardly ever in Autumn. Most of the resident forest species such as Bulbuls, Babblers and Sunbirds generally

breed twice per year with young birds appearing in May/June and again in Sep/Oct to align with the ripening of fruits and berries on trees which in turn brings a greater abundance of insects. The birds of prey and hornbills have a still different cycle, nesting from December or early January with young birds appearing from March into April although again there are exceptions with Black-shouldered Kites, supposedly a winter visitor, seen at the nest with two young at Wasan in November. I have included more some further description of these variations

in the individual species lists and also in the detailed analysis of Kuala Balai Rd sightings.

Red-necked Stints

Wandering Whistling Ducks

As well as the international migrants there are still more species which make local or irregular movements over short distances around northern Borneo. Perhaps the best example is the Wandering Whistling Duck which was rarely recorded 20 years ago but is now almost permanently present in good numbers at Wasan and in the Seria area at J15. Scarce records of Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Storm’s Stork and raptors such as Besra, Bat Hawk and Jerdon’s Baza along Kuala Balai Rd also indicate species wandering away from their normal habitats while a Sunda Whistling Thrush present in our garden in Dec 2007 was an exceptionally long way from its usual mountain home. So while birding in Brunei can be challenging, with perseverance there are plenty of birds to be found in all of the sites and habitats described here and a wide range of species, both common and scarce, can be seen at any time of the year

PART 1: Birdwatching Locations 1. Seria and Panaga Areas The Sungai Seria estuary and the surrounding grasslands are an excellent area to start birdwatching, especially from late August through to April when many migratory and over-wintering Egrets and waders can be seen here. Good places to find these birds are on either side of the estuary mouth or in the freshwater lake at the Tattler hide near

the Billion Barrel Monument (Site 1). Yellow Bitterns and Eye-browed Crakes are also common in this area while migrants including Common Kingfisher, Common Moorhen, Black-winged Stilts, Arctic Warbler and occasionally Peregrine Falcons have also been recorded. At the last road bridge over the river, as many as five thousand Cattle, Little, Intermediate and Great Egrets roost in the winter months and disperse over the wider Seria and Kuala Belait area during the day. In 2009 they seemed to prefer the west side of the bridge (Site 2) but previously used the area on the other side and up to the BSP Learning Centre. Little Green Herons are also common here at dusk and dawn while Black-crowned Night Herons have also roosted in this area during winter. Waders including Golden Plover, smaller Plovers species, Stints and Sandpipers can be found anywhere along the river back to the second road bridge and can also be seen in ditches and wet pools in the grasslands in this area with the fields around the OGDC (Site 3) being a particularly good area for Golden Plover and occasionally Swinhoe’s Snipe. The newly created pond in the J15 area behind the garrison (Site 4) is another location with waders and also White-winged / Whiskered Terns present during the autumn migration period. In September 2009 a Painted Snipe was present here, a very unusual record for Brunei. This site also appears to have a resident population of Wandering Whistling Ducks since late in 2008 and White-browed Crakes bred here in large numbers also around Oct 2008. This area was created to aid flood control of the Sungai Seria and during 2009 water levels are much higher than

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when it was first created so the Crakes are probably no longer present. The huge Lesser Adjutant Stork is another regular visitor to this area with at least a couple of birds present per year anywhere between here and Seria Town. Other winter migrants to this area include Tiger and Brown Shrikes as well as Yellow Wagtails and Eye-browed Thrushes. The bushes and hedges around the grassy area at G11/12 (Site 5) are a good area to find these species while Crested Serpent Eagles, Crested Goshwaks and some Woodpecker species are also present in this area all year round. In Jan 2007 a Schrenck’s Bittern was seen feeding in the ditch next to the track and Little Green Herons, Stork-Billed Kingfishers and Pied Trillers are also regular. The sandy tracks and sparse trees opposite the BSP office and BSRC (Site 6) are also a good site for Tiger Shrikes as well as Pink-necked Green Pigeons coming to roost in the late afternoon. After dark Large-tailed Nightjars can be heard and sometimes seen in the car headlights as they fly low over the paths or perch in the trees. Further west from here, the gardens of Panaga are also a very good area to find birds. The group of 100+ Oriental Pied Hornbills are the most obvious and famouse residents here while others such as Collared Kingfisher, Magpie Robin, Crimson and

Olive-backed Sunbirds are also present all year round. In four years over 50 species were recorded in our garden at F2/18 including regular Malaysian Tiger Bitterns and Chinese Pond Herons in winter, Eye-browed Thrushes from December to February and other migrants such as Arctic Warbler, Blue-and-White Flycatcher and Asian Koel. Forest species such as Black-thighed falconets, Crested Goshawks, Black-winged Flycatcher Shrikes and Black-headed Bulbuls also occasionally pass through the garden while the most unusual bird was the Sunda Whistling Thrush which is considered a non-migratory species from mountainous areas further inland. Other common residents include the ever-expanding troupe of Long-tailed Macaque monkeys and the Plantain squirrels while Tree

Snakes are also occasionally seen draped over bushes or moving rapidly across the lawns.

Sungai Seria

Panaga garden F2-18

2. Kuala Balai Rd

This has been the site of most of my birdwatching in Brunei, located only a 10 minute drive from the Panaga camp area on the southern side of the Seria bypass across from the Mumong roundabout. This roughly 16km drive over tarmac, potholed in places offers a mix of primary and secondary forest on peat swamp and located next to the Belait river which appears to act as a funnel for both local and longrange migrant species. While suffering from occasional fires and gradual encroachment to create cleared areas, presumably for growing some simple crops, this is always an excellent site for a wide range of birds with over 170 species recorded and usually between 40 and 55 seen during a typical visit from 6.30 – 10.00am. The best results require a mixture of a slow drive through open areas looking for raptors, woodpeckers and hornbills mixed with some time walking up and down or standing still and listening carefully to bird calls in the mature forest areas.

The latter areas have the benefit of providing shade until at least 10.00am making this one of the more pleasant birding areas. I have divided the road up into four sections roughly alternating between open cleared forest and more mature primary peat forest.

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A typical trip usually goes as follows – drive through the housing area and past the dump and cement factory and make a stop at first light at the point where the ‘good’

tarmac ends and the potholed road begins, an area with several dead trees on the left and low bushes on the right (area 1 on the map). This is a good place for White-bellied and Banded Woodpeckers and also Hornbills flying alongside the river to

the right – all five Kuala Balai species have been seen from this point. Several eagles have also been sitting here early in the morning and Silvered Langur monkeys occasionally reside in the trees on the left. Drive a bit further past the open area on the left to just before the mature forest area begins and there is a small clearing on the right (start of area 2). The dead tree at the back is a great place to see all sorts of birds in the early morning including pigeons, woodpeckers, hornbills and raptors such as Crested Goshawk and Crested Serpent Eagle. Another 200m further, the road crosses a small stream where Copper-throated Sunbirds nest in the early part of the year, the only place where I have seen this species. This is also a good spot for Stork-Billed and Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers and I once saw a small (75cm!) crocodile here. After another 500m there is another small clearing on the right and a small road sign marks an old grassy track. I usually park the car here and walk slowly up and down the next 500m or so of forest. This area is best between 7 to 9am when almost any of the recorded species can be seen. Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Barbets many Bulbuls and Kingfishers are common while Babbler species including the rare Rufous-fronted have been seen here. Malkohas, Minivets, Hawks, Flowerpeckers and Spiderhunters are less regular while a number of real ‘surprise birds’ have been seen here including Jerdon’s Baza, Mountain Imperial Eagle and Scarlet-rumped Trogon. Most surprising sighting of all was a Marbled Cat which walked slowly across the road one morning, while Short-clawed Otters, Bearded Pig and Silvered Langurs have also been seen along this stretch. It is easy to spend the whole morning here, but it is worth to drive the rest of the road in mid-morning when raptors such as Blyth’s / Wallace’s Hawk Eagles, Changeable

Kuala Balai Rd Sunrise

Kuala Balai Rd

Hawk Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle and Brahminy Kites can often be seen sitting in dead trees. Coucals, Black-thighed Falconets, Plaintive Cuckoos and Dollarbirds are also abundant in this area (marked 3 on the map) while Shrikes, Bay Banded Cuckoos and once Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoos have been seen here in winter months. The road eventually passes again into mature forest this time with more open views of the canopy before ending at the Belait River. About 1km before the end is an area

(number 4) with low bushes next to the road and tall trees behind. This seems to be a good alternative location for the 7-9am period, particularly in winter when a lot of Bulbuls, Flowerpeckers and Spiderhunters are active beside the road and all three Parrot species as well as Leafbirds, Fairy Bluebirds and

Malkohas can be seen in the tops of the most leafy trees. This place has also provided a good number of unusual species, including Storm’s Storks, Rhinoceros Hornbills, Emerald Doves, Bat Hawk, Besra, Blue-and-white Flycatcher and Lesser Cuckoo Shrike. Bearded Pigs were especially common here in 2007 when up to five animals at a time were seen here as well as large Prevost Squirrels and more Silvered Langurs. On one occasion a bright orange Malay Weasel ran across the road here while a Bonaparte’s Nightjar was once flushed from the ditch in January. This road is also worth a slow drive at night, although make sure to bring insect repellent if you step out of the car! The most obvious residents, any time after 7pm are Binturongs (Bear Cats) and Buffy Fish Owls both of which hunt up and down the tarmac road and grassy edges. Savannah Nightjars appear to be resident in good numbers during 2009 at the clearing with the road sign in area 2 while Common Porcupines, Malay Civet and Masked Palm Civets have also been seen in the headlights or with a spotlight. Other owl species have also been heard calling during trips in August 2009 with Reddish Scops Owl and Barred Eagle Owl identified confidently and some other calls remaining unidentified. Altogether there is always something to see here and time spent waiting patiently will almost always be rewarded by good views of many species, and there is always the chance of seeing scarce forest residents or migrants along any part of the road.

Kuala Balai Rd, flooding in Jan 09

3. Labi Road Part 1 – Andalau Forest Area

I have split up the Labi road sites into two parts, roughly consistent with the distinctly different Andalau Forest (lower) and Labi Forest (upper) environments.. Before reaching Andalau, the Liang forest park is located just 1km from the main junction. Although this place gets very busy most weekends, a couple of morning visits did produce White-rumped Shamas and Green Ioras so there are forest birds here, they just usually keep out of the way. The Andalau forest area starts about 5km from the main junction and continues with some breaks up to the Long Mayan turn-off. The forest generally consists of tall trees on sandy soil and differs from the Labi area in that there are very few low bushes or shrubs near the ground. This makes visibility fairly easy and allows good views of Babblers and other secretive species. There are several tracks and paths leading into the forest , created by local hunters, birdcatchers or the Brunei HASH jungle running group! The sites mentioned here have good, cleared tracks at the time of writing and are easily accessible. I have tried some of the other routes but they can be hard going with long grass, deep mud and many fallen trees / landslides blocking the paths completely. The two Andalau Forest walks start-points are located about 400m apart near the ‘Labi 36km’ road marker. The first begins at an old forestry reserve sign and initially runs a few hundred meters through trees to arrive

in a small clearing with views over the forest. During several trips in May this has proven to be a good place to see forest birds early in the morning with over 30 species seen in one hour including the scarce Finsch’s Bulbul, Chestnut-winged Babblers,

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Fiery Minivets, Grey-chested Jungle Flycatchers and Chestnut-breasted Malkohas. Red Langur monkeys also seem to be quite regular here. From this point there are

paths heading off in three directions. The obvious route goes steeply down the landslip at the side of the clearing and continues along a dry stream bed and can give good opportunity to see Babblers such as Scaly-crowned, Rufous-crowned and Sooty-capped. Walking directly away from the main road towards an apparent steep cliff edge, there is actually a path heading down which goes quite some distance into the forest. This is a very dense area and it is difficult to see the birds which always seem to be high above you in the trees but presumably it would be best in the early morning as well. There is a third path about 100m back towards the road – facing the road, just head down the lefthand slope until finding the path going off to the left, again it runs at least 1km further with lots of Babblers, Jungle Flycatchers and Red Langurs around. The loud calls

of the Great Argus Pheasant can also be heard in this area. The second path seems to be the best option for walking deeper into the forest as it is fairly straight, clearly marked by tape tied to trees and eventually ends up on a low ridge which seems to be a focus for bird movements early in the morning. Initially the path runs downhill and through a swampy area, again with Red Langurs common and Jungle Flycatchers plus Babblers including Abbott’s, Black-capped and Black-throated quite tame next to the path. After the path rises steeply uphill, it reaches a long ridge and then splits to follow the ridge in both directions. This proved to be an excellent site on a few mornings in May and June with a large group of Ferruginous Babblers mixed with Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Bulbuls (including Finsch’s again) and the only sighting of a Rufous-tailed Shama all in one noisy group. This walk can take about 40min each way, but allow at least an extra hour for looking at birds! A telescope is no use here due to the dense cover so no need to carry it up and down the steep slopes. Generally around 20 species can be seen on a visit, but with several not seen elsewhere. The tracks do continue further along the ridge, the lefthand route eventually ending in thicker forest and the righthand one ending at the sawmill past the new water tanks. The next site is after the Bukit Sawat timber works and starts at a small tarmac road on the left near the ‘Labi 30km’ marker and about 1km before the much wider turnoff to Long Mayan. I term this route the ‘Bukit Sawat Road’ as it winds for about 5km first pass secondary replanted forest, across a short area of wet forest / peat swamp and then through more mature forest before ending at an abandoned workshop and

Andalau Forest Entrance at site 1

Andalau Forest Entrance at site 2

lookout tower on top of the hill (=Bukit in Malay). When I first visited this site in May 2009, the road was worn and falling apart with long grass growing in the middle however by August it had been widened and repaired and a new accommodation block and forestry sign was installed perhaps indicating the restart of logging. Parking the car after the wet forest area and then walking along the road in either direction in the early mornings generally produces at least 30 species again including Babblers (seven species recorded including Brown Fulvettas, Rufous-crowned and Scaly-crowned), Flowerpeckers and Bulbuls. The highlight though is the group of at least five Borneo Bristleheads which were seen here on three out of five visits during July and August 2009. These birds were seen

feeding slowly through the middle and upper canopy, all the time making a strange collection of squeaking, ringing and croaking calls. It is good to see that there is at least one site in Brunei where this rare Borneo endemic can be found regularly. Another scarce species found here is the Black-naped Oriole which was heard singing in the low wet area on several occasions and seen briefly flying high in the canopy – again a species which I did not record elsewhere in Brunei. Add in the pair of Asian Paradise Flycatchers and good views of Buff-rumped Woodpeckers, Hairy-backed Bulbul and also Barking Deer seen on a few occasions in the ‘dry’ forest and this is a place definitely worth visiting even with the increased activity along the road. In June 2009 there were several species of Pitcher plants growing along the path which were unfortunately squashed flat by the road-widening activity, hopefully they will recover in the future. As well as the Barking Deer, Red and Silvered Langurs as well as Bearded Pigs have been seen crossing the road here and on one occasion the whir of Pheasant wings was heard without the bird actually showing itself!

Forest at Bukit Sawat Road

Pitcher Plant at Bukit Sawat Road

Just 1km after this turnoff there is a wide junction signposted to Long Mayan, This

tarmac road runs for about 10km through several villages and eventually becomes sandy, muddy then boggy as it ends in a logging track inaccessible to any vehicle but trucks and serious offroad 4x4s. About 1km back there is a tarmac track to the left, again pointing to Long Mayan and the village itself is encountered after another few km. There are many forest areas along this

road which are worth a stop in the evening and presumably also early mornings. Birds recorded here include the scarce Dusky Broadbills, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Green Iora and Crested Serpent Eagles. Back on the main road closer to Labi Stork-billed Kingfishers occur at the two main river crossings. After the turnoff the road continues on sand then back again to tarmac to arrive at Lake Tasek Merimbun about 25min altogether from Labi Road. 4. Labi Road Part 2 – Labi Forest Area Continuing along Labi Road, the first site encountered is the Luagan Lalak Park area. A path starting at the carpark leads down to a series of wooden walkways alongside the lake area and also out across a bridge to a small shaded picnic hut on stilts in the middle of the water. Back in 2005/6 this was a pleasant site for an early morning walk or a lunchtime picnic however the walkways quickly deteriorated due to flooding, fires then termites and the whole place was closed. In 2009 repairs were in progress so hopefully access will be restored soon. The lake never produces too many birds although Purple Heron and Oriental Darter are sometimes seen. The forest edges are good for Sunbids and Bulbuls and the uncommon Large Woodshrike was seen here on one occasion. After Luagan Lalak, the road starts to wind uphill and about 14 1/2km from Labi is the first of several left turns leading into denser forest. The tarmac road to the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ village starts at a series of old market stalls and runs for about 10km towards the east, passing through many different types of habitat on the way (site 2). The first few km are dense mature forest and good for an early morning start.

Water Buffalo and Cattle Egret Road to Long Mayan

Luagan Lalak

Park the car about 2km in and walk up and down the road. Birds tend to be high up in the canopy but include many species of Woodpeckers, Fairy Bluebirds while Indian Cuckoos and Black-bellied Malkoha have also been seen here.

Continuing on, the road enters into an area of rice padi and cleared forest replanted with sugarcane. There is a small pond which harboured nesting Black and Red broadbills, in a nest suspended above the water, as well as Blue-eared Kingfishers while Dark-necked Tailorbirds are also common in this area. The road continues past more cultivated land, eventually entering an area of wet primary forest and then ending at the side of the river. This last section of a few km has been especially productive both during early morning and afternoons. The ‘star birds’ were two Crested Fireback Pheasants which walked across the road in front of the car one afternoon and this is also the only place where Mangrove Whistler was seen. Dusky Broadbills, Blue-and-White Flycatchers, Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers and Buff-necked Woodpeckers have also been recorded here as well as the usual selection of Bulbuls, Flowerpeckers and Sunbirds. It is worth noting that the road is in absolutely terrible condition and the 10km takes at least 30min to drive. There are potholes, deep

mud, occasional fallen trees and at least two places where mudslides have destroyed the road completely and a temporary detour has been created through the grass / forest

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edge. When encountering these obstacles, parking the car and walking on can be just as good for seeing birds. Site 3. Back towards Labi and a few km further at the ‘Labi 12km’ sign just past a

large metal rubbish container there is another gravel track leading off to the left. In 2005 this was a muddy track in poor condition best accessed on foot however during 2009 it was the main access for the seismic survey acquired in the area. The road was widened and covered with concrete for at least 3km offering excellent access to primary mature forest. As the seismic survey ends in Sep 2009

road maintenance will cease and it is quite likely to soon become inaccessible again as stream crossings are washed out by monsoon rains. I have called this area the ‘seismic track’ and there in fact two routes. The main concrete road ends at an equipment storage site just past a small lake, and then continues as a muddy track. About 200m from the beginning there is a side track, also concrete for 500m then becoming grassy and impassable. This route can be walked for a further 3km+ where it rejoins the first track. The birds seen seem to be similar at both sites however the second track runs along a ridge where it is easier to see birds in the treetops and is also much quieter. It is also the only place where I have seen Bornean Gibbons crossing through the trees. The calls of this animal are a regular feature of early mornings around Labi, but they are rarely seen as they stay high up in the canopy. Red Langurs also seem to be very common here, both crossing the tracks and moving noisily through the canopy. Birds recorded here during four visits in August 2009 include the six Barbet species seen regularly in Brunei, Black-naped Monarchs, the rare Chestnut-winged Philentoma and Dark-throated Orioles. The sounds of Green Broadbills, Great Argus and Garnet Pittas can be heard frequently although these species have so far not been seen here. Sooty-capped, Black-throated and Rufous-crowned Babblers also seem to be common while mixed flocks of Bulbuls including Spectacled, Buff-vented, Cream-vented and Puff-backed are present at many places along both routes. This is clearly a place worth visiting more often as access is much easier than at Labi Ridge and the forest itself is more pristine. As well as all the records mentioned above, this is also a good area for butterflies while a 6inch long stick insect and a strange green flying lizard were also seen.

