The English names used in this report follow Smythies (1960) where
possible. If the bird has not been recorded from Borneo previously, then
I have resorted to Delacours and Mayr's "Birds of the Philippines"
(1946). The taxonomy is that of Smythies (1960), except where current
American or my own opinion differs and where new evidence has warranted
a change. The sequence of families is that of Wetmore (1960).
Two species listed beyond that had not previously been recorded from the
island of Borneo are: Red-footed Booby, _Sula sula_; and Whitehead's
Thick-head, _Pachycephala whiteheadi_. Six additional kinds listed
beyond had not previously been recorded from North Borneo. They are:
Chinese Egret, _Egretta eulophotes_; Knot, _Calidris canutus_; Ground
Cuckoo, _Carpococcyx radiceus_; _Stachyris nigriceps hartleyi_; Finch's
Bulbul, _Criniger finschii_; and Pale Blue Flycatcher, _Muscicapa
unicolor_.
_=Sula sula=_ (Linnaeus): Red-footed Booby.--A captive seen in the Tawau
police station was said to have been caught when it landed at night on a
police launch anchored off Siamil Island in or near May, 1962. The bird
was in first-year or second-year plumage, seemed to be tame, and was
thriving on a diet of fish. Identification was made by Alexander Wetmore
from a photographic print. This is the first seemingly substantiated
record of the species from Borneo, although it probably occurs there
regularly. The species breeds on Bankoran Island and on Tubbataha Reef
in the Sulu Sea (Smythies, 1960:113).
_=Fregata ariel=_ (G. R. Gray): Lesser Frigatebird.--This conspicuous
bird on the waters around Tawau is occasionally seen in Cowie Harbor but
more often along the coast outside the Harbor. On September 20 an
estimated 300-500 birds circled over the shore northeast of Tawau.
_=Ardea sumatrana sumatrana=_ Raffles: Dusky-gray Heron.--_Specimens_,
2. Karindingen Island: [Male] testis 12 x 23 mm., November 24, 1962, MCT
3308; [Male], November 24, 1962, MCT 3309.
The specimens were taken on the coral sand beach surrounding
Karindingen Island. At least 10 were seen feeding on the beach and
on a reef. One (MCT 3308) had testes of a size suggesting that it
was in breeding condition.
_=Casmerodius alba modestus=_ (Gray): Common Egret.--_Specimen_, 1.
Karindingen Island: [Female], November 24, 1962, MCT 3310.
This species was seen on three dates: August 17 at Karindingen
Island, where 30 were observed feeding along the mangroves
bordering the island; on November 24, on the same island, where a
specimen was taken from a flock of 30 birds that had been feeding
on the coral sand and reef; and on November 30 when a single bird
landed at the small reservoir at the Cocoa Research Station and
began to feed in the shallow water. Only four specimens appear to
have been recorded earlier (Smythies, 1957:561), although Smythies
(1963:270) lists additional sight records.
_=Egretta garzetta=_ (Linnaeus): Little Egret.--On November 24 at
Karindingen Island, I observed several mixing freely with individuals of
_E. sacra_ on the coral sand beaches and reefs.
_=Egretta eulophotes=_ (Swinhoe): Chinese Egret.--_Specimen_, 1:
Ka-Karis, Kinabatangan River, 200 feet: [Male], October 20, 1963, ADG
326.
This is the only record known to me of this species from North
Borneo. Smythies (1960:126) lists 11 specimens from other parts of
Borneo.
_=Egretta sacra=_ (Gmelin): Reef Egret.--The species was observed at
Karindingen Island on August 17 and November 24, 1962, and was the most
common egret on the island. One compact flock of 50 was seen at high
tide. No white-phased birds were in the flock.
_=Bubulcus ibis coromandus=_ (Boddaert): Cattle Egret.--_Specimen_, 1:
Tongod: [Female], October 21, 1963, ADG 328.
Individuals were observed daily at Tuaran with cattle at the
Agricultural Research Centre. I saw them on December 9 when I
arrived at Tuaran and again on January 13, when I departed.
_=Ardeola bacchus=_ (Bonaparte): Chinese Pond Heron.--_Specimen_, 1: 12
mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 26, 1962, MCT 3151.
The specimen was brought to our camp by a local boy who obtained it
on a stream that ran through his kampong (village) near our sulap
(hut). The stream was a small one that ran out of the primary
forest, through the village, and back into secondary forest.
