Borneo Birds

The Dark Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx bocki was previously considered as a race of the Large Hawk-cuckoo.  Locally common in hill and montane habitat (Mt. Kinabalu, Rafflesia F.R.), it will be easier to find the bird if you could familiarised yourself with the call, a repeated two note whistle with a longer second note.  Enjoy.

The Buff-necked Woodpecker is confined to the lowlands of the Sundaic region and is one of only 3 species in the Meiglyptes genus.  Although fairly common, habitat loss has caused it to be classified as near-threatened.  Sexes differ, with the female lacking a red malar stripe.

A first look at the Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus reminds you of the smaller Black and Yellow Broadbill.  Both birds display similar wing patterns and blue bills.  However the Banded does not have the white collar and the pinkish belly of the Black and Yellow.  The calls of the two birds are very similar with the Banded starting its song with a loud note.  They also share the same habitat in lowland forest up to 1,200m.

The Crimson-headed Partridge Haematortyx sanguiniceps is locally common in the montane areas of Borneo.  However it is also found in some lower habitat as in Tabin Wildlife Reserve.  The male bird’s loud territorial calls can be heard in the early morning, becoming less frequent as the day goes on.  I believe this is the least sensitive of the partridges in Borneo, so head to the area where you hear the calls.  Good luck !

The Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius is supposed to be a bird of the lowland forest but here is one up at Kinabalu Park, just over 1,500 metres above sea level.  A definite altitude record for this beautiful owl.  It was perching upright against the trunk of the tree, perhaps giving it additional stealth in this daytime roost.  When I took this photo in fading light, the bird was just slowly opening its eyes.  I think it would be great fun for someone who has never seen this bird before to spot the location of the eyes when they are closed.

Thanks to Andy Boyce and Adam Mitchell of the University of Montana Avian Life History project.