‘Seismic track’, 12km before Labi

Bee’s nest, near Labi

About 2 1/2 km before Labi village, there is a small red temple on the corner of a junction with a sandy track. This is the entrance to the Labi Ridge walk which is one of the best known access routes to the forest in the Labi area, although a solid four-wheel drive vehicle is essential. The track first crosses a small clearing (exit at the far righthand side) and then climbs very steeply for just over a km where there is a

smaller track on the lefthand side. This is the best birdwatching route and can be driven with care unless the route is affected by rain. An alternative is to walk this route, parking directly opposite the entrance or about 200m further up the main route in a clearing at the top of the hill. This area can be very busy with logging trucks and in 2009 also with vehicles for the seismic survey so care is needed when driving and

walking as these large vehicles cannot always stop easily on loose slopes. The side track is drivable for about 3km and a walking path continues further. Birdwatching is good at almost any point along the path and generally birds seen are similar to the ‘seismic track’ area although slightly easier to see due to the higher elevation of the path. Specialties seen here include Streaked Bulbul, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Dark-throated Oriole, Brown Fulvetta, Verditer Flycatcher, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker. Rhinoceros and Bushy-

crested Hornbills are fairly common here too while Wreathed, White-crowned and Helmeted (only heard) have been recorded once each. Birds seem to be most active here in May and June when mixed flocks of feeding birds can be so large and active that it is impossible for one observer to look at everything. Hopefully this area will quieten down again after the seismic survey finishes and remain a good site to see forest birds. The sound of Bornean Gibbons is always present in the mornings and Red Langurs have also been seen crossing the path. Back on the tarmac the main road continues on to Labi and then a further 11km to end at Teraja just short of the Sarawak border. Along the last 5km the forest rises up into an almost vertical wall on the left side of the road and it is worth stopping and birdwatching anywhere here during mornings or afternoons.

‘Seismic track’, 12km before Labi

View from Labi Ridge

The ‘Teraja 3km” mark is a good spot to park and due to the hills the road stays shaded here until 11am and the birds are therefore also active much longer than other

sites. It can be very rewarding to come here from 10am after an early morning start elsewhere in Labi as many of the best birds have been seen even into the early afternoon. Standing next to this wall of trees, you can get the feeling that almost any bird on the Borneo list could appear as there is so much activity. Three Babbler species were seen only at this location – Grey-headed, Grey-breasted and White-chested while Wreathed Hornbill, Drongo Cuckoo, Blue-winged Leafbird and Scarlet-rumped Trogon are other scarce species only recorded here. The commonest Sunbirds are Plain and Ruby-throated which are scarce elsewhere while animals include Barking Deer seen crossing the road early one morning, a family of Bearded Pigs in the cleared bushes on the lower side of the road and

Short-tailed Mongooses have also been seen. Yellow-bellied and Finsch’s Bubuls as well as Yellow-bellied Warblers, Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker and Scarlet Minivet are yet more specialties for this site while Green Broadbills and Garnet Pitta are also commonly heard from the road, the latter seen briefly on one occasion at the edge of the forest when attracted by mimicing its monotonous call for 30mins. On weekend mornings the road is very quiet with only the few vehicles from the longhouse at Teraja driving past and as already mentioned it is actually possible to birdwatch here for several hours in the morning and still be seeing additional species. The road eventually stops at the Teraja longhouse where the walk to the Teraja waterfall begins. This is a walk of about 1hr across quite rough terrain and including walking in the stream for the last few hundred meters. I have only walked this in mid-morning when the main bird activity has already stopped and very few species were seen. Olive-backed Woodpecker was the most unusual record while Bushy-crested Hornbills seem to be common here as are Bulbul

Teraja Longhouse

and Spiderhunter species but the road section described above is probably better overall as inside the forest it is very difficult to see many of the birds which are again high up in the canopy. 5. Lamunin Area The reference point for sites in this area is the small roundabout in the centre of Lamunin. This can be reached in two ways. The fastest route from KB is to follow the

main highway until 4km before Tutong and then U-turn to take the road signposted Lamunin and Tasek Merimbun. The roundabout is reached after 14km. The alternative is to take Labi Road and then the side turn to Long Mayan on to Tasek Merimbun itself. It is again about another 14km to Lamunin although this route takes much longer. Route 1. The best birding location in this area is the Lamunin pumping station reached along a short turnoff about 5km in the direction towards Bandar Seri Begawan. I found this site in August 2009 by following precisely the instructions in Jim Burrell’s book from 20years ago and can therefore best repeat the directions

here: “When the Bandar 40km sign is reached, look for a narrow black-tarred road on the right [now just before a car workshop]. If you reach the 39km sign you have missed it! Proceed along the road…up a hill to the gates of a pumping station. By the left hand corner of the perimeter fence there is a bank to scramble up, and then follow the narrow path round the fence. About halfway round is a lookout point…About two thirds of the way round scramble over some well-preserved machinery [still there, not so well-preserved now] – turn left along a grass path through a belt of trees and after about 80yards reach a wider earth trail.” All of this still works well, with the short path from the pumping station quite grassy but still easy to find. After this point the path runs along the edge of a precipice about 40m above the forest below, offering an excellent lookout in three directions.

2

3

4

To Tanjong Maya(Main Highway)

To Bandar

Lamunin1

To Tasek Merimbum(+Labi Rd)

To Lake Benutan

2

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To Tanjong Maya(Main Highway)

To Bandar

Lamunin1

To Tasek Merimbum(+Labi Rd)

To Lake Benutan

I found the best birds are generally seen from here or from the lookout point at the pumping station itself. Unusual birds such as Bat Hawk, Large Green Pigeon, Dusky Broadbill and Grey-rumped Tree Swift as well as Wrinkled, Black and Rhinoceros

Hornbills have all been seen from this vantage point. The star bird though was an adult Black Eagle sitting in a dead tree in the late afternoon. From here the path heads down a gully, through a wet grassy area and then back up another gully before passing through open forest areas and finally ending in a small clearing about 1km from the car. All of this section is steep, muddy with

long grass in places and very hard going. I made a couple of visits and saw plenty of Babblers, Bulbuls and other common forest birds but would not really recommend it except that on my first visit there was a Helmeted Hornbill sitting in a tree in the clearing, my only sighting of the largest Hornbill in Borneo! About 100m before the end a side track on the left does actually continue through the forest behind a mound of earth, but after 5mins it is completely wiped out by a fairly recent landslip and not accessible, at least for now. In general I would recommend staying at the lookout with a telescope, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun is behind you. From this point you can see at least 5km out across the forest and there also good birds in the bushes and small trees in front of the lookout. Bronzed Drongo, Chestnut-bellied Malkoha and Black-and-Red Broadbill were seen here and the song and calls plus a fleeting glimpse of the rare Chestnut-capped Thrush. A Red Giant Flying-Squirrel was also visible at the very top of a dead tree one afternoon and Silvered Langurs are present in the treetops directly in front of the lookout. Continuing along the main road to Bandar, just over 10km from Lamunin is a large sign indicating a left turn to Tutong via Bekiau. Taking this road one afternoon, I was surprised that it quickly turned to a gravel road and then abruptly disappeared in the waters of a peat swamp. The visit produced Blue-eared and Stork-billed Kingfishers, Banded Woodpecker, Osprey and also a Swinhoe’s Snipe which flew up from beside the track. This appears to be a site worth visiting occasionally, and it also has a good lookout point over the peatswamp. The road to Tutong is back near the main road, off to the right but not signposted! It runs past a school playing field where some Golden Plover were present in waterlogged grass.

View from Lamunin Pumping Station

It is possible to follow the main road from Lamunin all the way to Bandar, or take any of the turnoffs to the right which go through to Wasan ricefields. Route 2. Taking the road back to the highway, about 6 1/2km from Lamunin the road crosses over the main river. Immediately before the bridge is a turnoff to the right, which runs about 3km into peat swamp. I spent one morning here in November and saw a fairly usual mix of Babblers and Bulbuls however there was one surprise – a

pair of Mangrove Blue Flycatchers, a scarce resident in Brunei. Another stop, in the afternoon in August 2009 also produced a surprise – small groups of Cinnamon-headed Pigeons sitting on the dead trees along the first 1km of the road. Apart from a pair at Badas this is the only sighting I had in 4 years, and given the numbers present this is presumably a common resident of the area. Black and Red Broadbill and Osprey were also recorded here. Route 3. This is the route back to Labi Road which passes past some wet fields and forest before reaching Tasek Merimbun after a right turn. From here the road rises slightly and gives a good vantage point over the forest on the left. A Black-shouldered Kite was sitting on wires beside the road here in August 2009.

Route 4. This dead end road leads to the reservoir at Lake Benutan after about 7km. The lake itself is closed off by a barrier. There is some primary forest just before this point, however my only visit was in mid-afternoon so not many birds recorded. 6. Wasan Ricefields The Wasan ricefields area has changed beyond all recognition in the last 2 years and particularly during 2009 with the launch of a government-backed program to massively increase rice production in Brunei. After a long pause farming restarted as recently as 2007/8 when only about half of thearea south of the river was used for rice growing. Now the entire area from the main road

Lake Tasek Merimbun

Wasan Ricefields

down to the southern road will soon be planted with crops for harvesting twice a year (Aug/Sep and again in Feb/Mar). This has resulted in a wide area of land being irrigated which provides muddy pools at all times of the year and this can only be good for birds in the future. The access roads have been upgraded with a ‘figure of eight’ wide gravel road system and an additional three entrance points to the complex, as well as new worker’s buildings, mechanical harvesters and even a marble toilet block!. The most straightforward route to Wasan is to take the coastal highway to Jerudong and take the turnoff to ‘Sengkurong’ and ‘Kualah Lurah’. Head inland until reaching the Lamunin – Bandar road and then turn left. After 1km turn right at the next traffic lights and follow this road towards Kualah Lurah for about 12km until the ricefields are visible on the right. The main entrance road runs parallel to a large water pipeline in the centre of the area.

A much shorter route is to access the ricefields via Lamunin. First head to the Lamunin roundabout as described above then turn towards Bandar. After 9km take the right turn signposted ‘Kuala Lurah’, turn left at the T—junction and also turn left at the next major junction which is again signposted ‘Kualah Lurah’ and also ‘Kampong Wasan’. The road crosses a few low hills and as the flat area of the ricefields comes into view take a small tarmac road to the left. This brings you to the small entrance to Wasan marked at the lower right of the map, a total of only 20km from the Lamunin roundabout. In the early morning this route can take up to 15mins off the travel time. One downside of all the recent development is that the hedges and trees around and between the fields have been removed so that the Black-shouldered Kites which nested here in 2007 will not be able to return. On the plus side the entrance gateway, once hidden and easily missed is now replaced by a 1km stretch of rice padi visible from some distance. The changes also mean a greatly increased area for waterbirds which could see a return to the bird records of the 1980’s when large numbers of waders and other winter visitors such as Garganey and Red-necked Phalaropes were

Main Entrance

Minor Entrance

Bushes

1km

River

Gravel road

Jerudong Kualah Lurah

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Entrance

Minor Entrance

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commonly seen. In recent years the list of migrant and winter waders is already fairly impressive with Oriental Pratincoles, Marsh Sandpipers, Little Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Red-necked and Long-toed Stints as well as very large numbers of Wood Sandpipers being recorded here. The resident population of around 100 Wandering Whistling Ducks are also very visible flying around this area. It can often be useful to park the car and walk along some of the grassy areas where birds can be flushed from the ditches or grass edges, usually including Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns and up to three species of Snipe (Swinhoe’s, Common and Pintail). A specialty of the area are Blue-breasted Quail which can be found in the area marked with ‘bushes’ on the map. This is also an a place where warblers such as Middendorff’s, Pallas’ Grasshopper and also Striated Grassbirds have been seen. One enduring feature of Wasan is the creative and extensive network of bird-scaring devices above the ricefields. Devices employed include flags, kites, tin foil, tin cans, old CDs and even clothing all attached to long ropes which allow the workers to pull on them and attempt to scare away the large flocks of Munias (including Scaly-breasted) and Java Sparrows from their shelters at the edge of the fields. The latter species was presumably introduced or escaped into the area as it is not naturally occurring on Borneo but has been recorded for at least 20years indicating that the birds do not take too much notice of the bird-scaring efforts. The gravel road to the west of the ricefields (on the lower edge of the map) passes next to some secondary forest and cultivated land where forest birds such as Brown Barbet, Red-crowned Barbet, Black Hornbill and Banded Woodpecker have been seen as well as a good selection of Sunbirds and Bulbuls. 7. Mentiri Prawn Farms

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Brunei Bay

1

1km

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3

45

To M

uara

To B

anda

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Brunei Bay

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The Mentiri Prawn farms are another excellent area for waders with similar species recorded as at Wasan but generally in a different mix and more concentrated into the small number of prawn ponds which are drained at any one time. Access is from the roundabout (point 1) on the Muara – Bandar road, continue past the large green mosque and then take the second prominent right turn. Take the next left and then again a right. The main site can be accessed either via a short sandy track or a tarmac road just before reaching Brunei Bay. In either case it is best to park the car and walk along the grass paths between the ponds to get a good vantage point of those that are drained or shallow. The workers are fairly used to birders as the site has been part of the AWC count for the last three years and do not mind people walking around the main paths. Good numbers of Marsh Sandpipers, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Little Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Red-necked Stints as well as Whiskered / White-winged Black and even Gull-billed Terns were all seen here in winter months with the total number of birds exceeding 500 during AWC counts in winter 2007/8. Passage migrants such as Curlew Sandpiper and Broad-billed Sandpiper have also been recorded. There are plenty of Egrets here and White-bellied Sea Eagles are also common in the trees around the ponds. Next to the Prawn Farm area the road continues to the edge of Brunei Bay (‘5’) where a number of wooden posts stick out of the water. These seem to be popular perches with Egrets and larger waders such as Whimbrel while Stork-billed Kingfishers are also present. Going back towards the main road there are gates on the opposite side of the road (‘4’) which lead to more ponds and even if the gates are closed the first ponds, when drained will also hold waders and Egrets. Back at the junction there is a gate to some sewage ponds (‘2’) which can hold up to 20 Oriental Darters, more White-bellied Sea Eagles and other wader species. On one visit Velvet Nuthatches were present in the tall trees next to the gate. Before the first turnoff the road continues round in a loop and there is a turnoff to yet another set of ponds (‘6’). The gates here seem to be locked but the access road already provides good views across much of the area, so this is presumably also worth checking for similar species as at the first site. 8. Other Sites Any list of birdwatching sites is inevitably restricted by the author’s experience. Even in my last few weeks in Brunei I have still been finding new paths and walks which

Mentiri jetty

provide excellent views of new or unusual species and there are bound to be more places as yet undiscovered by birders. I include here a few sites visited on only a couple of occasions but which are probably worth more time. Wasan Reservoir. I found this site by accident and have only visited it once. To get

there follow the route to Wasan from Lamunin as described above. After taking the turnoff to Kuala Lurah from the Lamunin - Bandar Road, continue to the T-junction and turn left. After about 2km there is a small road on the left (not the one to the abattoir – a bit further!) which

runs beside a water pipeline for about 10km parallel to the main road. This is an area of mostly partly cleared or secondary forest and the road arrives at the reservoir after about 7km and via a side road through an old gate. There is a very large area of water with mature forest on the other side and this looks like a place to visit more often. My best sighting here was a group of at least 25 Large Green Pigeons in trees beside the road, while Little Swifts and Edible Nest Swiftlets seem to nest under the concrete bridge here. Other birds seen include Bat Hawks, Black-crowned Night heron, Little Green Heron, Barbets, Black and Pied Hornbills, Banded and Sunda Woodpeckers, and Asian Black Magpies. Badas Road. This tarmac road is located across the manin Seria bypass almost opposite the Anduki turn-off and runs for about 10km to the Badas freshwater pumping station on the Belait River. The forest next to the road has mostly been cleared or has burnt down in the past and the best area for birds is the last 500m where the forest is closer by and the river attracts migrating birds. The dead trees on the left host a roost of up to 40 Long-tailed Parakeets which can be seen from 5pm most evenings. Raptors such as Black-thighed Falconets, White-bellied Sea-eagles and Brahminy Kites can also be seen here and Lesser Fish eagle has nested in a tall tree behind the parakeet roost. In the bushes and scrub next to the small electricity station, Plaintive Cuckoos seem to be

Wasan reservoir

exceptionally common while migrants including shrikes and Large Hawk Cuckoo have also been seen here. Large groups of Flying Foxes have been seen here in April and May in 2007 and 2008, just before darkness and in general this does seem to be a site which is best in the evenings. Tutong Sewage Works. These concrete-sided drainage ponds are located between the two sets of traffic lights at Tutong and accessed by a small road just after passing the ponds on the highway. This is always a good site for Egrets and as many as 25 Oriental Darters seem to be resident in the trees around the ponds. Grey and Purple Herons are also recorded here fairly frequently while waders such as Redshank, Common and Wood Sanpipers plus Whiskered and White-winged Black Terns are common visitors in the autumn. This is also a good site for raptors with White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Osprey all regular. The ponds also host some of the largest Monitor Lizards I have ever seen, up to 2m long!

Brunei Bay. In addition to Mentiri there are many other access sites to the Bay, although many such as Serasa and Muara beaches near the end of the highway can be very crowded at weekends. The best way to to see the Bay is to take a boat from the landing opposite Kampong Ayer in the early morning and go into the bay at low tide when the mud is exposed. The mud at the sides of the main channel is also a good site birds when the tide is low, with a Rufous-crowned Night Heron recorded here once and Bearded Pigs and Long-tailed Macaques also seen feeding by the shore. The Bay itself can give good views of large numbers of waders as well as Terns, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Kingfishers and on one occasion a Lesser Adjutant Stork.

Pelong Rocks. These small rocky islands are about 3km from Muara Beach and are the nesting site for Bridled Terns, Black-naped Terns, Roseate Terns and Pied Imperial Pigeons. A visit requires an arrangement with a boat to be taken from the Kampong Ayer location or to be picked up from somewhere closer such as Serasa or Muara. Again, finding a suitable boatman requires asking around or perhaps enquiring at the Brunei Museum.

Sunset at Kampong Ayer

Pelong Rocks

PART 2: Bird records in Brunei Aug 2005 – Sep 2009 1. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas. This species probably approaches the Brunei coastline fairly frequently during the winter months, however the only record is of one found freshly dead on Panaga beach after NE storms, 8th Feb 2008. 2. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster. This unusual water bird is encountered in a surprisingly wide range of locations across Brunei. Highest counts were at Tutong sewage works (20+ on several occasions around the year), Mentiri (20 birds in August 2009) and Tasek Merimbun (up to 10 birds during June 2007). Singles have also been seen frequently in the Seria / Panaga area, on small ponds, rivers and wet ricefields along Labi Rd and also in ditches along Kuala Balai Rd. 3. Oriental Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Supposedly a winter visitor, when peak numbers occur (5+ at Tutong sewerage works in Nov) but actually observed in virtually every month of the year at this and other locations including Seria estuary, Wasan ricefields and Brunei Bay. 4. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. Regularly seen around the country with highest numbers at Tasek Merimbun (5+ in June 2007) where this species breeds. Birds have also been seen at Wasan and Labi ricefields, Sungai Seria and ditches along Badas and Kuala Balai Roads. 5. Great Egret Ardea alba. A winter visitor in good numbers around Seria estuary (max around 50 in Nov-Feb period) but a small number of birds can be seen in every month of the year particularly here or at

Tutong sewerage works. More coastal than other Egrets, but also seen in Wasan, Mentiri and occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd. 6. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Peak numbers in winter (3000+ at Seria estuary roost) but present at least in all months with 100’s in breeding plumage seen in early May in 2009. Also seen at most inland ‘wet’ localities along Labi Rd and Wasan. 7. Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Also regular throughout the year with peak numbers in winter of c200 in Seria area. Prefers ditches and more sheltered parts of the estuary than other Egrets and

also common in Wasan, Mentiri, Labi and Kuala Balai areas.