_=Butorides striatus=_ (Linnaeus): Little Green Heron.--_Specimens_, 2:
Telipok: [Female], March 10, 1963, TM 67; Sex?, December 13, 1962, TM 6.
This heron was seen at Karindingen Island on August 17, 1962, in a
small swamp near the Tawau airport on September 16, and on the reef
at Siamil Island on September 18. The specimens collected at
Telipok were not identified to subspecies.
_=Ixobrychus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus=_ (Gmelin): Chestnut
Bittern.--_Specimen_, 1: Tuaran: Sex?, December 24, 1963, SCFC 32.
This specimen was probably taken in the paddy around the
Agricultural Research Centre, where I saw Chestnut Bitterns in
January 1963.
_=Leptoptilos javanicus=_ (Horsfield): Lesser Adjutant
Stork.--_Specimen_, 1: Karindingen Island: [Male] testis small, November
24, 1962, MCT 3311.
My first observation of this species was at Karindingen Island on
August 17, when approximately 100 birds were seen feeding on the
coral sand and reefs. I saw them also within a mile of Semporna
along the ship channel, usually in the vicinity of fish traps. On
August 31 two birds flew high overhead at Quoin Hill, proceeding in
the direction of Cowie Harbor. On November 24, large numbers at
Karindingen Island were sitting in mangroves and feeding on the
reefs around the island. Two birds were caught by the rising tide
while feeding on the reef and were unable to take off. One of these
was shot in approximately six to seven feet of water; its feathers
were completely waterlogged. Interestingly the flaky skin of the
crown had blue-green algae growing on it. These birds were heard
calling many times on the reef and in the mangroves; the call is
much like the deep growl of a dog.
Sims, Banks, and Harrison have found the storks common in this area
(Smythies, 1957:569). Although I could find no evidence of it,
possibly Karindingen Island is a nesting locality.
_=Anas querquedula=_ Linnaeus: Garganey.--_Specimen_, 1: Kg. Banjar:
sex? November 13, 1963, ADG 329.
This teal obtained by Garcia is our only record of any duck from
North Borneo.
_=Haliastur indus=_ (Boddaert): Brahminy Kite.--This common resident of
the Cocoa Research Station was observed almost daily while I was in the
field. It seemed to prefer the cleared areas replanted to cocoa and oil
palm and was common also at Tawau, Semporna, and Karindingen Island.
_=Accipiter trivirgatus microstictus=_ Mayr: Crested
Goshawk.--_Specimens_, 2: Pintasan Agriculture Station: [Male], October
17, 1963, ADG 314. Cocoa Research Station: [Male], April 30, 1963, ADG
89.
_=Spizaetus cirrhatus limnaetus=_ (Horsfield): Changeable
Hawk-eagle.--_Specimen_, 1: Tiger Estate: [Male], April 28, 1963, ADG 74
(Specimen in black phase).
_=Hieraetus kienerii formosus=_ (E. Geoffroy): Rufous-bellied
Hawk-eagle.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm., July
10, 1962, MCT 2615. Tiger Estate: [Female], July 13, 1962, MCT 2621.
The presence of an immature bird of this species in North Borneo
lends support to the suggestion of Smythies (1957:580) that this
species breeds in Borneo.
_fHaliaeetus leucogaster=_ (Gmelin): White-bellied Sea Eagle.--This
eagle appears to be fairly common along the coast in the Tawau-Darvel
Bay area. I saw it around Cowie Harbor, Tawau, Semporna, and Siamil
Island.
_=Spilornis cheela=_ Latham: Crested Serpent Eagle.--I saw this eagle
but once, circling overhead at the Cocoa Research Station on September
26, 1962.
_=Microhierax latifrons=_ Sharpe: White-fronted Falconet.--_Specimens_,
2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 41.2 gm., July 6,
1962, MCT 2600. Tiger Estate: [Female] oviduct regressing, old brood
patch, December 1, 1962, MCT 3418.
This species was first seen at the Cocoa Research Station. The
specimen taken there bobbed its head in the manner of various other
falcons. On two occasions individuals were observed sitting in a
low tree in the front yard of a home in Kalabakan.
These records extend the known range of this species south from
Darvel Bay (Smythies, 1960:161) to Cowie Harbor.
_=Falco peregrinus japonensis=_ Gmelin: Peregrine Falcon.--_Specimen_,
1: Kampong Kuamut: [Male], October 20, 1963, ADG 327.
