Borneo Birds

This is the third time I have seen this bird but would like to add that our bird records in Borneo leave a lot to be desired.  I previously saw the Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla on Lankayan Island and Tiga Island, both off Sabah.  On my recent trip to another island, Maratua Island off East Kalimantan, I got lucky with this photo of this lone bird.  The literature says it breeds in North Eurasia so I am quite impressed that it got here.

Maratua Island, off the coast of East Kalimantan is better known for its diving and stingless jellyfish.  For the more intrepid birder however, this is a very worthwhile destination.  While the island has a short resident bird list, it has 2 new Bornean endemics, recently split from their mainland counterparts (Sheldon & Chua, 2013).  The Maratua Bulbul above, split from the Black-headed Bulbul, is found throughout the island.  The other bird is the Maratua Shama, already facing uncertainties due to trapping.

I flushed out this of a pair of roosting Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus temminckii after going off trail while birding recently at the Sungai Wain Protected Forest near Balikpapan in Kalimantan.  Prior to this, I have seen this bird only in flight.  Its habits are quite predictable, roosting during the day and flying out as soon as it gets dark.  It usually flies just over the forest canopy, accompanied by its distinctive 3 note calls.  It was truly exciting to be able to see it perched.

Despite it being mentioned as common in various publications, I have not been able to spot the Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker frequently.  When I do, it is usually low down on a flowering plant.  I really enjoy looking for its orange-red patch on the crown which I thought adds class to an already beautiful bird.

If you are looking for a face for Borneo birding, the Bornean Bristlehead must be it.  This is the only member of the family Pityriaseidae and the genus Pityriasis.  This uncommon bird of the lowland and peatswamp forest finds itself pasted on posters and publications.  Not surprisingly then, it is on the wanted list of most visiting birders to Borneo.  The lucky get to see it moving nosily through the forest canopy, usually in groups of 5 to 8 birds.  What joy!

If you are at the British Bird Fair this weekend, look for this bird at Marquee No. 1.