Purple Heron, Kuala Balai Road Jeremy Moore 2009

Cattle Egret, Seria Jeremy Moore 2009

Oriental Darter, Labi Road Saskia Moore 2009

8. Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra. Both dark and light phase birds are observed during the winter months (Sep – April), generally along the coastal beaches or Seria estuary. Usually a solitary feeder with a maximum 2-3 birds seen at any one locality. Also observed at Pelong rocks, Tutong sewerage works and Sungai Tujoh. Light phase birds can be distinguished from Great and Intermediate Egrets by the very heavy yellow bill, thick neck and habit of feeding in shallow seas.

9. Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes. A scarce winter visitor in very small numbers with one or two present Oct – April in Sungai Seria area and singles also seen at Wasan and Brunei Bay. Distinguished from other Egrets by grey-green legs and yellow bill.

10. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia. Very common and second in numbers only to Cattle Egret in the coastal area, with maximum of c2000 birds present in winter. Also seen in all other

suitable wet localities including Wasan and Labi Rd with small numbers present throughout the summer months. 11. Striated Heron Butorides striatus. These small dark herons are common in most estuary settings, having been observed in Brunei Bay, Mentiri, Wasan, Belait river, ditches around Kuala Belait and Sungai Seria. Most active at dusk and dawn with peak numbers of 10+ seen in Brunei Bay during AWC count in Feb 2007 and 2008. 12. Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus. An occasional bird in the Seria and Panaga grasslands area with an estimated 5-10 birds present each winter. Also recorded at Wasan and (once) along Kuala Balai Rd. Two birds were present in F2-18 garden in Nov/Dec 2007, feeding in drainage ditches and flying up into dense trees when disturbed. 13. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Active during night time these birds hide away in dense bushes during daytime and are occasionally observed flying around at twilight or given away by their harsh croaking calls. They have been

Intermediate Egret, Seria Jeremy Moore 2009

Chinese Egret, Sungai Seria Beach Derek Moore 2007

Pacific Reef Heron, Pelong Rocks Jeremy Moore 2008

Little Egret, Seria Jeremy Moore 2009

observed most often in the river channels around Brunei Bay (in Feb and April 2007, max 15 birds) with one bird also seen at Sungai Seria on April 22nd 2007. It is possible that this species is an erratic winter visitor as none were observed in winters 2007/8 and 2008/9. One was seen sitting in trees at Wasan reservoir on 7th Oct 2009. 14. Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus. One bird standing on the open mud near Brunei Museum, Bandar Seri Begawan on 10th Feb 2008.

15. Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus – A single bird has faithfully returned to our garden (F2-18 Panaga) every winter from 2005 to 2008 arriving late October and seen almost every day until as late as the first week of April. It is active at dusk / dawn and during cloudy days, feeding in ditches or along hedges and sometimes perching up high in the middle of surrounding trees. Two birds were seen together on a couple of occasions in Feb 2007. Other birdwatchers also saw this species in their gardens around F1 and G5 areas, but there are no other sightings. 16. Schrenck’s Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus. A single bird was watched at a distance of 5m in good light for several minutes in a ditch at the back of G11/12 in Jan 2007. 17. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis. A secretive species most commonly seen early morning, typically at Sungai Seria and Wasan. Maximum numbers are 8 and 11 respectively during winter months although they can be seen at most times of the year. Singles were also seen at Kuala Balai Rd, ditches near Kuala Belait teapot roundabout and H14 pond. 18. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus. Probably overlooked due to its very secretive habits. One was seen in wet fields around Billion Barrel monument near Seria from Oct – Dec 2007 and also flying across the road to Kuala Belait near the teapot roundabout on a couple of evenings. Probably a handful of birds seen flying around at Wasan on 16th Dec 2007 and 2 there on 12th August 2009. 19. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis. Only one record of a male standing in an open ditch along Kuala Balai Rd on 6th April 2008.

20. Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi. A scarce bird of inland areas. Small groups have been seen on two occasions along Kuala Balai Rd, circling up high and apparently following the Belait river (4 flying landwards on 21st Oct 2007 and (3 heading seaward on 12th Apr 2009). On the latter date one perched briefly on top of a

tall dead tree before flying off low towards the river.

Malayan Night Heron, F2/18 Panaga Jeremy Moore 2009

Storm’s Stork, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2007

Yellow Bittern, Wasan Jeremy Moore 2007

21. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. The Largest bird regularly recorded in Brunei, unmistakable with its bald head and large bill. Most sightings refer to singles with occasional records of two birds together. Most common in winter months (Nov – Mar) they have been seen most frequently in the grassfields and estuary mud near Seria, generally staying for several weeks at a time, even seen asleep in darkness near the Billion barrel monument in March 2008. Away from this area a single bird was present on mud in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008. 22. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata. This is the only duck species which regularly occurs in Brunei. Most frequently seen at Wasan rice fields where at least 80 were present during August 2009 and 2-10 birds were present throughout winter 2007/8. From Sep 2008 a large group was present on the newly made pond at J15 behind the garrison flats with maximum count of 67 on 19th Oct including 4 ducklings indicating breeding of at least one pair. Numbers decreased in the new year but 3 were still present on 3rd April 2009 and were back up to 30 by mid-August. Away from these locations a single bird flew across the Lumut bypass on 24th May 2008. 23. Northern Pintail Anas acuta. The only other duck species I recorded, one was seen on the freshwater lake near the Billion Barrel monument several times in Jan 2007. 24. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Recorded regularly along the Brunei coastline from Kuala Belait to Jerudong and Muara and observed from Sep through to May. On Apr 19th 2007 a pair were seen together at Seria along the bypass, one of which was carrying sticks back into the forest although breeding has not been confirmed in Brunei. Away from the coast one was seen near Lamunin on 4th Nov 2008 while two were at Tasek Merimbun on 11th Apr 2009. 25. Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni. Rarely seen although easily confused with Crested Goshawk unless seen perched when the upright crest and buff barring on the breast can clearly be seen. There are two records, both from Kuala Balai Rd - one sitting in a bare tree on 3rd Feb 2008 and an adult eating a bright green snake on 3rd May 2009. 26. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus. Regularly seen along the Kuala Balai Rd at any time of year with pairs seen on a couple of occasions in March. In Nov 2005 4 or more very vocal juveniles were hunting crabs and frogs along the roadside ditches and being chased aggressively by several other species including Pied Hornbills and Racket-tailed Drongos. Elsewhere recurded at teraja and often seen in winter in coastal trees around Seria.

Wandering Whistling Ducks, J15 Pond Jeremy Moore 2009

Oriental Honey Buzzard, Teraja

Jeremy Moore 2009

27. Bat Hawk Machaeramphus alcinus. This species is a resident of hills where bats nest and is seen infrequently in Brunei. Two adults were seen sitting on opposite sides of the valley from the Lamunin pumping station lookout on 15th August 2009, so possibly they were not part of the same pair. There are three other sightings, one at Wasan reservoir on 7th Oct 2009 and two at the end of Kuala Balai Rd and of birds following the Belait river inland. One flying low on 20th Mar 2008 and one on 1st Feb 2009. The flat level flight and pointed wings are very obvious and make this species hard to confuse with any other raptor.

28. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus. A pair was present at Wasan ricefields in Nov 2007 and had built a nest in the single bare tree in the middle of the ricefields. Two large young were visible in the nest and three adults were seen there on 16th Dec 2007 and two in September 2009. Elsewhere two birds were seen flying across the road near Sungai Tujoh checkpoint past Rasau on 30th Aug 2008 and one was sitting on wires near Lamunin on 29th Aug 2009.

29. Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus. One of the commonest birds of prey in Brunei this species has been observed at many locations along the coast and also inland at Tasek Merimbun. It presumably nests in all districts and young birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd in May 2009. Highest count was five above the road near Tutong sewerage works several times in early 2009 while birds have been seen catching crabs and frogs in ditches along Kuala Balai Rd and once in our garden at F2-18 Panaga.

30. White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. Fairly common along the Brunei coastline with large nests in bare trees seen at Sungai Tujoh and near Tutong. Nesting takes place Dec-Jan and judging by the different plumages seen the immature birds take 3yrs to reach adult colouration – the brown immatures can be distinguished by their white tails. A total of seven birds were seen around Brunei Bay during AWC

count by boat on 10th Feb 2008. 31. Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis. The rarest of the fish eagles in Brunei this species was seen at only one locality. One adult was seen several times in April 2007 at a nest with one chick on the left side of Badas tarmac road about 200m before the pumping station. An adult was also seen on the same nest during May 2008 but was absent during a visit in 2009.

Lesser Fish Eagle at nest, Badas Road Derek Moore 2007

Black-shouldered Kite, Lamunin Jeremy Moore 2009

Adult Brahminy Kite, Tutong Jeremy Moore 2009

32. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus. Similar in size to the White-bellied Fish eagle this species is also fairly common in coastal areas such as Tutong Sewage works, Sungai Seria and the Sungai Tujoh area (nesting seen in winter of 2006/7) and is also occasionally seen perched in trees along the Kuala Balai Rd. 33. Besra Accipter virgatus. This species was only positively identified on one occasion, perched in a bare tree at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 2nd Sep 2008 when the small size, three tail bars and lack of a crest could be confirmed when observed with a telescope at a distance of 20m. Due to similarity with Crested Goshawk it might possibly be frequently overlooked. 34. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus. The commonest small hawk in Brunei, this species was most frequently observed along the Kuala Balai road where it has been seen on over half of my visits. Most sightings were of single birds except in September 2007 when a group of three juveniles were seen together. It can be distinguished from other hawks by the rear and downward pointing crest when observed perched. Both males and females are commonly observed performing a strange display flight, where the bird glides along fast and straight while ‘fluttering’ the wing tips very quickly like a butterfly. Elsewhere sightings in the Panaga and Seria area are fairly common, especially in winter months including a male perched in a tree in F2-18 garden in June 2007 where it was chased aggressively by a pair of Crimson Sunbirds. It seems to be scarce in primary forest areas, being seen only once along Labi Rd and once at Lamunin pumping station. 35. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela. A very common species in Labi and also Kuala Balai areas where three different pairs were observed displaying along a 5km road section in early 2008. Adults and juveniles are usually very noisy both in flight and when perched in bare trees. In Jan 2009 pair bonding behaviour was observed near Teraja (end of Labi road) - one adult caught a 1m green snake and sat in a tree with it held under one foot, calling loudly. After about 30 minutes a second adult arrived and the first bird presented the snake to it with much calling and head bobbing. After passing it back and forth a couple of times the second bird then ate the food and both birds flew off together. Adults are identified by the obvious black and white edges to the wings and tail while all plumages have yellow eyes and bill. 36. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis. During a late afternoon visit to Lamunin pumping station on 9th August 2009, one adult was seen sitting in a dead tree to the west of the lookout point. Distinguishing features including the long tail and wings, all dark plumage, square back of head (no crest) and heavy yellow beak could all clearly be seen. 37. Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus bartelsi. Most birds seen in Brunei have a similar coloration, with a ‘scruffy’ pale head and brown upperparts and pale feather

Crested Serpent Eagle Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

edges. Birds are often seen perched in bare trees in open areas, particularly along Kuala Balai Rd, Sungai Tujoh and Badas Rd. Not recorded further inland. 38. Blyth’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus alboniger. Only immatures have been observed, mainly along Kuala Balai road (six sightings scattered throughout the year) and once at Labi ridge on 4th May 2008. This species and the following one can be distinguished

from other birds of prey by the vertical crest feathers combined with brownish upperparts and light coloured or buff coloured underparts. In this plumage Blyth’s and Wallace’s Hawk Eagles can be virtually indistinguishable from each other except for size – Blyth’s has the shape and flight of a larger raptor such as Crested Serpent Eagle while Wallace’s is closer to Crested Goshawk size. 39. Wallace’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nanus. Two adults, presumably a pair were seen along Kuala Balai Rd from 23rd August 2009 with one bird remaining into October. Other sightings were of juveniles, see comments under Blyth’s Hawk Eagle. Conclusively identified on three other occasions scattered through the year. 40. Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius. The smallest falcon in the world, this bird is about the same size as a swift and is likely often overlooked in flight. Most sightings are of pairs together perched high in bare trees and they have been seen along Kuala Balai road, Labi road, Tasek Merimbun and once in F2-18 garden Panaga in Sep 2007. The birds hunt dragonflies and other larger insects during rapid swooping flights, returning to the same perch over and over again. Also seen regularly at Badas Road and Lamunin. 41. Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus. This species appears to be a fairly common winter visitor to coastal areas of Brunei. During the winter of 2007/8 single birds were seen several times between October and March around Sungai Seria and the Seria grasslands. One was seen at Kuala Balai Rd on 22nd Sep 2009 while one was hunting over the mud in Brunei Bay in January. Single birds were seen on only a couple of occasions in other years, perhaps due to less frequent visits. One was hunting swifts from the telecom tower outside BSP head office on 16-17th April 2009. 42. Blue-breasted Quail Coturnix chinensi. Favours long grassland and very secretive. The only sighting was of three at Wasan on 16th Dec 2007 which flew up from a distance of 1m when walking through grass during the AWC count. 43. Crested Fireback Lophura ignita. One of those special sightings, two females walked slowly across the road just in front of the car at trhe far end of the ‘Rumah Pajang Malayan’ Road near Labi road in the late afternoon of May 24th 2008. 44. Great Argus. Argusianus argus. The loud calls of this species are very common in the mornings anywhere along Labi Road. They can sound quite similar to

Changeable Hawk Eagle, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Peregrine Falcon, Jeremy Moore 2009

Gibbons, however the calls are slower and less variable. In Sep 2008 on a guided walk near Tasek Merimbun, we were shown a Great Argus ‘display ground’ where the birds had cleared leaves and debris to make a small clearing where they would display in the early morning. 45. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea. The only member of the very secretive Crake family that I have seen in Brunei, the best chance of seeing this species is either in the grass around the pond at the Tattler Hide or amongst the lily pads on the J15 pond. At both sites birds can be seen at any time of day but are most active early in the morning. Maximum counts were around 12 adults at both sites in the winter of 2008 / 9 and breeding was proven by four young at the J15 pond in October 2008. 46. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicicurus. One of the best known

birds in the Panaga area and common everywhere in suitable habitat, typically short grass and low bushes close to ditches and boggy areas. Long legged fluffy black chicks can be a comical site, chasing purposefully after their parents though the Panaga gardens. When hidden in long grass or bushes these birds make a very peculiar harsh burbling sound which sounds more like frogs than birds

and seems to be an alarm and communication call. 47. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Regularly seen at Sungai Seria and also J15 pond where maximum counts were at least ten birds during period Sep – Apr. Some very young birds have been observed at both localities, suggesting that this species does breed in Brunei. Three at Wasan ricefields on 11th Nov 2007 were the only birds seen elsewhere. 48. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. The only records for the Seria area were one on 22nd Oct 2007 and two on 27th Oct in flooded fields. A flock of 47 in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008 and 12 at Mentiri on 20th Jan 2008 indicate this species is more common in the Bandar area. 49. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva. A flock of up to 60 birds is present in the Seria area on grasslands each year from Aug through into May, when birds can often be seen in

White – browed Crake, Sungai Seria Derek Moore 2007

White – breasted Waterhen, Panaga Derek Moore 2007

Pacific Golden Plover, Sungai Seria Derek Moore 2007

summer plumage. Winter flocks of 50+ have also been seen at Wasan ricefields, Mentiri Prawn Farm and in Brunei Bay while smaller numbers were seen at Bekiau inland from Tutong in Nov 2008. 50. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. Commonly seen on flooded grasslands and on Sungai Seria around Panaga during winter months with a maximum of 15 seen during January 2007. Small numbers were also seen in Brunei Bay and at Wasan while the peak count of a larger group at Mentiri Prawn farms was of 129 on 20th Jan 2008. 51. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. This species is usually seen in mixed groups with Little Ringed Plovers, requiring a telescope to tell them apart unless seen from close by. Peak numbers were 51 in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008 while counts of 20+ birds are common at Mentiri and Sungai Seria in winter. 52. Mongolian Plover Charidrius mongolus. Less common than the previous two species, a small number of birds can often be seen in a mixed flock of plovers at the mouth of Sungai Seria in winter months with a maximum of 10 on 22nd Oct 2007. Singles have also been seen at Mentiri during August 2009. 53. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultia. Usually seen in small numbers at the mouth of Sungai Sera, however a count of 20 on 22nd Oct 2007 was unusually high. Also recorded at Mentiri.

54. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Seen in small numbers (max five) at Sungai Seria and along Panaga beach from Sep to Apr. This species seems to be more common in the Bandar area with counts of 20 at Mentiri prawn Farm on 20th Jan 2008 and 25 in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008. 55. Far-eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis. Two birds were seen feeding in grass beside the road at Sungai Seria bridge from 22nd to 27th Oct 2007

with one observed alone up to 10th Nov. This species can be distinguished from other curlews by the extremely long curved bill and dark rump. 56. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. The only sighting was of a single bird at Mentiri prawn farm on 2nd Nov 2007. 57. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. 12 birds were seen together at Mentiri on 12th August, otherwise sightings were of single birds seen occasionally in the Sungai Seria and Seria grasslands area during the winter of 2007/8.

Little Ringed Plover, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore, 2009

Whimbrel, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore, 2009

58. Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes. Small numbers of this species were seen at Single Sungai Seria between September and April with a maximum of three together there on April 27th 2007 and also on 15th Sep 2009. During AWC count 13 were seen in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008. 59. Redshank Tringa totanus. Small numbers present along the Sungai Seria

from August to April, maximum of five in April 2007. Higher numbers seen at Mentiri with maximum of ten on 8th Nov 2008 and at least 20 on 5th September 2009. 60. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. Apart from one at Wasan at 11th Nov 2007 all sightings were at Mentiri with a maximum of 26 on 20th Jan 2008 in a group with Greenshank and Redshank. Five were present on 5th September 2009. 61. Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Also seen in small numbers along Sungai Seria from September through to April. Highest numbers recorded were at Mentiri on

20th Jan 2008 when 20 were present while 10 were seen there on 12th August 2009. Also seen at Wasan and in Brunei Bay during the winter months.

62. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Probably the commonest wader which can be found on any suitable habitat and in every month of the year ( eg 100 present at Wasan on 12th Aug 2009). Numbers are difficult to estimate but peaks of at least 300 at

Wasan, 130 at Mentiri and about 50 on Seria Grasslands have been counted during the AWC counts Dec to Jan. Individuals have also been seen in Labi ricefields and even on the flooded Kuala Balai Rd in Feb 2009. 63. Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinereus. This species was occasionally recorded during the autumn at Sungai Seria with an exceptional count of 22 birds on

Common Redshank, Mentiri Jeremy Moore 2009

Wood Sandpiper, Wasan Jeremy Moore 2009

Terek Sandpiper, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore, 2009

Grey-tailed Tattler, Sungai Seria Derek Moore 2007

the beach at the estuary mouth on 22nd Sep 2009. Two were present during Oct 2007 and one ws also seen at Mentiri on 19th Sep 2009. The long upturned bill and yellow legs make it very easy to distinguish from the other small sandpipers. 64. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. As with Wood Sandpiper this species is very common in all suitable habitats and is seen in every month of the year. Numbers are generally smaller than Wood Sandpiper with counts of 96 at Mentiri on 20th Jan 2008 being exceptional. Maximum counts at Wasan and Seria Grasslands are

around 30 birds and this species has also been seen at Tasek Merimbun, Kuala Balai Rd and in the ditches and gardens around Panaga when flooded. 65. Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura. Two flew up from the wet ditch along Kuala Balai road on 27th Mar 2007, identified from small size and ‘squeaky’ call. One was seen in

grasslands near Seria on 20th Nov 2007 while a single bird was in the mixed flock of Snipe seen at Wasan on 9th Nov 2008, again distinguished based on small size and call. 66. Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis. A male was seen standing on an open area of mud, together with Wood Sandpipers at the J15 pond on 6th September 2009. 67. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala. Two at Wasan on 9th Nov 2008, seen together in flight and at close range on several occasions mixed with Pintail and Common Snipe and distinguished by higher-pitched call and lack of white in wings. One was seen in peat swamp near Lamunin also on 9th Nov 2008. 68. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. At least five of this species were present together with Swinhoe’s and Pintail Snipe in a mixed flock at Wasan on 9th Nov 2008. Observed at close range in flight and identified by call and white trailing edge to wings. One present in grasslands near Sungai Seria early October 2009.

69. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis. The commonest small wader in suitable areas of Brunei, seen from August through to May. Peak numbers at Mentiri were around 300 on 19th Sep 2009 and 200 on 2nd Nov 2007 into September, while birds seen in Aug still have a reddish tinge to the throat and neck. In 2008 only ten were present on 10th Nov. Around 40 were flying down the river at Bandar (near Kampong Ayer towards the Istana Palace) on 22nd April 2007. Generally smaller

numbers were seen at Wasan with around 20 in Oct 2007 and 30 on 12th August 2009. Elsewhere small numbers were present on muddy islands in the J15 pond and near the Tattler Hide at Sungai Seria, also during August 2009.

Common Sandpiper, Mentiri Jeremy Moore 2009

Red-necked Stints, Mentiri Jeremy Moore 2009

70. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta. This species is often seen mixed together

with the previous one and can be distinguished by the yellow legs compared to black legs of the Red-necked Stint as well as the shorter, thinner bill. It can also be seen from August through to late Spring, generally in smaller numbers than Red-necked. Peak counts were around 40 on grassland next to the Panaga clinic through September 2007, also 40 at Mentiri on 20th Jan 2008 and again on 19th Sep

2009 while 15 were seen at Wasan on 11th Nov 2007 and also on 12th August 2009. 71. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. Five birds were present at Mentiri Prawn farms on 5th September 2009. The birds remained together at the edge of the main flock of Stints. The photo shows three birds with a Red-necked Stint (third from left) and a Redshank on the right. One was seen at Sungai Seria on 22nd Sep 2009. 72. Sanderling Calidris alba. Seen as singles or in small numbers along the Panaga- Seria beach or occasionally along Sungai Seria. Records are from October to February with a maximum of five in Jan 2009.

73. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus. A single bird seen at Mentiri on 5th Sep 2009 associating with the group of Curlew Sandpipers, and again on 7th Oct. One was also present at Sungai Seria, also with a Curlew Sandpiper on 22nd Sep 2009.

74. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus. Unmistakable with its very long legs, this species is present in small numbers during the winter months (Oct – Feb) with maximum of eight at Mentiri on 22nd Nov 2007 and 5th Sep 2009. Four were present at Wasan on 22nd Aug 2009 and one immature at Sungai Seria during Jan 2008. 75. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. One was seen swimming in the water at Tutong Sewage Ponds on 7th Oct 2009. 76. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum. This unmistakable species, a wader but shaped like a small tern with long brown pointed wings and upright posture, was seen at Wasan on 11th Nov 2007 when 15 were present and also on 7th Oct 2009 (11 birds). Also one on grasslands next to Panaga Clinic on 8th Oct 2009.

Black-winged Stilt, Wasan Jeremy Moore 2009

Curlew Sandpipers, Mentiri Jeremy Moore 2009

Broad-billed Sandpiper, Mentiri Jeremy Moore 2009

Long-toed Stints, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore 2009

77. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus. This and the next species only occur in Brunei in non-breeding plumage when they can be almost impossible to separate, certainly when only seen at a distance or from below. Generally Whiskered Terns have blacker crown and greyer rump while the White-winged Black Terns have a greyer crown, complete white neck-ring and whiter rump. Immature birds have browner feathers and are completely indistinguishable. For this reason, although seen at all suitable locations from Sep through to Apr most records are labelled as ‘either or’. Whiskered Terns were conclusively seen at Tutong Sewage plant (three) on 29th September 2007 when sitting side by side with White-winged, and also at the J15 pond with a maximum of 15 during October 2008. 20 birds at Kampong Ayer on 22nd April 2007 were also most probably Whiskered Terns. 78. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. See the comments on Whiskered Tern above. 10 were seen at Tutong Sewage plant on 29th September (with Whiskered Terns) 2007 while groups of 10+ birds have been seen at Wasan, Mentiri and Sungai Seria. The photograph is of a White-winged based on the pale grey crown.

79. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica. This is the largest tern regularly seen in Brunei, turning up occasionally in mixed flocks where it dwarfs the other species. Five were seen at the mouth of Sungai Seria on 7th Oct 2007 with around 25 Little terns and one during September 2009. Two were seen at Mentiri with White-winged Black terns on Nov 8th 2008. On 22nd Sep 2009 a large group of Terns at

Sungai Seria included 9 Gull-billed in winter plumage – see photo, note the Common tern second from the right. 80. Common Tern Sterna hirundo. At least four birds were present on the beach at Sungai Seria with Little and Gull-billed Terns on 22nd Sep 2009. Two birds were in summer plumage while two others appeared to be immatures. Distinguished from Roseate Terns by smaller size (Roseate is same size as Gull-billed, Common is slightly smaller). Two at Mentiri on 7th Oct 2009 with White-winged Terns. 81. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana. About six on Pelong Rocks, 13th July 2008 – no eggs or chicks seen although at least one pair was apparent. In August and September 2009, several birds were seen fishing in the main channel or sitting on

Gull-billed Terns, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore, 2009

Common Tern, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore, 2009

White-winged Black Tern, Mentiri Copyright Jeremy Moore 2007

wooden poles in the water around Serasa beach. During AWC counts in Brunei Bay in Feb 2007 and 2008 several terns were seen in flight and if also of these species would

indicate as many as 20 birds present. 82. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus. I only recorded this species during the visit to Pelong Rocks on 13th July 2008. About 15 birds were present, flying around calling much more actively than the previous species. No eggs or chicks seen and it is suspected that together with the Black-naped Terns this was

an unsuccessful breeding season possibly due to stormy seas in June which may have washed away the nests. 83. Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Tthe commonest Tern species in Brunei and the only one which breeds on the mainland. It has been seen along Panaga beach, at the mouth of the Sungai Seria estuary, at Tutong Sewage Works, in Brunei Bay and even on wet puddles alongside the main road at Telisai. Groups normally number 5-10 with more present in winter, maximum count was 150 on Sep 22nd 2009 at Sungai Seria mixed with Gull-billed and Common Terns.

84. Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura. Easily mistaken for Little Green Pigeon, both species are actually quite common in the Kuala Balai Rd forest area and also in Andalau forest. Although slightly larger than the Little Green, the best way of distinguishing this species (with a telescope) is the broad pale green eyering and red patch at the base of the bill. Maximum count at Kuala Balai Rd was nine on 31st May 2009 while at least 15 were seen with Large Green Pigeons at Wasan reservoir on 5th Sep 2009.

Bridled Tern, Pelong Rocks Jeremy Moore 2008

Black-naped Terns, Pelong Rocks Jeremy Moore 2008

Little Terns, Sungai Seria Jeremy Moore 2008

85. Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Treron fulvicollis. This species appears to be abundant in the Lamunin peat swamp area with at least 15 birds sitting in trees at dusk in August 2009. The only other sighting was a pair sitting in a dead tree amongst the Long-tailed Parakeet roost at the end of the Badas tarmac road on 27th Mar 2008. 86. Little Green Pigeon Treron olax. Regularly seen along Kuala Balai Road this pigeon is most often seen in flight where it can be distinguished with difficulty from Thick-billed Pigeon by the shorter wings and more rapid flight. A count of 50 on 12th July 2008 was exceptional, otherwise 5-10 birds are seen on most visits. Small numbers have also seen in the Labi Rd area, mostly in the lower lying forests.

87. Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans. The only one of the small green pigeons to be present on the coast, this species can often be seen in large flocks of 100+ birds around the golf course, Panaga club and BSRC club areas. It feeds on berries and fruits at the very tops of trees and never comes to the ground. Away from the coast it has been seen a few times in small numbers along Kuala Balai Rd and iat the Lamunin peat swamp.

88. Large Green Pigeon Treron capellei. This species was not sighted until August 2009, with a pair were seen sitting together in a dead tree at the Lamunin pumping station lookout on several visits. Both birds are almost uniform dull green in colour, with the male having an orange breast patch and the female a lemon yellow patch. On 5th September, near the Wasan reservoir a group of at least 25 birds were sitting in bushes, making a collective low growling noise and with several birds making head-bobbing displays. 89. Jambu Fruit Dove Ptilinopus jambu. A very secretive species of the deep forest, birds have been seen a few times flying up from the track in Labi area. Wings are patterned light and dark green with a tinge unlike any other green pigeons. The absence of any pale wingbar is also diagnostic for this species. 90. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea. The largest pigeon regularly seen in Brunei, it is most often seen in gardens and cultivated areas where it nests in the middle of large dense trees. Rarely seen in groups of more than 3-4 birds, it gives a loud booming call at all times of the year. Small groups are seen occasionally in Badas and Kuala Balai Rds, with single birds sometimes seen further inland.

Green Imperial Pigeon, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

Pink-necked Green Pigeons, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2009

Zebra Dove, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2009

91. Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor. Historical records show that this species has bred on Pelong rocks, a small rocky islet with a covering of trees about 3km off Muara since the 1950’s. During a boat trip there in July 2008 at least eight birds were seen with at least two flying off towards the mainland. The species was not recorded elsewhere. 92. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia. A pair along Kuala Balai Rd, 6th July 2008. Distinguished from green Imperial Pigeon by brown – maroon mantle and wings, dark brown tail while underparts are pale grey including vent and with a prominent white chin. This species presumably occasionally forages away from hills in this case was following the Belait River.

93. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis. Together with the following species this bird is a very common site in the grasslands and gardens around the coast. Groups of up to twenty birds have been seen at any time of year with the highest numbers on grass around the OGDC in Seria. While also present inland the numbers seen are generally smaller and it is always most often encountered near to habitation.

94. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata – Also known as Peaceful Dove, this bird is common in all habitats with sparse tree growth including gardens, sandy areas and even waste ground with large numbers (10+) observed near the Billion barrel monument in Seria and, strangely, in Kuilap shopping centre carpark. It is generally found walking around on the ground or sitting low down in trees and can be approached very closely. The colour of the crown is very variable, from a chestnut colour as shown in most books to alomost completely grey like the bird shown here. 95. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica. One female was seen sitting on the tarmac road along Kuala Balai Rd on 18th Oct 2008. On 23rd Nov three birds were seen 500m further along the road near the communications mast, feeding on the tarmac and grass edges to the drainage ditches. These are the only sightings of this normally very secretive species. 96. Long-tailed Parrot Pitiful longicauda. The loud calls of this species flying high above the treetops is one of the most familiar sounds of the Kuala Balai and Badas areas where groups of 5-20 birds are often encountered. A sighting of birds sitting still is less common, however a roost of at least 30 assembles each evening in dead trees on the left side of the Badas road just before the pump station. This species

Spotted Dove, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

has also been seen in the Andalau, Labi, Lamunin and Tasek Merimbun areas as well as near Rasau although generally in much smaller numbers. 97. Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus. Common along Kuala Balai Rd with birds seen flying overhead on most visits. Looks quite similar to a small green pigeon in flight, but distinguished by the bright red underwing and loud call. Birds have occasionally been seen feeding in tree tops, especially during the winter months. Elsewhere at least 30 were seen at Tasek Merimbun on 1st July 2007 and single birds have been seen occasionally in Andalau forest. This species is also sought after by bird catchers, but less frequently than the Hanging Parrot. 98. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus. Despite being the regular target of bird-catchers, this small parrot is very common in the Kuala Balai Rd area

with sightings on most visits and up to 25 birds being recorded there. It has also been seen in most other forest areas including Lamunin and Tasek Merimbun but in smaller numbers. As many as 10 bird-catchers can be found along Kuala Balai Rd most Sunday mornings, with a singing male bird in a cage which is suspended high in a tree to attract other birds which enter a one way door and get trapped, and apparently this is not illegal.

I have seen as many as 15 birds captured by one person in one morning, to later be sold on the market for B$5 each. According to these locals, the birds breed three times per year which is why they are a good target – always plenty of birds to be caught. It is always sad to see birds captured from the wild in this way, however it is on a fairly small scale (no nets are used) and the population does not seem to be diminishing as a result. 99. Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides. Only one sighting of any Hawk Cuckoo species, an immature sitting in bushes near the electricity substation at the end of Badas Road on 27th Mar 2008. Head and tail markings could be clearly seen and together with size clearly identified it as this species. 100. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus Micropterus. See comments below on Oriental Cuckoo. One was present in the same tree at the start of the Kuala Balai Rd for about a month from March 2007 and birds were also heard in Badas and Labi Rd area at this time. Since then sightings have been few, with one near Sungai Tujoh on 26th April 2008. 101. Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus. This species is fairly similar to Indian Cuckoo and is therefore hard to distinguish in flight. When sitting the yellow eye ring and much broader black barring on the breast are diagnostic. The only certain sightings were along Kuala Balai road on 17th Jan and 28th Mar 2009. 102. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea. A fairly common winter visitor that is mostly seen only fleetingly as it swoops low through gardens into dense cover. As well as the Panaga and Seria area, birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd and in forest near Labi up to mid-April.

Blue-crowned hanging Parrots Captured, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2009

103. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii. Possibly overlooked due to the similarity with Plaintive Cuckoo, this species has a prominent white eystripe and a different song. It has only been seen twice, both times along Kuala Balai Rd with two in Jan 2008 and a single bird Feb 2009. 104. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus. The commonest Cuckoo species in Brunei which can be heard singing almost anywhere in secondary forest or clearings. Sometimes difficult to see except for juveniles which seem to prefer sitting on posts or small bushes close to the road. At least 15 were present in March 2008 at the end of Badas road, almost deafening when they were all singing. A hepatic female was seen on 28th Mar 2009 along Kuala Balai Rd. This species is rarely seen near the coast, with one immature in F2-18 garden July 2009 and one heard near Seria the only records. 105. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus. This species was first identified on 5th Jan 2008 when five were seen sitting together in a bush beside the road. However, once familiar with the loud ‘key vit’ call and its habit of flying very high above the treetops with a swooping flight it seems that it is actually fairly common and one or two birds are seen on most visits to forest in Labi, Andalau, Lamunin and Kuala Balai areas. 106. Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis. This is one of the few species to migrate ‘backwards’, nesting in Australia and Papua New Guinea and migrating northwards to SE Asia for the winter months of Jun to Sep. The only sighting was of two sitting together in a dead tree along Kuala Balai Rd on 12th July 2008. 107. Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris. In flight this bird looks like a large Violet Cuckoo, although the sheen is green rather than purple when seen in good light. Even when sitting and observed with a telescope, the white spots under the tail are very hard to see and it then resembles a Drongo except for the much more slender beak. The song, a loud ‘pii pii pii’ repeated seemingly forever is also diagnostic. One bird was seen and heard singing along Kuala Balai Rd from 21st March to 5th April 2009 otherwise the only sighting was one (also singing) at Teraja on 1st June 2008. 108. Black bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi. The smallest of the ‘green’ malkohas and also the quietest. It has been seen a few times along Kuala Balai Rd, Labi area and once on mangroves in Brunei Bay. All sightings were of single birds. 109. Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus. Rarely seen with only three records. One Kuala Balai Rd 21st June 2008, one probably this species seen in Andalau forest on 9th May 2009 and one at the Lamunin pumping station lookout on 15th August 2009. 110. Red-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus javanicus. Seems to be increasingly common with only a couple of records in 2006-8 and suddenly in 2009 it is seen on almost every trip to Kuala Balai Rd and also Labi ridge area where three were seen together in June 2009. Seems to favour sitting on exposed branches more than other Malkohas.

111. Raffle’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaes. Certainly the commonest Malkoha, recorded on most visits anywhere in Kuala Balai Rd, Labi area, Andalau or Lamunin. Birds can be very secretive but keep up an almost constant ‘mewing’ sound which reveals their presence. Groups of up to five birds together have been seen at Kuala Balai Rd and near Lamunin. 112. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris. The largest Malkoha and a common bird of most jungle areas and also the only Malkoha recorded in coastal and garden habitats, having been seen in April 2007 and 2008 around the Sungai Seria area and also a family group around F2 in 2007. It is recorded frequently in Andalau and Labi forests and less commonly along Kuala Balai Rd. As with Raffles’ Malkoha birds are generally very noisy and are usually heard well before they are seen. 113. Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectungis. Very difficult to distinguish from the next species. Known to be present towards the end of Kuala Balai Rd, where seen occasionally flying across the road – the short tail giving the appearance of a small eagle in flight rather than a Coucal. Possibly also present in Labi forest areas. 114. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis. A very common resident of most habitats

including forests, mangroves and gardens and seen at all times of year usually as singles or pairs. Seems to regularly predate eggs and young birds of smaller species, having been seen raiding nests of sunbirds and fantails around Sungai Seria in 2008. 115. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis. Very common in the Wasan ricefields where several are seen on each visit and also seen fairly regularly along Kuala Balai Rd in grassy and secondary forest areas. In April 2007 seen in F2-18 garden. Apart from the obvious smaller size, distinguished

from Greater Coucal by the paler tips to feathers on the wings and neck. Juveniles have this streaking all over, which then slowly diminishes with age. 116. Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius. In January 2008, Morris opened the curtains and was surprised to see a medium-sized owl sitting in a tree directly outside the dining room window of F2-18. From the fieldguide he identified it as this species. 117. Barred Eagle Owl Bubo sumatranus. One calling repeatedly along Kuala Balai Rd on a couple of occasions in August 2009. Call has more ‘character’ and is louder than the monotonous Reddish Scops Owl call. 118. Buffy Fish Owl Ketupu ketupu. This owl was observed on a number of occasions along Kuala Balai Rd after dark with up to four different birds present and being seen flying from hunting perches either on the ground or in small bushes next to the drainage ditches along the road. Birds have also been seen there in daylight during

Lesser Coucal, Panaga Derek Moore 2007

the early morning. In early 2008 a pair nested in a tall tree in the F1/20 area of Panaga camp. A single young bird was raised and was unfortunately reported to have died after being hit by a car. 119. Reddish Scops Owl Otus rufescens. At least three different birds calling along Kuala Balai Rd on the evening of 13th August. A loud even whistle at regularly spaced intervals, unlike the more variable call of Collared Scops owl and softer than the Barred Eagle Owl call. 120. Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii. One bird was found dead on Kuala Balai Rd in March 2007. A large Nightjar flapping lazily across the Panaga road at twilight near the golf course in May 2009 was probably of this species, as it is much larger than the more common Large-tailed Nightjar. 121. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimiulgus macrurus. The commonest nightjar in Brunei, this species can almost always be observed along the sandy tracks in between the trees opposite the BSP Head Office and BSRC. The birds make a peculiar dull popping call which can be heard from some distance and fly after insects a few meters above the ground. Two were also seen along Kuala Balai road on April 24th 2007. 122. Savannah Nightjar Caprimulgus concretus. During an evening drive down Kuala Balai Rd on 13th August 2009, first heard the peculiar squeaking call of this species and then with a torch was able to see at least three birds flying up and down the road, still calling loudly and occasionally sitting briefly on branches. 123. Bonaparte’s Nightjar Caprimulgus concretus. One at the end of Kuala Balai Rd on 24th Jan 2009. A small brown nightjar with white spots on the tail flew up from alongside the ditch and was observed from above while flying low at a distance of 2m in good light. Distinguished from Large-tailed by small size and from Savannah by lack of white in the wing. 124. Giant Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas. Some larger swiftlets circling high over Kuala Balai Rd in April-May 2007 were thought to have been this species, however there have been no further sightings from this location. On 16th August 2009 a group of 3-4 birds were seen swooping low over the tarmac road at Badas pump station and could be positively identified. Completely black above and chocolate brown below, the notch in the tail could also be seen. The birds were calling loudly, making a sound quite similar to Silver-rumped Swift but unlike other black swiftlets. 125. Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocallia fuciphaga. A number of dark swiftlets were seen flying low around the Wasan resrevoir on 7th Oct 2009. One bird had a dull grey rump identifying it as this species. 126. Black-nest Swiftlet Collocalia maxima. Seen in small numbers mixed with Glossy Swiftlets over Kuala Balai Rd and also in the Andalau forest area as well as

Buffy Fish Owl, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

occasionally in coastal areas. Similar to Glossy Swiftlet in shape but slightly larger and with dark underparts.

127. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta. The commonest swiftlet species, distinguished by small size and dirty white underparts and also by the quiet twittering calls. Seen in large numbers throughout the country at all times of the year. Builds a small mud nest on buildings, or underneath bridges such as this. 128. Silver-rumped Swift Raphidura

leucopygialis – Very common in areas away from towns, these swifts are often seen swooping low over clearings or secondary forest, occasionally also feeding high up. Flocks of up to 200, often mixed with Glossy Swiftlets can be seen along Kuala Balai Rd, Badas and around Lamunin while smaller numbers are seen almost anywhere. 129. Little Swift Apus affinis. A dark swift with a bright white rump above a black tail, this species nests above the front entrance of the BSP Head Office in Seria and is otherwise seen occasionally near water, having been seen at Tasek Merimbun, around the Rasau toll bridge, at Wasan reservoir and occasionally along Kuala Balai Road. Also seen at road bridges in Bandar and around the airport terminal in March 2007. 130. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis. At least five birds were present at mentiri on 19th Sep 2009, swooping low over the grassy banks. The chocolate brown colour and forked tail were clearly visible. 131. Grey-rumped Tree Swift Hemiprogne longipennisi. Seems to prefer more

open habitats than the following species, this swift has been recorded at Badas, near the Sungai Tujoh border post and at Tutong Sewage Works as well as occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd. At least three birds have also been seen at Lamunin pumping station on each visit. 132. Whiskered Tree Swift Hemiprogne comata. This species is seen occasionally in forested areas, particularly Labi Ridge and at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd where it often sits on bare twigs at the top of tall trees.

133. Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelli. Seen occasionally in wet forest areas with male and female seen on different occasional at Teraja, a singing male on Labi Ridge in June 2009 and a male with a very young juvenile at Kuala Balai Rd on 12th July 2009. 134. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting. This kingfisher is similar in general appearance to Common Kingfisher but with much deeper blue upperparts and more

Glossy Swiftlet and nest, Teraja Jeremy Moore 2009

Whiskered Tree Swift, Labi Ridge Jeremy Moore 2008

orange on the breast. It is seen occasionally in wet forest areas with a total of four records each from Labi area and Kuala Balai Rd. One was also seen at Sungai Seria behind BSRC on 7th July 2007. 135. Common Kingfisher Alcedo Atthis. A fairly common winter visitor to coastal wet areas with records from Sungai Seria, Kuala Balai Rd, Tutong Sewage Works and Wasan ricefields. At least three birds were present at Sungai Seria in the winter of 2007/8 while a bird there on 23rd August is unusually early. 136. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus. Despite its small size this species is seen very often, flying low and fast along ditches or over small streams while giving a very loud and high-pitched single whistle. Two pairs were seen at different locations along Kuala Balai Rd in Dec 2007 and it has also been recorded at Teraja, Labi forest areas and Lamunin. Birds typical of rufous-backed kingfisher have been seen although most appear to be intermediate with black-backed kingfisher.

137. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis. This large kingfisher is most common in Brunei Bay where up to 10 have been seen around the Mentiri area. Up to four birds are seen on most visits to Kuala Balai Rd and it has also been recorded at Tasek Merimbun, Labi and frequently at Sungai Seria. Food items include lizards, dragonflies and frogs as well as fish. 138. Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon

coromanda. At least three birds flying around the Freme lodge, Temburong in Jan 2006. 139. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pilaeta. Only one record of one sitting on a fence near Bangar, Temburong Jan 2006. 140. Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris. A very common resident of all wet

and cleared forest areas near the coast, but not present in mature forest areas. Nests in trees in gardens and fields and can be present in large numbers with up to 30 birds estimated at Sungai Seria during winter months. 141. Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis. Seen regularly in most areas, flying high above the treetops or perched on dead branches. At least 10 pairs nest each year in

Collared Kingfisher, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Blue-throated Bee-eater, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Stork-billed Kingfisher, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

the grassy area beside the main Kuala Balai – Seria Road just after the bridge behind F4, no other breeding colonies have been seen. Occasionally flocks of up to 200 birds have been seen gathering to roost in trees at Sungai Seria and also along the coast near Panaga golf course just before dusk.

142. Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus. A very scarce forest species that has been recorded twice. One along the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near Labi on 26th April 2007 and one seen at the Tasek Merimbun car park on 23rd Sep 2007.

143. Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis. A very common species encountered at all times of year in clearings, secondary forest and coastal areas. They seem to be particularly common along the Badas Rd where as many as twelve birds have been seen during April / May perched on electricity wires. In May in Andalau forest two birds were seen entering an old Woodpecker hole in a dead tree, although it was not clear whether this was for nesting or simply looking for food.

144. Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus. The most common Hornbill species at Labi Ridge and Teraja, also seen regularly along Labi Rd and recorded a few times along Kuala Balai Rd. Most records are of small groups of 3-8 birds flying noisily through the canopy. 145. White Crowned Hornbill Aceros comatus. The most secretive Hornbill species which prefers dense forests and is rarely heard. The only sighting was of a pair flying across the track up to Labi ridge in June 2006.

146. Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus. This is the commonest Hornbill species along Kuala Balai Rd and has also bee seen at Badas, around Labi / Teraja and at Lamunin. Pairs and small family groups can be seen on most visits flying across the road or sitting in the tops of tall green trees. Occasionally birds join together into larger groups, with 35 together in April 2009 the highest count. 147. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus. One male seen from close by sitting in dead tree beside Labi Rd, near Teraja on Oct12th 2008, seen again on Nov 8th 2008 and Jan 18th 2009. On 8th August 2009 a male was seen again at the same site, and a second bird was seen about 10km away on Labi Ridge. 148. Asian Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus. The harsh, almost evil calls of this species are a regular feature of most forest areas in Brunei. The smallest of the Hornbill species occurring here, the male is all black with white bill, while the female

Dollarbird, Kuala Balai Rd, Jeremy Moore 2008

Bushy-crested Hornbill, Labi Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

is the only Hornbill with a completely black head. Most sightings are of pairs although small groups of up 6 birds together have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd. One pair seems to regularly nest in the F2 area of Panaga, with a just-fledged chick seen in May 2008. 149. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris. The Pied Hornbills of Panaga are becoming famous as a result of their apparent content with living in close proximity to people. As many as one hundred birds are present in the F1-F9 housing

area and, almost always noisy, they can be seen in pairs or larger groups feeding or flying to roost. A few pairs nest in Panaga either in natural holes in trees or recently in nest boxes set up by Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS) and young birds have been seen with the larger flock in most years. Since most birds do not breed, it is suspected that many of the birds resident here are second and possibly third year birds which are too young to breed. Certainly many birds move outwards towards Kuala Belait or Seria during the day time so would easily be able to find suitable nest sites if so desired. It therefore seems that Panaga is a favoured site, for whatever reasons. Pied Hornbills have been seen eating a wide range of food items including lizards, frogs and large beetles so it cannot be just due to food sources. Perhaps safety from predators is a reason, but it may just be that the habitat is right

since Pied Hornbills are seen widely in secondary forest or garden environments in Brunei, and are not encountered in primary forest. 150. Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros. Seldom seen but actually a fairly common species which is heard on most visits to Kuala Balai Rd or Labi areas. It is not a sociable species like many other Hornbills and all sightings are of a pair or single birds other than two pairs seen Jan 2008 at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd. Also recorded at Badas and Lamunin.

151. Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil. One calling loudly from a thick treetop along Labi Ridge on 7th June 2009. Listened to this call and even imitated it, without knowing if it was a bird or gibbon

Black Hornbill, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Rhinoceros Hornbill, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Oriental Pied Hornbill, Panaga Derek Moore 2007

– it sounded a bit like both and ended in a laughing sound like a Kookaburra! After receiving a copy of the Birds of Asia bird calls DVD, this sound definitely belongs to this species. I though this would be the only record for my 4yrs in Brunei, however during my first visit to Lamunin pumping station on the afternoon of 9th August 2009 almost the first bird I saw was a male flying over the forest and sitting in a tall tree. A second bird (presumably the female?) could be heard calling from nearby. On 7th Sep the ‘Kookaburra’ call was heard again, this time along the ‘seismic track’ just before Labi. 152. Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon. The least common of the Barbet species in Brunei, heard occasionally in the Labi area and also at Lamunin. The only sighting was of a pair at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 5th Jan 2008, where it has also been heard a few times. 153. Red-crowned Barbet Megalaima rafflesii. Commonly heard in all forest areas and occasionally seen singing from the green tops of very tall trees. Especially common at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd and along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi. 154. Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos. Almost as commonly heard as the previous species, but only seen on three occasions, at Labi in May 2008 and August 2009 and at Kuala Balai Rd in Sep 2008. 155. Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii . The distinctive call is heard on most visits to the Labi and Lamunin areas, although birds have been only seen at Labi Ridge, on visits in April and May 2007. 156. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis. The smallest barbet and also the most common, present in all forest areas and also widespread in Panaga gardens. While the adults have brightly coloured heads, juveniles have been seen which are almost completely green. 157. Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus. Unlike other Barbets, Brown Barbets are usually silent and also differ in that they prefer the middle canopy of mature forest areas rather than treetops. This is generally a fairly common bird, seen fairly frequently around Labi, Kuala Balai Rd and also in forest near Wasan. At Lamunin a family group of at least six birds were seen on 22nd August 2009, unusual in that the juveniles were calling loudly with a thin short repeated whistle. 158. Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis. A tiny woodpecker, similar in size to Flowerpeckers but with green upperparts and bright rufous underparts. It has been seen on three occasions along Kuala Balai Rd in July 2007, Sep 2008 and then in Nov 2008 walking slowly up thick grass stems in a clearing. 159. Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus. A fairly common bird of forest areas, recorded at Teraja, Labi ridge and frequently along Kuala Balai Rd. Groups of

Brown Barbet, Lamunin Jeremy Moore, 2009

5+ birds mostly feed low down in very dense forest, often in mixed flocks with Babblers and are only seen when flying fast across the road. 160. Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium rafflesii. One record of a single bird along Kuala Balai Rd on 24th April 2007 and then two together in small trees behind the Teraja longhouse on 30th August 2009. 161. Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis. A group of six birds was seen feeding in dense forest with Rufous Woodpeckers on 8th Sep 2007 along Kuala Balai Rd and three birds were seen in the same place on 18th Sep 2008. Otherwise the only record is of one along the Bukit Sawat Rd in July 2009. 162. Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki. Another species which feeds low down in dense forest areas, groups of 5-6 birds have been seen in the middle of each year along Kuala Balai Rd. At Teraja two birds were seen feeding while walking backwards down a tree trunk. Also recorded at Labi Ridge and Bukit Sawat Road.

163. White-bellied Woodpecker Drycopus javensis. The largest woodpecker, heard and seen frequently in open forest areas along Kuala Balai Rd and at Badas and Bukit Sawat. Recorded in all months of the year with most records being of pairs. 164. Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus. Seen twice along Kuala Balai Rd, on 20th Mar 2008 and July 2009. Similar to the following species so possibly overlooked, especially as many woodpecker sightings are early in the morning in dull light.

165. Banded Woodpecker Picus miniacus. This species is one of the more common woodpeckers, particularly along Kuala Balai Rd. Pairs are seen during the first half of the year while family groups and juveniles are recorded from August onwards. It has also seen in peat swamp forest near Lamunin and also at Teraja while a bird next to Sungai Seria on 24th August 2009 was quite far away from its usual habitat.

166. Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopus canicapillus. Seen only on two occasions with one at Luagan Lalak on 21st April 2007 and one in wet forest near Kampong Ayer seen while looking for Proboscis Monkeys in Nov 2008. 167. Sunda Woodpecker Picoides moluccensis. Much more common than the similar previous species with birds often seen in trees around the Seria area including in trees in the BSP head Office

Banded Woodpecker, Kuala Balai Rd, Jeremy Moore 2009

White-bellied Woodpecker, Kuala Balai Rd, Jeremy Moore 2009

Grey-capped Woodpecker, Bandar Jeremy Moore 2008

carpark and even on the single tree in the centre of the Panaga School playground. Two birds were also seen in trees by the carpark opposite Kampong Ayer in Bandar. 168. Grey and Buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus. The only small woodpecker with a crest, this species is common in forest areas where pairs or small groups can be seen flying around treetops or on small dead branches, usually while calling incessantly. Along Kuala Balai Rd birds have frequently been seen entering small holes in dead trees and presumably nest there in the first half of the year. 169. Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus. One was seen flying across Kuala Balai Rd on 3rd May 2009, the pale yellow bill clearly visible. Based on the calls heard from this bird, it is probably present more often in the same area. At least one was present at Lamunin pumping station on 6th Sep 2009. 170. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus. Seen fairly often along the Kuala Balai Rd in pairs or small groups and also in the Badas and Labi areas. The loud calls of this species are usually heard first as the birds fly high over the forest before stopping in tall dead trees. 171. Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus. A pair seen occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd, mostly in the first half of the year. A juvenile was recorded in Mar 2009, almost completely green in colour except for the white back. One bird seen along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi in Aug 2009 is the only other record.

172. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus. Quite different from other Broadbill species, this is a much larger bird similar in size and flight to a Hill Myna. It is usually seen in groups of 4-10 birds moving noisily in forest clearings or sitting on dead trees. Commonest in the Tasek Merimbun – Long Mayan area where groups were seen on most visits, it has also been seen at Lamunin, the ‘Rumah Pajang Malayan’ Rd wet forest area and twice along the Kuala Balai Rd.

173. Black & Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos. Generally a bird of wet mangroves and forest or the edges of larger lakes, this species

makes a very peculiar harsh snarling call, often from deep within thick bushes. It seems to be most visible around Tasek Merimbun where birds were seen several times during 2008 although the calls can be heard on almost every

Black and Red Broadbill, Labi Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Dusky Broadbill, Labi Jeremy Moore 2008

Black and Red Broadbill, Lamunin Jeremy Moore 2009

visit to Kuala Balai Rd as well as at Lamunin and wet areas in the Labi forest. In all these areas groups of at least five birds have been recorded. This species makes a hanging nest of dried leaves, often suspended over water as protection from predators. The nest photographed here was suspended about 1m above the water from a small tree growing in the middle of a 100 x 50m sized pond along the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan” road.

174. Black & Yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus. Heard on almost every visit to forest areas, like some of the other Broadbill species this colourful bird can be very difficult to see. Noisy groups seem to sometimes occur out of the breeding season with up to ten birds together. The birds can then become quite approachable – the photograph was taken with an 80mm lens! 175. Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis. Probably the most frustrating bird in

Brunei, almost always heard calling in the Labi area but even more difficult to see than Babblers! A few naked – eye views of birds moving high in the canopy are very unsatisfactory, however the calls and song are very diagnostic. 176. Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina. After noticing this bird on some older PNHS sightings list, I checked the song on the audio DVD. The song consists of a long rising whistle, given repeatedly for over an hour. On my next visit to Labi Road (8th August 2009), birds were heard calling at Teraja and also along the ‘seismic road’ before Labi village. On 7th Sep at Teraja, a bird was tempted to within 2m of the road by mimicing the call repeatedly for over 30mins and was eventualy seen hopping about in dead leaves. One was also heard at Lamunin pumping station on 9th August. 177. Sand Martin Riparia riparia. One was seen together with Barn Swallows feeding low over Wasan ricefields on 9th Nov 2008. 178. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. This migrant and winter visitor is seen in good numbers throughout Brunei at any time of the year except June and early July. Particularly numerous at Badas and along the Kuala Balai Rd where flocks of 200+ birds have been seen during most months. At these sites birds frequently have the habit of sitting on the tarmac roads during the latter part of the morning.

Black & Yellow Broadbill, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2007

Barn Swallows, Badas Derek Moore 2007

179. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica. A common resident throughout Brunei, also seen nesting on buildings in Panaga and Lamunin. The species is distinguished from the generally more numerous Barn Swallow by the all pinkish-orange face and throat without a blue breast band. Generally seen in small numbers, most evident in Jun/July when Barn Swallows are absent. 180. Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus. A common species in most forest areas where small groups are frequently seen feeding high up in the canopy, often in mixed groups with Green Ioras and Sunbirds. Also recorded in F2-18 garden on a couple of occasions. 181. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis. An uncommon species which may be overlooked as it tends to sit still in the top of the canopy and also does not make much noise. One was seen at Luagan Lalak on 21st April 2007 while singles were also seen at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd in Jan and March 2008. 182. Lesser Cuckoo Shrike Coracina fimbriata. Quite similar in size and flight to the much more common Asian Fairy Bluebird this species might have been overlooked on occasions. It is known only from the far end of Kuala Balai Rd where a pair were seen on 1st Feb 2009, again in the same tree on 12th April and later a group of four birds in the same area during July. A group of at least four was also seen in August, aggressively chasing a pair of Wallace’s Hawk Eagles.

183. Pied Triller Lalarge nigra. This species is common in grassland and garden areas around Panaga and Seria as well as along the Badas road. It has a loud call quite similar to White-breasted Wood Swallow which it gives while flying high up in bare trees. Several pairs breed in the area around Sungai Seria and sometimes family groups including immatures with brownish plumage are seen.

184. Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus. This colourful bird is fairly common in areas of tall primary forest, having been seen at many locations along Labi Rd, around Teraja, in Andalau forest and occasionally also along Kuala Balai Rd. Most records are of mixed family groups of up to ten birds with most sightings in the summer months. 185. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus. One male was seen sitting high in a tree near Teraja on 18th Jan 2009. With telescope the double red wingpatch could clearly be seen and the bird was also clearly much larger than Fiery Minivet. On 30th Aug 2009 two females were seen at the same site, distinguished by the extent of yellow to the face, rump and tail.

Pied Triller, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Pacific Swallows, Bukit Sawat Jeremy Moore 2009

186. Green Iora Aegithina viridissima. A very common species in mature forest areas where it abruptly replaces the following species. In fact it is possible to hear both species singing from the same spot near the forest edge, although they are never seen together. Easily distinguished by the green underparts, groups of as many as 12 birds move noisily together through the upper story, sometimes quite difficult to find amongst the similar coloured leaves. Observed in all forest areas around Labi, Andalau, Lamunin and Kuala Balai forest in any month but seemingly much more abundant in 2009 then previous years when sightings were less frequent and generally of 2-3 birds.

187. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia. Replaces Green Iora in mangrove and wet or secondary forest areas anywhere including Labi Road stream edges and Wasan ricefields. Distinguished by the bright yellow underparts and also by the piercing whistle given as alarm call or part of the song. In Jan 2008 an estimated 25 males were all singing at the same time along the Sungai Seria edges, drowning out the noise of other birds and even the nearby traffic. At Luagan Lalak on April 21st 2007 a very strange display behaviour was observed. A male formed his wings and tail into an oval shape and glided / parachuted from high branches to land and then begin singing. When first observed

it looked more like some kind of butterfly until it emerged as a bird when perching. 188. Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons. This and the following species can be quite difficult to separate despite the size differences. Greater females have a yellow eye ring, while the Lesser females are plain green. Males have a yellow rim to the black throat patch, although this can be difficult to see in the field. The song is distinctive, consisting of long and varied musical phrases. Observed regularly in most primary forest areas including Kuala Balai Rd, Badas Rd, Lamunin and all Andalau and Labi areas. 189. Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanpogon. See comments above on separating the two similar Leafbird species. This species has mainly been seen along the Kuala Balai Rd primary forest areas, often identified by the distinctive song of 2-3 note phrases often repeated. Elsewhere observed on one occasion along Labi Rd. 190. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis. This species is seen frequently in the Teraja and Labi ridge areas., and occasionally also in Andalau forest and along Kuala Balai Rd. It is distinguished from the other two Leafbirds by the dark blue-green wings and tail as well as more yellow on the head. The proportions can vary from a yellow patch at the front of the forehead to a completely yellow head, as seen on one male at Kuala Balai Rd in Jul 2009. 191. Black and White Bulbul Pucnonotus melanoleucos. An occasional species recorded in most forest areas but never numerous. Sightings are generally of pairs or single birds and concentrated in March – June. Maximum count was five along Kuala Balai Rd in May 2007.