_=Coturnix chinensis=_ (Linnaeus): Painted Quail.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa
Research Station: [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., September 6, 1962, MCT 2881.
This specimen is intermediate between _C. c. lineata_ and _C. c.
caerulescens_, tending slightly toward the latter in having more
rufous coloring on the tertials. R. E. Kuntz took a male at Ranau
(USNM 472504) that was also intermediate in its characters but was
referable to _C. c. lineata_. These two specimens, when compared
with series of specimens from the Philippines and Sumatra, fitted
into a clinal progression of increasingly rufous tertials toward
Sumatra. Peters (1934:96) united _C. c. caerulescens_ with _C. c.
palmeri_, but Amadon (in _litt._) retains _C. c. caerulescens_
(Smythies, 1957:588). No clear-cut distributional pattern is yet
discernible in North Borneo and the arrangement of Amadon (MS)
should probably be reviewed again when more specimens become
available.
These birds were observed several times at the Cocoa Research
Station but were difficult to collect. They were abundant in the
grasslands on the Brantian Estate.
_=Rollulus roulroul=_ (Scopoli): Crested Green Wood Partridge.--It was
observed once along the Apas River at the Cocoa Research Station, in
primary forest.
_=Haematortyx sanguiniceps=_ Sharpe: Crimson-headed Wood
Partridge.--Frederick Dunn saw one fly across the padang at the Cocoa
Research Station rest house on September 9.
_=Lophura ignita=_ (Shaw and Nodder): Crested Fireback
Pheasant.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], molting,
July 20, 1962, MCT 2624. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], November 4, 1962,
MCT 3206; [Male], November 7, 1962, MCT 3216.
This pheasant was taken in native snares from primary forest.
_=Lophura bulweri=_ (Sharpe): Bulwer's Pheasant.--_Specimens_, 3: 5.5
mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 25, 1962, MCT 3534; [Male], December
27, 1962, MCT 3539; [Female], December 27, 1962, MCT 3540.
This bird was first taken in a snare 12 miles north of Kalabakan.
Unfortunately, the specimen was stolen and only its tail feathers
were brought in by the trappers. Mr. Comber of Sapong Estates in
Tenom said this species comes in numbers with the wild-pig
migration and that he had observed this at least three times. He
has also seen three-quarters grown young at Tenom, so they
seemingly nest there. They were found only in primary forest.
These specimens constitute the first records of the species for the
west coast of North Borneo (_cf._ Smythies, 1957:593).
_=Argusianus argus grayi=_ (Elliott): Great Argus
Pheasant.--_Specimens_, 6: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 14, 1962,
MCT 3034; [Female], October 22, 1962, MCT 3121; [Male], October 23,
1962, MCT 3130; [Male], October 27, 1962, MCT 3166; [Female]?, October
29, 1962, MCT 3307. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 19, 1962, MCT
3464.
This species is a common resident of the primary forest at
Kalabakan and in the lower areas around Tenom (J. A. Comber, pers.
comm.). It is found only in primary forest.
_=Rallina fasciata=_ (Raffles): Malaysian Banded Crake.--_Specimen_, 1:
Tiger Estate: [Male], July 11, 1963, ADG 193.
_=Amaurornis phoenicurus javanicus=_ (Horsfield): White-breasted
Waterhen.--_Specimens_, 3: Tuaran: sex?, March 1, 1963, ADG 5. Telipok:
[Female], February 2, 1963, TM 23; [Male], February 2, 1963, TM 24.
This species was commonly observed in marshes near Tawau and on the
Brantian Estate.
_=Gallicrex cinerea=_ (Gmelin): Watercock.--_Specimen_, 1: Tiger
Estate: sex?, December 17, 1962 (taken on dry grassland).
_=Squatarola squatarola=_ (Linnaeus): Black-bellied Plover.--On
September 2 I saw a flock of 12 plovers on the Tawau golf course. They
were in a mottled plumage indicating extensive molt and feather growth.
Later in the day a bird in almost complete breeding plumage flew
overhead.
_=Charadrius peroni=_ Schlegel: Malay Sand Plover.--On September 15, one
was sitting on the Tawau Airport runway. Another was observed on
November 20, feeding near a water buffalo wallow on the Brantian Estate.
Smythies (1960:191) lists sandy beaches as the only habitat.
_=Charadrius leschenaulti=_ Lesson: Large Sand Plover.--On September 16
one was sitting on the Tawau Airport runway.
_=Numenius phaeopus variegatus=_ (Scopoli): Whimbrel.--_Specimen_, 1:
Karindingen Island: [Male], November 24, 1962, MCT 3315.
This was the most common curlew around Karindingen Island on
November 24. Flocks of 10 to 20 individuals were feeding on the
coral sand around the island, and a few individuals were sitting in
the tops of dead mangroves at low tide.
_=Numenius arquata=_ (Linnaeus): Common Curlew.--On November 24, a
Common Curlew flew from Karindingen Island toward the mainland.
_=Numenius madagascariensis=_ (Linnaeus): Eastern Curlew.--I first
observed this curlew on August 17 at Karindingen Island, where 50 were
feeding on the coral sand. At that time it was the most abundant
shorebird. When I returned to the island on November 24, several were
seen around the island, but the species was not so abundant as _N.
phaeopus_.
_=Limosa lapponica=_ (Linnaeus): Bar-tailed Godwit.--A flock of five was
observed at Karindingen Island on November 24.
_=Tringa totanus eurhinus=_ (Oberholser): Redshank.--_Specimens_, 2:
Karindingen Island: [Female], November 24, 1962, MCT 3312; [Female],
November 24, 1962, MCT 3313.
On August 17, this bird was common and feeding on the coral sand at
Karindingen Island. When I revisited the island on November 24 the
Redshank seemed to prefer the mangrove areas for feeding and was
the most common wader.
_=Tringa ochropus=_ Linnaeus: Green Sandpiper.--_Specimen_, 1: Brantian
Estate: [Female], November 19, 1962, MCT 3305.
The specimen, one of three or four birds seen, was taken near a
grassland pond.
_=Heteroscelus incanum=_ (Gmelin): Wandering Tattler.--One was feeding
along a sandy beach and later on rocks on Siamil Island on September 18,
1962.
_=Capella megala=_ (Swinhoe): Swinhoe's Snipe.--_Specimens_, 3: Tiger
Estate: sex?, December 9, 1962; sex?, December 9, 1962. Pintasan
Agriculture Station: [Male], October 17, 1963, ADG 317.
These three specimens lend support to the theory of Smythies
(1960:206) that this species is the common snipe of North Borneo.
_=Calidris canutus=_ (Linnaeus): Knot.--On August 17, I saw 20 Knots
feeding on the coral sand at Karindingen Island. They were still partly
in breeding feather, showing rusty color here and there on the breast. I
saw no Knots on November 24 at Karindingen Island. There is but one
prior record for Borneo, from the North Natuna Islands (Chasen,
1935:39).
_=Erolia ruficollis=_ (Pallas): Red-necked Stint.--_Specimen_, 1:
Karindingen Island: [Male], November 24, 1962, MCT 3314.
The species was common on November 24 around Karindingen Island,
usually in flocks of 5 to 10 birds.
_=Glareola pratincola=_ (Linnaeus): Collared Pratincole.--_Specimen_, 1:
Tiger Estate: [Male], April 28, 1963, ADG 75.
_=Chlidonias hybrida=_ (Pallas): Whiskered Tern.--_Specimen_, 1: Kuala
Sumawang: sex?, September 18, 1962, ADG 280.
Smythies (1960:217) lists no record for North Borneo.
_=Sterna bergii=_ Lichtenstein: Greater Crested Tern.--_Specimens_, 2:
Kuala Sumawang: [Female], September 18, 1963, ADG 278; [Male], September
18, 1963, ADG 279.
This tern was observed several times off the coast of North Borneo
near Tawau.
_=Treron curvirostra curvirostra=_ (Gmelin): Thick-billed
Pigeon.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 9 x 5
mm., 166.7 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2693; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., 167.2
gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2694; [Male] testis 13 x 6 mm., 167.8 gm.,
August 1, 1962, MCT 2695; [Male] testis 9 x 5 mm., 155.5 gm., August 1,
1962, MCT 2700; [Female], 112.9 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2712; [Male],
185.8 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2713; [Female], 135.4 gm., growing new
5th primary, August 25, 1962, MCT 2806; [Female], 132.2 gm., August 31,
1962, MCT 2842; [Male], 112.5 gm., August 31, 1962, MCT 2843.