Common Iora, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2009

192. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps. One of the commonest Bulbuls in both primary and secondary forest and unlike other species, often very visible as it flies high over the forest or sits on bare branches or treetops. It also makes a loud and distinctive call, often continuously while in flight. Peak numbers seem to also be in March – June when up to 30 birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd, but it is recorded in every month of the year. 193. Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus. This species can be overlooked as its tuneful calls and song are very unlike the rather plain calls of other brown Bulbuls. It has brown upperparts contrasting with very white underparts which distinguish it from other brown species. It tends to feed inside dense trees and is mostly seen in flight while calling loudly. It has been recorded in most forest areas and is particularly numerous in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat Rd where it is seen on most visits in pairs or small groups. 194. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier. Surely the commonest bird in Brunei, sometimes there seem to be so many of these birds in the garden that it is difficult to hear any other species at all. Nesting in small bushes seems to happen twice a year, first in April / May and then again in October at which times adults can often be seen feeding insects to young juveniles. This species is also quite common in less habited areas where it is mostly seen in pairs or smaller groups, although a flock of 30 birds along the Bukit Sawat Rd in August 2009 was unusual in this habitat.

195. Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus plumosusi. This species is distinguished from the brown Bulbuls by the olive wash to the wings and vent as well as larger size and an obvious white chin when seen in the right light. It is usually seen as singles or in pairs and prefers more open clearings or grassy areas than other Bulbul species. It has been recorded occasionally in many areas including Badas, Kuala Balai Rd, Bukit Sawat, Lamunin, Labi and also Seria grasslands and even one sighting in F2-18 garden on 8th Mar 2008.

196. Cream-vented Bulbul Pyconotus simplex. This species can only be distinguished with great difficulty from Red-eyed Bulbuls. The underparts are paler and in the right light the white chin / throat can clearly be seen. This species is probably frequently overlooked although it has occasionally been seen in large numbers along Labi Ridge (20+ in March 2007) and Andalau forest (c.15 in June 2009). Elsewhere small numbers have occasionally been seen along Kuala Balai Rd and other Labi forest areas.

Olive-winged Bulbul, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

Yellow-vented Bulbul, Panaga

197. Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus. The commonest brown Bubul, seen in good numbers at any time of the year and in every forest area as well as Panaga gardens. It is the only Bulbul with uniform grey brown coloration over the entire head and underparts. It is regularly seen ‘flycaching’ insects high up in the treetops but is equally at home in secondary forest and low bushes. 198. Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmus. Probably overlooked due to similarity with the previous species, distinguished by the pale eyering which can be white, buff or pinkish-orange. Seen occasionally in Labi forest areas, Andalau and Kuala Balai Rd and often mixed with other brown Bulbul species. A female was seen sitting on a small nest about 1m above the ground next to the Labi ridge track in November 2008. 199. Finsch’s Bulbul Criniger finschii. An uncommon species which has been seen on three occasions in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat area with groups of 5-6 birds feeding noisily in treetops. Also recorded near Teraja on 1st June 2008 and the ‘seismic track’ near Labi on 7th Sep 2009. 200. Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaseocephalus. Another uncommon species which has been seen only three times, twice in the upper canopy of mature forest near Teraja with one seen 25th May 2008 and two 12th Oct 2008 and one bird at the ‘seismic track’ on 7th Sep 2009. 201. Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger. This species is fairly common in the Bukit Sawat forest area, where it has been seen on most visits and has also been seen in the Labi forests, as well as along Kuala Balai Rd, generally in late summer months. Small groups of 2-5 birds can generally be found feeding in the lower and middle canopy and can be quite approachable. 202. Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea. Despite the overall paler and buff-brown underparts, this species is very similar to Red-eyed Bulbul in the field and can best be distinguished by the white eye colour – the iris, not an eye ring like Spectacled. Understandably it is probably often overlooked and may be quite common. It has been seen most frequently in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat in mixed Bulbul flocks and also occasionally in the Labi forests and along Kuala Balai Rd. Most sightings are of single birds and occasionally pairs. 203. Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis. With its longer tail and harsh call, this species can look more like a small Cuckoo than a Bulbul especially as it is most often

seen perched high up in tall trees in the Labi area. It has been observed on most visits to Labi ridge and occasionally around Andalau forest and Kuala Balai Rd (two on 6th Sep 2008). 204. Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans. This species is a winter visitor to Borneo and appears to be an irregular migrant in Brunei. In April 2007 this species was one of the regular features of Kuala Balai road with at least three different singing males present.

Crow-billed Drongo, Kuala Balai Rd, Derek Moore 2007

Birds were also seen next to the Seria bypass during the same period. Otherwise the only sighting was of one in F2-18 garden in October 2005, one of the first ‘garden birds’ after moving in. 205. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus. One male was singing loudly along Kuala Balai Rd during May 2007 and there were up to three birds present altogether. The only other sighting was of one near the gates to Lamunin pumping station on 15th Aug 2009. 206. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus. A very common bird in most forest areas and particularly common along Kuala Balai Rd where it is seen on most visits. In early mornings it is seen flying high across forest clearings or sitting in dead trees, giving a wide range of noisy whistling, croaking and popping calls. In the hotter part of the day, birds often sit in thick dense trees and sing a very different loud but quite tuneful song. From June to August birds moult the diagnostic long outer tail feathers and can then best be distinguished from the other less common Drongo species by the tail shape and familiar calls. 207. Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus. A very scarce species in primary rainforest areas. A male was heard singing and seen sitting high up in a dead tree at Labi Ridge on 21st Sep 2008 and a solitary female was seen on 9th August 2009 along the ‘seismic road’ near Labi. This species has also occasionally been heard singing in these two areas. 208. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis. Although this species is thought to be very scarce in Borneo, it has been heard singing on several occasions along the Bukit Sawat Road from June through August. The three-note song is very distinctive and is not to be confused with that of the previous species. On one occasion a bird was seen in silhouette flying high through the tree tops, clearly much larger than the Dark-throated Oriole. 209. Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella. Very common along Labi Ridge and also seen in Andalau forest, Lamunin and at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd. Most sightings are of pairs, usually quite high up in the canopy. 210. Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus. Seen and heard occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd and also at Badas, Wasan reservoir and Labi Rd. Normally first

revealed by the loud whistled or squeaky bell like calls, birds can be quite secretive while creeping around the trunks of dense trees like Raffles Malkohas. 211. Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca. Seen almost anywhere, generally in pairs or groups of up to ten birds, except for an exceptional flock of 30 along Kuala Balai Rd on 8th June 2008. 212. Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis gymnocephala. Two seen together flying across

Slender-billed Crow, Kuala Balai Rd

Jeremy Moore 2009

the end of Badas Rd April 20th and 25th 2007. A group of at least three and possibly as many as five seen and heard along Bukit Sawat Road during July and August 2009. 213. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis. An occasional but scattered species of forest areas, seen a few occasions along Kuala Balai Rd and also in the Labi area and in the tall trees next to the Mentiri prawn farm. Generally seen high up in the canopy and in flight looks similar to smaller Woodpecker species, but can be distinguished by a squeaky chattering call. 214. Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum. Several birds calling continuously in Andalau Forest on 16th May 2009. One was seen flying low out of a bush after being attracted by whistling. 215. White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum. A single bird of this species was seen feeding in a dead tree next to the road just before Teraja on 25th May 2008. This individual moved much more slowly than other Babblers and was observed in the same place for around 15mins. 216. Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor. A noisy and active group of at least eight birds were seen deep in Andalau forest on16th May 2009. The very rufous upperparts and cream underparts make this species easy to distinguish from the other tree babblers. The group was active some 5-10m above the ground which also made them easy to locate. At least two birds were present with Sooty-capped Babblers along the ‘seismic track’ road on 7th Sep 2009 also quite high above the ground. 217. Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti. Two immatures in Andalau forest on 16th May 2009 approached within 1m, although they kept moving very quickly amongst dead branches on the ground. 218. Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine. A very noisy group of Babblers was encountered in wet forest along the “Rumah Panjang Malayan” road east of Labi Rd on May 24th 2008. At least two of this species were seen and it is possible that as many as ten were present. A noisy group of up to ten birds have been seen along the ‘seismic track’ on all visits during August and September 2009. These birds were occasionally seen sitting fairly still on the top of small bushes, allowing them to be observed through the telescope. 219. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum. At least two together alongside the track at Andalau forest on 2nd May 2009. Also two in a mixed flock of Babblers at Kuala Balai Rd on 12th July 2009 but probably fairly common based on calls. 220. Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum. A very noisy group of at least six birds along Kuala Balai Rd on 2nd Nov 2008. Calls of this and the previous species are quite similar and have been heard along Kuala Balai Rd and the Bukit Sawat road in June and July. 221. Grey-breasted Babbler Malacopteron albogulare. A group of four birds were observed briefly in dense forest next to the road about 3km before Teraja at the end of Labi Road on 25th May 2008.

222. Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons. Two birds together at Kuala Balai Rd in a mixed flock of Babblers on 12th July 2009. One of the birds appeared to be a juvenile. The adult was identified based on small size, chestnut cap contrasting with grey cheeks and thin black streaks on the chin. Distinguished from Pin-striped Babbler by the greyish brown upperparts, smaller black streaks and lack of yellow on breast. 223. Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera. Probably the commonest babbler of primary forest areas and also present in peatswamps and secondary forest. It is easiest to see in the sparser forest of Andalau and Bukit Sawat area but can be heard almost anywhere along Labi Rd and Kuala Balai Rd as well as at the lamunin peat swamp. 224. Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala. Two birds singing incessantly were observed near Teraja on 8th August 2009, allowing identification using the audio guide. After some time they were seen in flight a few times crossing the road, also being chased by Black-throated Babblers. 225. Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculate – Numerous along Badas and Kuala Balai roads but difficult to see as it prefers dense bushes and forest at almost ground level. Seen most clearly along Kuala Balai Rd in May 2007 and July 2009 but probably present on many other occasions based on calls. Probably also present in Labi area. 226. Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis. Similar habits to the previous species so likely frequently overlooked. Small numbers have been observed along the Labi ridge track on almost every visit and it can be heard calling almost anywhere in the Labi and Andalau forest areas. One was seen singing in a fern tree along Kuala Balai Rd on April 25th 2009 and based on calls it is probably also present at several locations along the road. 227. Striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis. The commonest Babbler species in mangrove and peat swamp areas, it is easily distinguished from other species by the yellow underparts heavily streaked with black. Heard on almost every visit to the Tattler Hide at Sungai Seria and also very common in the ditches along Kuala Balai Rd. 228. Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler Macronous ptilosus. This species prefers slightly drier areas where it typically moves very actively around tree trunks and branches. Has been seen along Kuala Balai Rd and most areas along Labi Rd but seems to be commonest in the Andalau forest area where several are observed on most visits. 229. Brown Fulvetta Alcippe pyyrhoptera. These small brownish grey babblers have been encountered in noisy groups of 4-5 birds on Labi ridge (2008) and in Andalau forest (2009), both times in May. Two birds were also seen at Labi Ridge on 1st Nov 2008. Unlike other Babblers they seem to move around the middle and upper story of drier forest areas, preferring more open areas.

230. White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca. A noisy group of at least three birds seen at the end of the Labi ridge track on 21st Sep 2008. 231. Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis. One of the first birds any visitor to Brunei will encounter, this is a common resident in gardens and cultivated areas where it breeds very successfully. Away from the coast it is not so common although it has been seen a couple of times along Labi ridge track and also fairly often in cleared areas along Kuala Balai Rd. 232. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus. The song of this species is one of the loudest and most tuneful of the Brunei jungle and can be heard most commonly in the forest along Labi Rd but also in Kuala Balai and Andalau areas. In addition to the wide range of song phrases, a clicking call similar to Jungle Flycatchers has also been heard occasionally, sometimes from a bird in flight. Sightings are much rarer; the far end of Kuala Balai Rd is one area where birds have been see a few times and once two birds were seen sitting on the path in the Sungai Liang park early in the morning. 233. Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrrhopygus. A very secretive species, probably more common than the single sighting indicates. One male was seen together with a group of Ferruginous Babblers in Andalau forest on 16th May 2009. 234. Sunda Whistling Thrush Myiophoneus glaucinus. One of the most surprising sightings of 4years birdwatching in Brunei. This species is normally a resident of mountain foothills however a single bird was observed from close by in F2-18 garden on Dec 5th 2007. The bird had the appearance of being completely black including feet, bill and eye which through binoculars could be seen to actually be more of a glossy bluish colour. The bird was hopping about on the grass before being chased away by two Magpie Robins and it could be seen to be quite a lot larger than this species.

235. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus. This winter visitor appears to be quite common in the Panaga and Seria area in December and January, with groups of 10+ birds present every winter in F2-18 garden as well as in the G10 and Panaga Padang areas. In December 2008 a group of 30 birds was unusual while a single bird in March 2008 was later than most sightings.

236. Chestnut-capped Thrush Zoothera interpres. One very unsatisfactory view of this very scarce and secretive species, heard and seen fleetingly at the edge of the Lamunin pumping station lookout on 12 August 2009. A bird was alternating harsh clicking alarm calls with a loud melodious song at a distance of only 5m in a dense thicket just below the lookout point. After continuing for around 20minutes I had a

Eye-browed Thrush, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

Magpie Robin, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

brief view of a black bird with white wing patches and a shortish black tail, too small for Magpie Robin or Shama species. The calls and song match exactly with the audio guide examples for this species. 237. Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea. Only one record of a single bird seen feeding in the middle canopy at Labi Ridge on 24th May 2008. 238. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris. A scarce species in mature rainforest areas with a single bird seen at Labi ridge on 21st Sep 2008, at least 3 birds near Teraja on 12th Oct 2008 and one in bamboo at Rampayoh (Labi) on 4th April 2009. 239. Mountain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus. Two birds of this species in a mixed flock including Leafbirds, Flycatchers and Bulbuls were seen sitting in a low bush next to the Labi Ridge track from a distance of 2m on 21st April 2007. 240. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler. A bird was seen flying short distances in reeds beside the main river channel at Wasan ricefields on 9th Nov 2008. Overall colouration was very rufous and based on the calls the bird was assumed to be this species. 241. Middendorff’s Warbler Locustella ochotensis. Only two sightings of this species. One was seen in small bushes near Tattler Hide, Sungai Seria on May 14th 2008. It was approachable within 2m, flying a short distance when flushed. Prominent eyestripe and white outer feathers on graduated tail, no streaking on underparts. Another bird was seen on 15th August 2009 at Wasan, sitting on a low bush beside rice padi, again with clean white underparts and a strong white eystripe. These dates are, respectively, later and earlier by one month than reported in earlier records.

242. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris. I first recorded this species in January 2008 when two were seen together near Seria. There were no more sightings until 2009 when suddenly they appear to be common. One was seen singing from a fencepost at the start of the Kuala Balai Rd in March and again in May. At least one bird was also present singing from telephone wires at Labi on several occasions from April to May and one was seen at Wasan in August. Yet another was singing from a

dead tree near the J15 pond in Sep 2009 with at least four birds present by October. 243. Eastern Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis. This migrant species is regularly seen and heard near the Tattler Hide at Seria estuary from August through to March. 244. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. This species was very common in gardens and around the Seria area during the winter of 2007/8 with at least ten

Striated Grassbird, Labi Jeremy Moore 2009

different birds seen often in mixed groups with sunbirds. One seen along Kuala Balai Rd on 27th April 2008 was quite late with most records being from Nov to Feb. 245. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis . A group of 3 birds were seen along the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near Labi on 8th August 2009 while one bird was seen in the same place on 8th Nov 2008. Single birds have also been seen occasionally at Labi ridge and Teraja areas. 246. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps. A very common bird in all forest habitats as well as in mangroves and gardens where it can be very tame and will nest in small bushes next to houses. Noisy family groups of up to five birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd in May – July.

247. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotonus sericeus. A fairly common resident of mangroves and wet areas near the coast, especially around Sungai Seria. Also heard and occasionally seen along Kuala Balai Rd and around Mentiri. Appears to be uncommon or not present away from the coast. 248. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris. A very common bird found along the edges of any body of water, including ditches, ricefields and ponds throughout Brunei and seen at any time of the year. The coloration of this species appears to be very variable with upperparts varying from buff brown to grey and underparts white, cream or even yellow. 249. Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias olivacea. Several Jungle Flycatchers were calling in Andalau forest on 23rd May 2009 and one seen with rufous wash to tail and rump was likely this species as was one seen at teraja waterfall path in August 2009. 250. Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias umbratilis. A group of three birds were seen together near Teraja on 1st June 2008. At least one was seen in

Andalau Forest on 23rd May 2009 and several other birds were calling in the area. One was also seen and heard along Kuala Balai Rd on 12th July 2009. 251. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa daurica. A migratory species to Brunei, common during the winter of 2007/8 along Labi Rd and Kuala Balai Rd where a group of six were seen on Sep 13th 2007. The next observations were in the Labi area in September 2009 with single birds at Teraja and the entrance to the ‘seismic track’ road.

Ashy Tailorbird, Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2008

Yellow-bellied Prinia, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Asian Brown Flycatcher, Labi Jeremy Moore 2009

252. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina. One record of a male singing at the start of the Labi ridge track during Jun 2006. 253. Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki. A migrant species only seen once, a single bird observed from close by along Kuala Balai Rd on Dec 2nd 2007. 254. Grey-headed Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis. On 9th Feb 2008 a pair were seen together near the waterfall at the end of the path to Belait-4 well along Labi Rd. One bird was seen feeding the other with an insect, although both appeared to be adults. 255. Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana. Another migratory species. For one week in November 2008 this seemed to be one of the commonest birds in the forest with pairs or larger groups including immatures seen at many different sites along Labi Rd, also at Kuala Balai Rd and even one immature in F2-18 garden. Otherwise the only other record was a male along Kuala Balai Rd on 29th Mar 2008. 256. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra. A pair seen at close range in peat swamp near Lamunin on 16th Nov 2008. Both birds had similar colouring – dull blue upperparts and orange washed breast grading into white belly. 257. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea. A brightly coloured species with habits similar to fantails, seen occasionally in mature forest areas. One female and one male were seen at different locations, Labi Ridge in May 2008 and a male was seen in Andalau Forest on 23rd May 2009. On 9th August 2009, a noisy group of at least three birds were observed for some time along the ‘seismic road’ before Labi, aggressively chasing away a male Rufous-winged Philentoma. Birds were also seen along Labi Rd, at Bukit Sawat and Lamunin in August 2009. 258. Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum. Only seen on one occasion, in primary rainforest. As mentioned above, a male of this species was seen being chased by a group of Monarchs. The bright rufous wings and tail were clearly visible compared to the dull brown / grey colouration of the female Monarchs. The loud, harsh churring calls were also very different to the softer calls of the commoner species. 259. Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica. A common bird in gardens, mangroves and any forest habitat, calling noisily as it flies low between bushes or chases any other birds approaching too close such as Sunbirds, Babblers and even Councils. 260. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpisphone paradisi. One of the very special birds of Brunei forests with its 20cm tale making it a startling site. My first sighting was male flying across the path at the end of Labi ridge April 2007, a better view was of a pair in Andalau Forest in June 2009. 261. Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala grisola. One bird was seen in swampy forest at the end of the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near Labi on 4th April 2009. The very thick bill was very conspicuous.

262. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus. A common species which can be found in gardens or areas of secondary growth although it seems to prefer manmade structures, being most common around Panaga club and camp areas as well as sitting on electricity wires. Several birds will often be seen huddling together, taking short swooping flights to catch insects. Also common along Kuala Balai and Badas roads while agroup of at least 20 birds is regularly present around the Panaga club building.