This pigeon was the most common bird eating wild figs (_Ficus_) in
the communal feeding trees, where there were as many as 30 gathered
in one tree to feed. While resting, individual birds commonly
dipped their tails.
_=Treron olax olax=_ (Temminck): Little Green Pigeon.--_Specimens_, 2:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 11 x 5 mm., September 1, 1962, MCT
2844. Pintasan Agriculture Station: [Male], October 14, 1963, ADG 306.
The species was seen only once. At the Cocoa Research Station, one
bird sat on a dead tree and fed on a red berry from a vine. The
call resembled the crying of a child. Others called in the cocoa.
The bird taken had testes of a size indicating possible breeding
condition.
_=Treron vernans purpurea=_ (Gmelin): Pink-necked Green
Pigeon.--_Specimens_, 10: Tiger Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT
3323; [Female], November 25, 1962, MCT 3325. Telipok: [Female], January
31, 1963, TM 22; [Female], January 31, 1963, TM 20; [Male], January 31,
1963, TM 19; [Female], January 31, 1963, TM 21; [Male], February 10,
1963, TM 35; [Male], February 2, 1963, TM 25. Mt. Rumas: [Female], March
6, 1963, ADG 11. Tuaran: [Female], November 29, 1963, SCFC 34.
The species was confined to the lowlands around Tawau, as at the
Tawau Airport in the scrub growth. Flocks of 50 to 100 were
observed at Tuaran. None of the specimens taken in November was in
breeding condition.
_=Ducula bicolor=_ (Scopoli): Pied Imperial Pigeon.--I observed this
pigeon on September 18 and 19 at Siamil Island. On the first day two
were seen in the few remaining trees on the island and on September 19 a
flock of 12 flew southwest over the island at about 8:30 A. M.
_=Streptopelia bitorquata=_ (Temminck): Javanese Turtle Dove.--On Siamil
Island on September 18 and 19, two were seen at close range feeding
with 10 _S. chinensis_. There is only one other record from Borneo;
Pryer took one at Sandakan in the 1880's (Everett, 1889:193) and it has
not been recorded since. Chasen (1935:22) speculated that the Javanese
Turtle Dove was introduced to Borneo as a cage bird. But, Borneo is
seemingly well within the normal range of the species and probably it is
a resident of North Borneo. The Javanese Turtle Dove and the
Spotted-necked Dove, _S. chinensis_, closely resemble each other; this
resemblance may help to account for the lack of records of _S.
bitorquata_.
_=Streptopelia chinensis=_ (Scopoli): Spotted-necked Dove.--_Specimens_,
2: Tiger Estate: [Male], June 19, 1963, ADG 149. Telipok: [Male],
February 10, 1963, TM 34.
This is a common bird of the coconut groves around Tawau and on
Siamil Island.
_=Chalcophaps indica=_ (Linnaeus): Emerald Dove.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa
Research Station: [Male], June 17, 1963, ADG 146.
Birds, always solitary, of this species often were seen in the
cocoa groves at the Cocoa Research Station.
_=Tanygnathus lucionensis lucionensis=_ (Linnaeus): Blue-naped
Parrot.--_Specimens_, 3: Siamil Island: [Male], September 19, 1962, MCT
2928; [Female], September 19, 1962, MCT 2929; [Female], September 19,
1962, MCT 2930.
These birds were seen on September 18 and 19. I saw flocks of 10 to
20 in the remnant of forest on the north side of the island. The
birds were almost entirely inhabitants of the forest and were
rarely seen in the coconut groves. I estimated the entire island
population to be between 30 and 100 birds. The Japanese residents
knew nothing of the birds, although they were aware of a cockatoo
(_Cacatua galerita_) that had lived at large on the island for
several years. The Blue-naped Parrot has been found only on the
Maratuas and on Mantanani Island. Smythies (1960:242) surmised that
the Mantanani population was introduced by sailing craft from the
Sulu Sea. In the light of the present discovery, I think the
species is a naturally-established resident of the North Bornean
islands.
_=Psittinus cyanurus cyanurus=_ (Forester): Little Malay
Parrot.--_Specimens_, 2: Tiger Estate: [Female], October 11, 1962, MCT
2998; [Male], October 11, 1962, MCT 2997.
Smythies (1963:277) was the first to record this species from North
Borneo. However, the Harvard Primate Expedition in 1938 took three
specimens as follows: [Male], Sandakan, June 6, 1937, MCZ 197123;
[Male], Morutai Besar, June 27, 1937, MCZ 197124; [Male], Kalabakan
River, July 16, 1937, MCZ 197125. The Harvard collection of birds
from North Borneo appears to have been overlooked, although it was
mentioned in passing by Smythies (1960:526). The specimens in my
collection were taken in the same general area where H. G. Deignan
took the Harvard specimens.
_=Loriculus galgulus=_ (Linnaeus): Malay Lorikeet.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa
Research Station: [Female], May 1, 1963, ADG 103.
This lorikeet was rare at all of our collecting localities.
_=Cuculus fugax fugax=_ Horsfield: Malayan Hawk-Cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 3:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 86.0 gm., August 28, 1963, MCT 2825;
[Male], 79.0 gm., September 11, 1962, MCT 2899; [Female], September 28,
1962, MCT 2977.
This species was first observed on August 28 in primary forest and
was seen regularly from then until September 28 in secondary
forest, primary forest, and in cocoa shade trees.
_=Cacomantis sonnerati=_ (Latham): Banded Bay Cuckoo.--Birds that may
have been of this species were observed on several occasions. E. J. H.
Berwick (pers. comm.) claimed he had heard _C. sonnerati_ at the Cocoa
Research Station. I have heard many times a call sometimes ascribed to
this species but I have not actually seen the bird making the sound. If
the call note I heard is actually of this species it is not rare in the
Quoin Hill area.
_=Cacomantis merulinus threnodes=_ Cabanis and Heine: Plaintive
Cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 25.0 gm.,
September 8, 1962, MCT 2891; [Female] imm., 27.0 gm., September 8, 1962,
MCT 2892; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., November 29, 1962, MCT 3382. Tenom:
[Male], January 1, 1963, MCT 3563. Ulu Balung: [Female], July 15, 1963,
ADG 199.
This cuckoo was common in all habitats examined at all of our
collecting stations, except the moss forest near Tenom.
_=Cacomantis variolosus sepulchralis=_ (S. Muller): Fantailed
Cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 30.8 gm.,
August 28, 1962, MCT 2824. Ulu Balung: [Male], July 10, 1963, ADG 183.
The specimens were collected in primary forest. There are only five
earlier records for all of Borneo (Smythies, 1960:253-254).
Probably this species nests in Borneo; it is unlikely that
specimens taken in August and July are migrants.
_=Chalcites xanthorhynchus xanthorhynchus=_ (Horsfield): Violet
Cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum 1
mm., September 26, 1962, MCT 2964.
This species was seen twice, both times in the research station
cocoa plantings. The specimen taken was from a shade tree, _Trema
orientalis_.
_=Chalcites malayanus aheneus=_ Junge: Malaysian Green
Cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] definite brood
patch, 17.5 gm., body molt, July 4, 1962, MCT 2587; [Male] testis 4 x 4
mm., 19.1 gm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2736; [Female], 17.5 gm., August 8,
1962, MCT 2737; [Male], 17.5 gm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2738; [Male]
testis 4 x 3 mm., 18.2 gm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2739; [Female], August
25, 1962, MCT 2809; [Male], 21.1 gm., September 11, 1962, MCT 2900;
[Male], October 2, 1962, MCT 2984. Tiger Estate: [Female] oviduct
enlarged, brood patch, November 25, 1962, MCT 3318.
This cuckoo was common in the cocoa planting at the Cocoa Research
Station and not found in any other type of habitat. Smythies
(1960:255) thought that possibly two species of _Chalcites_ were
represented in the series of _Chalcites malayanus_ from Borneo. I
have assembled all 20 known specimens, however, including seven in
the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard unreported by Smythies
(1957:638) and find that the variation in the coloration of the
head and upperparts is due to the difference in sexes, the males
being darker than the females. There is much variation in the
length of the wing, but the meaning of this variation is not yet
clear.
_=Surniculus lugubris barussarum=_ (Oberholser):
Drongo-cuckoo.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm.,
July 28, 1962, MCT 2672, discarded; [Female] imm., 28.6 gm., August 25,
1962, MCT 2810.
The first specimen was taken in secondary forest; it had been
sitting in a dead tree, occasionally darting out after insects.
The second specimen was taken in cocoa; its stomach contained 50
caterpillars.
_=Eudynamys scolopacea=_ (Linnaeus): Koel.--This species was observed at
Tawau and on Siamil Island, on August 30 and September 18, respectively.