263. Tiger Shrike Lanius Tigrinus. This is a regular visitor from September to April, preferring to hunt from low bushes or dead trees next to open areas. Most common around the Seria grasslands including coastal trees around Sungai Seria and also seen along Kuala Balai Rd and Badas Rd. Both adults and immatures are seen in fairly equal numbers. 264. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus. Similar to the previous species, this is a regular visitor from September through into early May and also found in similar habitat and locations. 265. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Seen occasionally along Kuala Balai and Badas Rds, usually feeding along the edge of the road in puddles or wet ditches. Extreme dates are 2nd Sep 2008 and 24th May 2008, the latter at Sungai Mau near Bukit Sawat. 266. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. A very common migrant and winter visitor to grasslands and ricefields anywhere in Brunei with peak numbers counted in April (40 at Panaga in 2007) and September (30 in a puddle on waste ground near Seria in 2008) and also very common at Wasan.

267. Richard’s / Common Pipit Anthus richardi. Mostly found on the Seria grasslands, this species is most numerous in winter but can be seen at any time of year. Maximum counts are of 15-20 birds around the garrison and OGDC grassland areas. 268. Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis. Very common in coastal and secondary forest areas including around Labi, small groups feed on berries

White-breasted Woodswallow Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore 2009

Richard’s Pipit, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Brown Shrike, Badas Derek Moore 2007

and nuts in the tops of tall trees. Flocks of 1000+ birds can be seen in winter in the Seria area and a much larger roost is present in the trees around the airport in Bandar. Juveniles are very variable in colour, with streaked or striped underparts and upperparts which can be dark grey to an almost white colour. 269. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. An introduced species first recorded in the 1970’s, it appears to have survived up until present although without expanding it’s range. Up to two individuals were seen around the roof of the Berakas Stadium in Jan and May 2008. 270. Hill Myna Gracula religosa . Fairly common in most forest areas and also seen frequently in the Panaga gardens. Normally seen flying with loud whirring wings across clearings or high up above the canopy, birds have also been seen entering old Woodpecker holes in dead trees although it is not clear whether this is for nesting or simply looking for food. Maximum count was 16 birds along Kuala Balai Rd in July 2008. 271. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex. Seen occasionally near Teraja, along Labi Ridge and in June 2009 also along Kuala Balai Rd. Probably frequently overlooked due to the similarity with females of other Sunbird species, it can best be distinguished by the very white underparts and red eye. 272. Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis. A common bird along Kuala Balai Rd and also in the Panaga gardens and also been seen occasionally in more mature forest areas at Labi and Andalau. Females can be distinguished from other sunbirds by a yellow eye-ring. 273. Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaema. Not as common as the previous species, from which it can be distinguished by the bright red rather than dull brown throat. Seen occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd and also in mangroves beside Sungai Seria. 274. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthrepetes singalensis. This species seems to be most common in the Teraja area of Labi Rd where family groups of 4-5 birds have been seen on several occasions. Pairs or small groups have also been seen a few times along Kuala Balai Rd. This species generally stays higher up in the canopy than other sunbirds. 275. Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum. Seen occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd but appears to be more common along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi where observed on several occasions in August 2009. An adult was observed feeding a very young juvenile on 25th July 2009 at Kuala Balai Rd. 276. Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarina sperata. A fairly common species in peatswamp and secondary forest area. Unlike other sunbird species it often remains still for quite some time and sings noisily from a perch on an exposed branch or very top of a bare tree. 277. Copper-throated Sunbird Nectarina calcostethata . This large, dark sunbird is known from only one locality. At least one and possibly two pairs have bred next to

the small bridge at the start of the Kuala Balai forested area in every year, being present from October through to April.

278. Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarina jugularis. One of the common species in Panaga gardens, this species can often be found nesting in very small bushes or trees as low as 50cm above the ground. The males are very aggressive and will chase other species of sunbirds and tailorbirds which approach the nest. It has even been seen attacking its own reflection in car wing

mirrors on a number of occasions, including in SupaSave carpark! Away from habitation this species seems to be commonest in mangroves and secondary forest areas such as Badas Rd and has not been seen in primary forest. 279. Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja. Also very common in gardens, this species can also be found in almost all habitats including gardens, mangroves, secondary and primary forest. Unlike the previous species it is generally seen feeding higher up in more mature trees although it will also feed on flowering plants and approach close to people. It can also be quite aggressive towards other species and has even been seen chasing Racket-tailed Drongos and a Crested Goshawk! 280. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra. The commonest Spiderhunter and the only species with a white face and throat. It is regularly heard and seen in all forested areas and generally feeds quite low down in bushes or flowers along the roadside. 281. Thick-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera crassirostris. Together with the following species, this is a bird which is likely more common than the two records indicates. However most views of Spiderhunters are of birds in flight, and these records are generally assigned to the more common Yellow-eared Spiderhunter. The single sightings were on the same day! - a bird feeding on flowers on 8th August 2009 on the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road before Labi and two together on the ‘seismic track’ a few km away. 282. Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta. As with the above species, probably overlooked. Confirmed sightings were of one along Kuala Balai Rd on 22nd March 2009 and also on 17th May 2009 as well as at least one along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi on 15th August 2009 and again in September. 283. Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster. The largest Spiderhunter species, generally seen flying high up in the canopy and occasionally perching on the top of tall leafy trees. It has been recorded regularly along Kuala Balai Rd and also in Andalau forest as well as the Labi area.

Crimson Sunbird, Panaga Jeremy Moore 2008

Olive-backed Sunbird, Seria Derek Moore 2007

284. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys. The commonest medium-sized Spiderhunter and recorded on most visits to Kuala Balai Rd, Labi area and also Lamunin. Generally feeding high up in leafy trees with berries and sometimes seen in groups of three or more birds. 285. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum. The commonest Flowerpecker species, present in all forest areas and also in Panaga gardens. Females and juveniles of this species are brown coloured and can be confused with Plain and Brown-sided Flowerpeckers unless the red feathers around the vent can be seen. 286. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus. Seen only twice, one at Labi Ridge on 24th May 2008 and one near Teraja on 8th Nov 2008. 287. Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius. Also a fairly common species, although more abundant in the primary forests around Labi and Andalau and scarcer along Kuala Balai Rd. Also recorded at Lamunin and Andalau forest. 288. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum. Only one record, a single bird perched on top of a dead tree at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 20th Mar 2008.

289. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma. A common species in forest areas, especially along Kuala Balai Rd and also seen in Labi and Andalau forest areas. At Wasan birds were seen in low bushes along the edge of the rice fields in August 2009. 290. Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus. An occasional bird in primary forest areas, recorded near Teraja and also on Labi Ridge on the 8th Nov 2008. The only other record was one along Kuala Balai Rd on 6th April 2008.

291. Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora. A population of at least 200 birds can be found feeding with Munias at Wasan, presumably established from originally escaped birds. Several birds were also seen around the Wasan reservoir, about 3km away, on 5th September 2009. 292. Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans. Common in ricefields, grasslands and clearings along Badas and Kuala Balai Rds and

Dusky Munia, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Java Sparrows, Wasan Jeremy Moore 2009

the only Munia to be found in primary forest where pairs or small groups frequent the edges of tracks. Flocks rarely exceed 10 birds, unlike the much larger groups of Black-headed Munias. Occasionally seen feeding at the tops of trees on seeds, as well as on grasslands and paths where it is more usually seen. 293. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata. 3-6 birds were seen at Wasan with other Munias in visits from 2007 through to 2009. These are thought to originate from escaped birds. 294. White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra. This nomadic species was apparently very common in Brunei 20 years ago, often seen together with other Munias in many localities. My only record was of two adults at the edge of the Kuala Balai Rd just before the main primary forest area begins on 11th October 2009. The overall coloration was dark brown, with the clean white belly and underparts clearly visible in both birds. 295. Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca. The largest flocks of this species have been seen at Wasan ricefields where a flock of 200+ birds mixed with Java Sparrows is present all year round. Also very common in grasslands around Seria and

also along the edges of Badas and Kuala Balai Rd where flocks of 50+ birds can be seen. Juveniles of this species are a pale sandy brown colour without any black and can form flocks without any adults. 296. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. Originally introduced several decades ago, this species occupies the role filled by House Sparrows back in Europe. It is

found around buildings and cultivated fields and never recorded in forests which is the original habitat for the species! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few additional species were reported by other observers. As well as additional records of species already mentioned in the main list, three additional species were recorded. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel. A group of five birds seen by Graham Durrance flying low over Seria during a rain storm in Jan 2009. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Two birds seen at Sungai Seria by Hans Vis on 13th September 2009, also one present on 2nd Oct. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris. Two seen together at Sungai Seria on 14th September 2009 by Hans Vis, one still present on the following day. Great-crested Tern Sterna bergii. One seen briefly sitting on the beach at Sungai Seria in the large flock of Little Terns on 23rd September 2009.

Black-headed Munia, Seria Derek Moore 2007

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis. One juvenile seen and photographed by John Maunders in his garden in Kuala Belait during October 2008. Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis. Regularly seen by Graham Durrance in his garden in G5 area during winter months. Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius. One seen on the se wall at Sungai Seria by Hans Vis on 23rd September 2009. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally, I have included the ‘maybe’ species which I either saw poorly or for a short period of time making their identification impossible to confirm. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus. A scarce winter visitor to Brunei. A medium-sized raptor seen around Seria in Jan 2008 was thought to have been this species. It was seen with binoculars but far away and confusion with Oriental Honey Buzzard which was present in the same area at that time is possible. A raptor present for several weeks in the F2 area of Panaga in late 2006 may also have been this species. Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipter gularis. One bird seen displaying high above the Panaga camp area during May 2007 was too small to have been a Crested Goshawk. While Besra has been recorded it is uncommon while this Sparrowhawk is regarded as a common winter visitor to Borneo. Common Kestrel Falco Tinnunculus. A falcon was flying high acros the Kuala Balai Rd early in the morning during Nov 2007. The bird was too slender to be a Peregrine but also too large for a Falconet. While Comon Kestrel is regarded as a common winter visitor to Borneo, Spotted Kestrel and Oriental Hobby have also been recorded. As the bird was only seen with the naked eye I was unable to see any distinguishing features. Watercock Gallicrex cinerea. A large brown bird was seen swimming and in flight at the pond by the Tattler hide on 12th Nov 2007. It was watched with binoculars in dull light but was very far away. Juvenile Moorhens are very brown and similar in overall appearance although smaller. This species appears to have been fairly common in the past especially at Wasan. Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica. A single bird was seen sitting in grass alongside the Kuala Balai Rd on Mar 29th 2007. At the time my impression was that it was dark brown and without ear tufts and therefore likely to have been this species. On many other occasions I have seen Buffy Fish Owls at the same location and I have also never heard this species calling although it is documented as a fairly common resident in Brunei.

PART 3: Details of birds seen at Kuala Balai Rd This section contains some analysis of the 176 species sightings made along the Kuala Balai Rd section in 87 visits, mainly in the period April 2007 up to early August 2009. The area consists of approximately 10km of primary and secondary forest plus the cultivated land and gardens of the first 6km and given this large area the birds

recorded depend heavily on how many individuals of a particular species are present, the observer being in the right place at the right time and also the habits of that particular bird. As an example a single Crested Serpent Eagle circling overhead and calling loudly has a good chance of being ‘observed’ on a given day, as do the dozens of Barn Swallows present along the road in most months while the Rufous-fronted Babbler which skulks silently in the undergrowth may have been present on every visit but was only seen once.

So clearly this analysis should be treated as illustrative rather than a detailed scientific study, also bearing in mind that my visits were restricted in duration to 2-5 times per month between the hours of 6 and 10am. The data does however clearly indicate the rewards of birdwatching a single forest location in Brunei as well as indicating that

any serious scientific study needs to be carried out over a considerable period of time in order to capture a full picture of the birds present. With holidays and bad weather limiting my visits at certain times, Figure 1 shows that there is quite some

variability in the total number of visits made per month and this definitely appears to have some relation to the number of species seen during those periods. Figure 2 shows a cumulative species sighting list for all 87 visits over a 2 1/2year period from early 2007, showing that new species are still being sighted almost every month and starting to

Kuala Balai Rd: Monthly Species List

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Kuala Balai Rd: Cumulative Species List

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Crested Serpent Eagle, Jeremy Moore 2009

indicate that the area is important for migrating and ‘wandering’ species as well as permanent residents.

Figures 3 and 4 show the frequency of occurrence of the 176 species, on monthly basis and as a percentage of the total number of visits. Figure 4 indicates that the majority of species have either been seen in every month (the common residents)

or in only one month of the year (the migrants, wanderers or the uncommon but local residents). Figure 4 shows that in fact almost half the species have been observed on less than 10% of visits (or fewer than eight times) and in fact only one species, the Red-eyed Bulbul, has been observed on every visit. On the basis of these observations, as well as the general habits of the bird species it is possible to make some observations on the abundance of many of the species occurring in this area, divided into four different categories. The common residents ( C ) – 68 species. Includes many which are present in large numbers throughout the year such as Red-eyed, Yellow-vented and Black-headed Bulbuls, as well as others which are easily observed despite being present in lower numbers,

Oriental Pied Hornbills, Jeremy Moore 2009

Kuala Balai Rd - Species Frequency

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such as Crested Serpent Eagle and the three commoner Hornbill species (Pied, Black and Wrinkled). Birds such as Blue-eared Barbet, Pin-striped Babbler and Black-and-Yellow Broadbill are not seen too often, but are heard on almost every visit and are therefore also included here, as are Barn Swallows which are strictly a migrant but can be seen in large numbers in most months of the year. The scarce or hard to find ( S ) – 46 species. Secretive species including most of the Babblers and other small birds such as Rufous Piculet and Yellow-vented Flowerpecker which are present in small numbers and not as visible as those covered under the previous section. Other such as some of the Woodpecker species (Buff-necked, Buff-rumped), Lesser Cuckoo-Shrike and Bulbuls such as Black-and-White are more visible when present but probably only occur in small numbers in the area. Some species which have only been observed once, eg Red-throated Barbet, are included here as they have been heard more often. Local Wanderers ( W ) – 47 species. Includes species resident in Brunei but not normally occurring in the Kuala Balai area. Larger birds such as Bat Hawk, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Storm’s Stork and Blyth’s Hawk Eagles are certainly passing through and using the Belait river as a flightpath while smaller species such as Bronzed Drongos, Asian Fairy Bluebird and Brown Barbets are more typical of primary rainforest areas and may occasionally wander into the Kuala Balai area looking for food or nesting sites. Visitors ( V ) – 15 species. True migrants which either pass through the area on their

way to wintering grounds or which may spend the winter in the coastal area of Brunei. This includes some quite common species such as Oriental Cuckoo, Tiger and Brown Shrikes and Asian Brown Flycatchers as well as scarce species such as Black Bittern, Peregrine and other flycatchers (Mugimaki, Blue-and-White) and cuckoos (Drongo, Horsfield’s). My 2 ½ years of birdwatching in the Kuala Balai Rd

area highlight the complexities of bird occurrence and abundance in this small area. Individual visits or sightings over a short period of time cannot begin to understand the true value of such an area for bird species and any real scientific assessment would require extensive observations over a period of several years to be certain of identifying ‘real’ trends and fluctuations in populations. And this is even before trying to understand what is impacting these changes, i.e. climate, weather or changes in habitat, either natural or manmade. Hopefully this brief summary can provide at least a starting point for understanding bird diversity in this area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Footnote: after completing the graphical analysis in early August, I have further revised the total list for the Kuala Balai Rd to 181 species. Birds added were Chinese Pond Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Barred Eagle Owl, Reddish Scops Owl, Savannah Nightjar, Yellow-crowned Barbet and White-bellied Munia while Brown Wood Owl and Hair Crested Drongo have been removed.

Brown Barbet, Jeremy Moore 2009

Peregrine Falcon, Jeremy Moore 2009

SUMMARY TABLE OF KUALA BALAI ROAD SIGHTINGS

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

1 V Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%2 C Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 0 2 2 3 2 11 92% 28 32%3 C Asian Black Hornbill Anthracoceros mal 3 4 6 4 3 5 4 16 7 4 4 5 12 100% 71 82%4 V Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dau 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 3 25% 4 5%5 W Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 7 58% 10 11%6 C Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayens 100 50 50 20 20 25 100 4 22 15 120 40 12 100% 80 92%7 V Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 42% 9 10%8 W Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonne 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%9 S Banded Woodpecker Picus miniacus 0 1 2 4 1 2 1 0 3 0 1 1 9 75% 19 22%

10 C Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 50 100 200 50 25 10 50 0 50 50 30 30 11 92% 59 68%11 W Bat Hawk Machaeramphus alcinus 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%12 W Besra Accipter virgatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%13 S Black & Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus m 0 0 3 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 2 5 42% 7 8%14 C Black & Yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus och 1 1 1 1 5 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 8 67% 14 16%15 S Black and White Bulbul Pucnonotus me 0 2 3 3 3 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 7 58% 15 17%16 S Black bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%17 V Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%18 S Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus 0 1 2 1 5 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 8 67% 17 20%19 C Black-headed Bulbul Pyconotus atriceps 20 30 20 10 10 20 10 0 2 15 10 10 11 92% 71 82%20 C Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca 8 6 12 10 30 10 6 10 40 12 2 10 12 100% 61 70%21 S Black-nest Swiftlet Collocalia maxima 2 2 1 0 10 10 25 0 20 5 0 3 9 75% 21 24%22 S Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fring 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 3 1 0 8 67% 22 25%23 S Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigrico 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 5 6%24 C Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipu 3 0 3 2 2 3 3 0 1 2 3 3 10 83% 46 53%25 V Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila c 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 17% 2 2%26 C Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus 20 10 12 15 20 25 20 5 6 10 10 30 12 100% 69 79%27 C Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis 12 10 10 10 10 10 5 4 3 5 3 12 12 100% 85 98%28 W Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%29 C Blue-rumped Parrott Psittinus cyanurus 10 10 10 15 10 6 20 0 12 6 4 8 11 92% 56 64%30 C Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis 5 6 10 5 10 15 10 8 10 6 6 6 12 100% 83 95%31 S Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochin 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 5 42% 7 8%32 W Blyth's Hawk Eagle Spizaetus alboniger 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 42% 6 7%33 V Bonaparte's Nightjar Caprimulgus concr 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%34 W Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 67% 21 24%35 W Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 8 9%36 W Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus 3 0 2 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 7 58% 13 15%37 V Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 1 1%39 S Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tu 0 0 0 0 5 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 4 5%40 S Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 1 8% 2 2%41 S Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%42 C Buffy Fish Owl Ketupu ketupu 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 33% 8 9%43 W Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galer 0 0 4 0 8 1 0 0 0 3 6 0 5 42% 5 6%44 C Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 2 3 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 7 58% 23 26%45 C Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus bart 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 11 92% 20 23%46 S Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicoph 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 3 25% 4 5%47 S Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris ma 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 5 42% 8 9%48 S Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris eryt 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 4 33% 5 6%49 C Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chlor 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 9 75% 31 36%50 C Common Iora Aegithina tiphia 2 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 5 1 3 3 11 92% 25 29%51 V Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%52 W Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 33% 5 6%53 S Copper-throated Sunbird Nectarina calc 0 2 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 42% 11 13%54 S Cream-vented Bulbul Pyconotus simplex 0 1 2 2 3 2 3 0 3 0 1 0 8 67% 14 16%55 C Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 3 2 1 1 11 92% 43 49%56 S Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyn 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 8 67% 18 21%57 C Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela 5 1 3 3 2 2 1 0 2 3 3 2 11 92% 52 60%58 C Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja 5 5 6 5 10 3 5 3 5 5 6 4 12 100% 82 94%59 S Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus pun 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 17% 2 2%60 W Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 42% 8 9%61 C Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 4 3 7 6 5 4 4 1 3 5 2 3 12 100% 77 89%62 W Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%63 W Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 17% 2 2%64 C Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans 50 50 50 50 10 5 20 5 15 7 15 10 12 100% 75 86%65 W Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica indic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 17% 2 2%66 C Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanu 2 0 10 10 1 4 4 0 10 0 3 0 8 67% 21 24%67 S Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus 0 0 4 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 4 4 33% 7 8%68 S Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous pt 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 3 1 0 5 42% 7 8%69 W Giant Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas 0 0 0 0 50 10 0 0 20 0 0 0 3 25% 9 10%70 C Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta 20 30 50 100 50 50 50 10 50 40 10 30 12 100% 78 90%71 W Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrys 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%72 W Great Egret Ardea alba 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 25% 6 7%73 C Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pu 3 2 4 1 3 3 2 0 1 3 0 0 9 75% 18 21%74 C Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis 2 2 3 2 6 3 8 2 2 2 2 2 12 100% 55 63%75 C Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis aurif 3 4 2 1 2 1 1 0 6 4 4 1 11 92% 45 52%76 C Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus 2 3 8 7 5 12 8 5 6 4 3 6 12 100% 67 77%77 C Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea 5 6 5 5 5 3 5 0 1 10 0 6 10 83% 49 56%78 C Green Iora Aegithina viridissima 5 12 6 5 4 3 5 0 0 2 10 6 10 83% 33 38%79 C Grey and Buff Woodpecker Hemicircus 2 1 3 2 3 2 6 3 2 3 4 1 12 100% 39 45%80 W Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%81 W Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinom 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%82 W Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga i 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6 50% 6 7%83 S Grey-rumped Tree Swift Hemiprogne lo 3 1 2 0 1 2 3 0 3 4 2 2 10 83% 20 23%84 V Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 25% 1 1%86 W Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes crinige 0 4 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%87 C Hill Myna Gracula religosa 12 10 6 8 14 4 16 4 9 6 11 5 12 100% 79 91%88 V Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcy 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%

ALLNumber of VisitsNumber of months

Monthly figures indicate maximum count in a single visit, over period 2007 to 2009.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC89 V Indian Cuckoo Cuculus Micropterus 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 7 58% 11 13%90 C Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 0 5 2 2 3 11 92% 30 34%91 W Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%92 W Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimiulgus macr 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%93 S Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%94 C Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis 2 0 2 2 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 1 10 83% 17 20%95 S Lesser Cuckoo Shrike Coracina fimbriat 0 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%96 C Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanp 4 10 2 3 3 3 3 10 3 2 1 5 12 100% 39 45%97 W Little Egret Egretta garzetta 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 58% 14 16%98 C Little Green Pigeon Treron olax 20 12 15 10 12 12 50 5 20 10 6 6 12 100% 69 79%99 C Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longiro 5 3 10 2 12 10 10 0 3 2 3 5 11 92% 41 47%

100 W Little Swift Apus affinis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 2 17% 4 5%101 S Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera r 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%102 C Long-tailed Parrot Psitticula longicauda 20 12 12 15 25 9 15 5 11 3 3 2 12 100% 63 72%103 C Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis 2 3 3 4 3 4 6 3 11 2 3 3 12 100% 73 84%104 W Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%105 W Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubigin 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%106 W Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%107 V Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 8% 1 1%108 C Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarina jugulari 5 5 5 5 10 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 9 75% 27 31%109 W Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium ra 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%110 S Olive-winged Bulbul Pyconotus plumosu 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 4 33% 6 7%111 S Orange-backed W oodpecker Reinwardt 1 0 2 1 2 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 50% 9 10%112 C Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum t 2 1 1 2 2 4 6 1 8 1 2 0 11 92% 34 39%113 V Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3%114 W Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 5 6%115 C Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros alb 5 3 5 6 4 5 9 20 10 4 2 5 12 100% 83 95%116 W Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebros 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%117 C Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica 100 100 100 100 20 25 50 30 50 50 5 1 12 100% 54 62%118 C Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 10 83% 31 36%119 C Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica 5 3 5 5 5 3 4 2 3 3 2 2 12 100% 72 83%120 W Pied Triller Lalarge nigra 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 50% 9 10%121 W Pink-headed Green Pigeon Treron vern 0 0 0 0 10 1 1 0 0 6 0 0 4 33% 6 7%122 V Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%123 C Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes mala 4 3 5 5 3 3 4 0 3 2 2 0 10 83% 40 46%124 C Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus 3 2 5 2 2 4 6 0 4 3 3 1 11 92% 61 70%125 S Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnontus eutilotus 4 6 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 2 3 8 67% 18 21%126 W Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 33% 9 10%127 S Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hyp 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 3 25% 4 5%128 C Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarinia sper 0 1 4 4 3 4 5 0 4 0 0 4 8 67% 27 31%129 C Raffle’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlor 3 0 4 3 1 2 2 1 4 0 1 2 10 83% 29 33%130 S Red-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus jav 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 33% 6 7%131 C Red-crowned Barbet Megalaima rafflesi 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 12 100% 29 33%132 C Red-eyed Bulbul Pyconotus brunneus 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 5 6 6 4 10 12 100% 87 100%133 S Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodo 1 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 6 50% 12 14%134 S Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystac 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%135 C Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros 4 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 0 9 75% 17 20%136 S Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthrepetes sing 0 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 2 0 2 2 6 50% 12 14%137 S Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus 0 3 0 1 4 2 1 0 4 0 2 0 7 58% 11 13%138 S Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacu 3 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 8 67% 18 21%139 S Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 2 17% 4 5%140 W Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifro 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%141 S Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotonus seri 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 33% 6 7%142 S Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 25% 3 3%143 S Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron ci 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%144 C Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum 2 2 5 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 5 5 11 92% 55 63%145 W Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duva 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%146 W Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectungis 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%147 C Silver-rumped Swift Raphidura leucopyg 100 25 25 50 100 100 50 50 25 10 25 5 12 100% 65 75%148 C Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca 9 5 8 5 5 30 8 5 10 9 15 5 12 100% 83 95%149 S Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythroph 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 6 50% 7 8%150 S Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 6 50% 13 15%151 C Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 6 12 12 5 2 12 100% 67 77%152 C Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis cape 2 2 4 4 2 4 4 3 4 2 2 1 12 100% 68 78%153 W Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 17% 2 2%154 W Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%155 W Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2%156 W Striated Heron Butorides striatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 8% 2 2%157 C Striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis b 1 0 0 1 3 5 6 0 6 2 2 0 8 67% 16 18%158 C Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron sphen 3 6 1 3 9 2 4 0 3 0 3 5 10 83% 23 26%159 V Tiger Shrike Lanius Tigrinus 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 33% 4 5%160 S Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 3 25% 4 5%

ALLNumber of VisitsNumber of months

161 C Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthothyn 5 2 1 2 2 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 11 92% 27 31%162 W Wallace's Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nanus 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 33% 4 5%163 C Whiskered Tree Swift Hemiprogne com 0 0 4 2 3 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 8 67% 26 30%164 W White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leuc 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 42% 6 7%165 C White-bellied Woodpecker Drycopus jav 2 2 3 2 3 3 2 0 2 1 4 1 11 92% 41 47%166 C White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis p 2 1 5 3 3 5 6 0 5 4 2 3 11 92% 53 61%167 C White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus 8 5 6 5 10 8 12 10 13 12 7 8 12 100% 78 90%168 S White-rumped Sharma Copsychus mala 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 5 42% 7 8%169 W Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%170 C Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus 16 6 10 35 9 5 15 0 6 26 9 7 11 92% 68 78%171 W Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%172 C Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 3 5 3 2 2 12 100% 83 95%173 S Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnother 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 1 2 2 0 0 6 50% 13 15%174 S Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochil 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 7 58% 11 13%175 C Yellow-vented Bulbul Pyconotus goiavie 10 10 10 10 10 20 5 6 20 5 8 5 12 100% 85 98%176 S Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum c 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1%

TOTAL SPECIES 93 96 107 103 108 102 118 39 102 84 86 78 12 100% TOTAL SPECIES = cumulative total number of species seen in a particular month over the period 2007 to 2009.

PART 4: Mammals and Other Sightings Aug 2005 – Sep 2009 This list includes some of the unusual and distinctive mammals seen during my birdwatching trips. In addition, a number of smaller squirrels and tree shrews have been seen, but I was unable to identify them further. The records listed here rely heavily on ‘A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo’ by Junaidi Payne and Charles M. Francis which is sold in bookshops in Miri and Kota Kinabalu airports. Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus. These huge bats with a wingspan of up to 2m fly along rivers at dusk and dawn in search of fruiting trees and are therefore seen especially in April / May and again in October which are the main fruiting seasons. Occasional singles were observed at the end of Kuala Balai Rd and also along Labi Rd, however the largest numbers were seen at the end of Badas Rd at dusk in March / April 2007 and again in 2008. In 2007 groups of 30 to 40 bats were seen flying overhead from about 6pm, with an estimated total of 700 on one occasion. In 2008 this was surpassed with a continuous stream passing overhead from 6pm and continuing until it became too dark to see them anymore. The estimated total was 5000+ with probably many more continuing after dark. An unusual record was 20 flying low over the first traffic lights at Tutong at 6am one morning in October 2007! Red Leaf Monkey (Red Langur) Presbytis rubicunda. An entirely red monkey with a grey face and very long tail which prefers mature forest areas. Seen most commonly around Labi and particularly along the ‘seismic track’ where up to three separate troupes were seen during August 2009. At dusk the males have the habit of climbing to the top of very tall dead trees to keep a lookout and have also been seen in the Andalau and Tasek Merimbun areas. Silvered Langur Presbytis crispate. Most common in wet forest areas, quite large groups of 20+ animals have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd, Andalau forest and

particularly at the end of the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road. On one occasion a group of 20 including many young were seen by the side of the road between the Rasau bridge and tollbooths. Young animals are yellow-orange in colour, but not as bright as Red Leaf Monkeys while animals are sometimes seen in mixed groups with Long-tailed Macaques. Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus. One of the main attractions in Brunei, groups of 30+ animals can be seen in the tributaries leading into Brunei Bay and opposite Kampong Ayer. All the boatmen in the area know where to find them, so simply turn up at the boat quay and wait no more than 30seconds opposite the Water Village for the boatmen to come calling. The best time is late afternoon (after 4pm) when the sun is not too

strong and the monkeys become more active.

Proboscis Monkey Sabah

Jeremy Moore, 2007

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis. A common feature of any lowland forest area in Brunei and almost reaching pest status in the Panaga area where several successful breeding seasons have increased the population of at least 40 animals in each of two troupes. They tend to scour the gardens, eating plants, emptying rubbish bins and even amusing themselves on our trampoline! Along Kuala Balai Rd there are several large resident groups totalling at least 200 animals although they are much more secretive than the garden inhabitants, running for cover at any sign of people. Bornean Gibbon Hylobates muelleri. The hooting calls of these animals carry for miles in the mature forests of Labi and also around Tasek Merimbun. They normally sit at the very top of dense trees and are extremely difficult to see. My best views were along the ‘seismic track’’ in August 2009, especially the ridge path which runs level with the upper canopy in places. Gibbons can easily be distinguished from other monkeys as they have no tails and move quickly along branches with minimal noise, unlike the Langurs and Macaques which are much slower and tend to first drop vertically through the canopy with lots of crashing noise. Giant Squirrel Ratufa affinis. This species is very similar in colour to Prevost’s squirrel but is much larger and has dark rather than grey upperparts. They can often be seen running along bare branches high in the canopy in Labi, Andalau and occasionally Kuala Balai areas. Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevosti. This species is also seen in mature trees, most commonly along Kuala Balai Rd where animals also occasionally cross the road. On one occasion one was seen catching beetles in a dead tree branch from under the noses of a Banded Woodpecker and a Paradise Tree Snake which were both carefully stalking the same insects. Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus. This is the common squirrel of gardens and lowland forest areas, often seen running along branches and even across gardens, roads and other open areas. I once estimated as many as ten animals living in F2-18 garden and their calls can certainly be heard almost every day. Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista. One was seen at the very top of an extremely tall dead tree from the Lamunin pumping station lookout during August 2009. Common Porcupine Hystrix brachyura.. Two animals were seen walking slowly down the Kuala Balai Rd after dark during August 2009, looking rather like two balls of wool on legs.

Long-tailed Macaque Panaga F2 18

Jeremy Moore, 2008

Malay Weasel Mustela nudipes. One crossing slowly at the end of Kuala Balai Rd during the early morning of 8th Dec 2008. The bright orange colour was very striking. Oriental Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinerea. Pairs and small groups of Otters are encountered quite often along ditches and crossing the Kuala Balai Rd. On one occasion a group of eleven animals used the wheels of the parked car as cover to cross between ditches, as one by one they emerged from under the car to cross the last few meters to the ditch opposite. One was also seen by the small lake at the end of the ‘seismic track’ near Labi. Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga.. One slowly crossing the road in the car headlights just before the Bukit Sawat turnoff along Labi Road in September 2008 before dawn. The white spot on the end of the tail and the pale face were clearly visible. Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata. Two animals were seen walking slowly along one of the ditches at the side of Kuala Balai Rd during August 2009. They were not afraid of the headlights or spotlight, sitting still for a couple of minutes before walking slowly into the long grass where they could be heard making a low purring noise. Binturong or Bear Cat Arctictis binturong. Recorded frequently along Kuala Balai Rd where it is a common sight on any visit after dark with as many as three different animals seen, particularly from May to July. Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus. Two noisy animals were seen playing together along the edge of the road at Teraja during August 2009 at about 9am in the morning. They continued chasing each other up for several minutes, so absorbed in play that one actually ran into my foot before noticing my presence and then both ran off into the forest with a lot of squeaking calls. Later the same day another animal was seen at the start of the Teraja waterfall walk, about 2klm away and may have been a different animal. This one also walked to within 1m of me before running away so perhaps they have poor eyesight? Marbled Cat Felis marmorata. On the morning of 20th May 2007, I was standing at the small side track about halfway along the Kuala Balai Rd when all the monkeys in the area starting making a tremendous noise together including shrill squeals and yells which I had not often heard before. After about 45mins sustained calling, the subject of their attention crossed a fallen log across the ditch from the Belait River direction and paused for about 30seconds on the tarmac before continuing to cross the other ditch. The Marbled Cat is smaller than a Clouded Leopard but still the size of a labrador dog and fairly intimidating when seen from a distance of 50m! While I watched it with binoculars it stared motionless straight back until walking slowly away. The monkeys kept up their complaining for another 10mins when presumably the cat moved out of the area.

Oriental Small-clawed Otters Kuala Balai Rd Jeremy Moore, 2009

Bearded Pig Sus barbatus. Seen quite often along the Kuala Balai Rd and also around Andalau and on the road to Tasek Merimbun. Adults are very large, over 1m in length and often appearing almost black in colour due to being covered in mud. Families with piglets have been seen at the end of Kuala Balai Rd during 2008.

Lesser Mouse Deer Tragulus javanicus. This tiny deer, not much larger than a rabbit on spindly legs has been seen twice along Kuala Balai Rd, in June 2008 and January 2009. On both occasions there was a loud crashing from the forest, similar to a Bearded Pig. So it was quite surprising when this small animal appeared. On the second occasion the ditch was full with water so the animal swam slowly and confidently through the water for some 50m before finding a way out.

Common Barking Deer (Red Muntjac) Muntiacus muntjac. Two animals were seen crossing the Bukit Sawat Road at precisely the same place during July and August 2009. On both occasions they stopped for some time in the road, completely still – the photo was taken in the early morning using a tripod, timer and with a one second exposure. The loud and gruff barking of this species has also been heard here

as well as in the forest near Tasek Merimbun.

Bearded Pig Kuala Balai Rd

Jeremy Moore, 2007

Lesser Mouse Deer Kuala Balai Rd

Jeremy Moore, 2008

Common Barking Deer Bukit Sawat

Jeremy Moore, 2009

Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor. I was very surprised to encounter one of these large animals standing alongside Jalan Tengah between G5 and the small bridge towards SupaSave during late afternoon of 11th October 2009. Presumably it had been disturbed from it’s habitat in the area towards the bypass by the new housing project. Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris. At least three animals were following the boat at the end of the AWC count in Brunei Bay on 10th Feb 2008 in around 2m water depth. They were identified from the very small dorsal fin and snubnosed head shape. REPTILES Estuarine Crocodile. A small crocodile no more than 70cm long was seen on one occasion in the ditch along Kuala Balai Rd where a stream runs under the road. Individuals closer to 2m in length have occasionally been seen along Sungai Seria near the BSP Learning Centre and also from the footbridge behind the BSRC carpark while one of 2.5m was frequently seen asleep on a muddy island in the middle of the J15 pond in early October 2009. Monitor Lizard. A common feature of ditches and streams around Brunei, they can

be surprisingly large with one over 2m long seen at Tutong Sewage Works in 2008. Although most often seen on the ground, they spend most of the day sitting high up in trees, often pressing themselves against dead branches to become almost invisible.

Snakes. Tree snakes appear to be very common in the Panaga gardens area, having been seen several times particularly during drier periods. They occasionally fall down from trees onto the paths around the house, making a distinctive ‘splat’ sound as they land and then move away very quickly into cover. The snake in the photo took around 30min to first paralyse and then swallow this frog which tried

Snake eats Frog! Panaga F2 18

Jeremy Moore, 2008

Monitor Lizard

Panaga F2 18 Jeremy Moore, 2008

to inflate itself in an effort to persuade the snake to release its grip, but to no avail. The croaking of the frog at 2pm in the afternoon first revealed this meal-in-progress in a small shrub in the garden. Black cobras are also present in the camp area, however apart from one tree snake along Kuala Balai Rd I have never encountered any snakes during many trips into the forest.

Lizards. This bright green lizard, about 15cm long was seen running across the lawn on two legs quite often during 2006 and was photographed catching flies and other small insects in the roots of a large tree. A similar coloured lizard has been seen in the Labi area gliding slowly over distances of over 20m between trees. At rest it can be seen to have a yellow throat patch which it can push out by filling it with air. I am not sure whether it is the same species as the one seen and photographed in the garden. Green Lizard

Panaga F2 18 Jeremy Moore, 2007

REFERENCES This section includes resources used in identifying birds and also some of the older reports on birds and birdwatching sites which I have used during my time in Brunei. The most important reference is a good field guide covering the different plumages of the species as well as comments on their likely habitat and also distribution. It is also preferable to buy one which is restricted to the birds of Borneo and neighbouring regions and so does not include too many species which you will not see here. I have used “A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali” by John MacKinnon and Karen Phillips, the latest version of which is available from Amazon. An excellent database of photos of birds found in Borneo, usually including males, females, young birds and also seasonal plumage differences for waders can be found at the Oriental Bird Club Site at http://orientalbirdimages.org/index.php . This is an excellent tool to confirm identification as the illustrations in books can never entirely capture exactly the correct coloration. Mark Hessels and Andrea Bloem spent the years 2004-2008 in Brunei watching, photographing and documenting the bird to be found here. Mark’s book “Winging the Bornean Skies” includes many fantastic photographs and accounts of bird behaviour as well as some details on birding sites in Brunei and neighbouring Malaysia. Copies of the book can be obtained from PNHS. Andrea has co-ordinated the recent Asian Waterbird Census counts for Brunei and compiled reports for 2007 and 2008. The counts take place in Dec / Jan and the reports cover not only the sightings lists but also detailed site and access descriptions and commentary of habitat threats as well as habitat changes over time. Another excellent reference is the Audio DVD “Birds of Tropical Asia 3.0” by Jelle Scharringa, published by Bird Songs International BV (http://www.birdsongs.com) which includes calls plus photos of most species found in SE Asia including many on Borneo. This has been invaluable in distinguishing the calls of difficult species such as Babblers and helped to identify other birds such as Garnet Pitta and Green Broadbill which are actually fairly common in the Labi area, although rarely seen. The Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS) has a library of older notes and guides on birds and birdwatching locations in Brunei, many of which I have found very useful in finding the sites described here as well as an initial guide to which birds can be expected here: “An annotated Checklist of the Birds of Brunei” edited by G.A.Vowles & R.S.Vowles 1984. “A checklist of the Birds of Brunei Darussalam” by Clive F. Mann (1987). “Good birdwatching spots in Brunei” by Jim Burrell (1992). Finally, the PNHS website itself also has records and links to some of these documents as well as information on other aspects of nature and conservation in Brunei. https://www.bsp.com.bn/PanagaClub/PNHS1/PNHS%20homepage.htm

birdwatching and bird records in brunei and bird records in brunei august 2005 – september 2009...

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