_=Clamator coromandus=_ (Linnaeus): Red-winged Crested
Cuckoo.--_Specimen_, 1: Telipok: [Female], February 10, 1963, TM 33.
_=Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus fuscigularis=_ (Baker): Raffles
Malcoha.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], August 26,
1962, MCT 2813.
Flocks of three and four were seen in the cocoa. At Kalabakan the
species was feeding about 40 feet up in the second canopy layer of
the primary forest.
_=Phaenicophaeus diardi borneensis=_ (Salvadori): Lesser Green-billed
Malcoha.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 58.2 gm.,
July 22, 1962, MCT 2636; [Female], 55.8 gm., September 8, 1962, MCT
2890; [Male], September 13, 1962, MCT 2918.
This malcoha was seen only three times; it was the second most
common malcoha.
_=Phaenicophaeus javanicus pallidus=_ (Robinson and Kloss): Red-billed
Malcoha.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 97.0 gm.,
August 31, 1962, MCT 2841; [Male], 98.0 gm., September 8, 1962, MCT
2889.
The two specimens were taken in cocoa. On October 2, 1962, I saw
one about 100 feet up in the top canopy layer of the primary forest
at the Cocoa Research Station and, on October 3, two more hopping
from branch to branch about 150 feet up in a tree.
_=Phaenicophaeus curvirostris borneensis=_ (Blasius and Nehrkorn):
Chestnut-breasted Malcoha.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station:
[Female] old brood patch, 121.8 gm., July 6, 1962, MCT 2602; [Female],
September 4, 1962, MCT 2864; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., 143.6 gm., wing
molt, July 7, 1962, MCT 2611; [Male] testis 6 x 2 mm., 111.0 gm., August
11, 1962, MCT 2763; [Female], May 25, 1963, ADG 110. Ulu Balung: sex?,
July 24, 1963, ADG 216. Tiger Estate: [Male], June 22, 1963, ADG 156.
This was the most numerous of the malcohas at the Cocoa Research
Station. It was observed in primary forest, secondary forest,
citrus trees, and cocoa trees. In the primary forest it ranged in
the upper canopy from 100 to 150 feet up.
As Peters has indicated (1940:56), the name _P. c. borneensis_
(Blasius and Nehrkorn) 1881 has priority over _P. c. microrhinus_
Berlepsch 1895 (used by Smythies).
_=Centropus sinensis=_ (Stephens): Common Coucal.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa
Research Station: [Female], May 15, 1963, ADG 108.
The finding of a coucal at the Cocoa Research Station on May 15,
1963, came as something of a surprise, since none had been seen
there earlier by our group. Coucals were seen at Tawau but were not
collected or identified to species.
_=Centropus bengalensis=_ (Gmelin): Lesser Coucal.--_Specimens_, 2:
Tuaran: [Female], April 1, 1963, ADG 46; sex?, December 3, 1963, SCFC
17.
_=Carpococcyx radiceus radiceus=_ (Temminck): Ground
Cuckoo.--_Specimen_, 1: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] imm., November 7,
1962, MCT 3217.
This male was taken in a native snare in primary forest and
provides our only record. The specimen is in the postjuvenal (first
prebasic) molt.
This record is the first for this species from North Borneo
(Smythies, 1957:643); others are known from Sarawak and Indonesian
Borneo.
_=Otus bakkamoena lemurum=_ Deignan. Collared Scops Owl.--_Specimens_,
3: Tiger Estate: [Female], November 25, 1962, MCT 3319. Tenom: [Male]
testis 6 x 5 mm., body molt, January 1, 1963, MCT 3552. Agricultural Oil
Palm Station: [Male], October 6, 1963, ADG 299.
The specimen from Tenom was taken in a bird net set in a
grass-scrubland situation; the testes were regressing. Harrison
(Smythies, 1957:645) found this species breeding in the Kelabit
uplands in January.
_=Glaucidium brodiei borneense=_ Sharpe: Pygmy Owlet.--_Specimen_, 1:
Ulu Balung: [Male], July 19, 1963, ADG 210.
The specimen taken by Garcia is the sixth known (Smythies,
1957:646) from Borneo and the first from the east coast. Specimens
were collected in 1956 in North Borneo by the Cambridge Expedition.
_=Ninox scutulata borneensis=_ (Bonaparte): Hawk-owl.--_Specimen_, 1:
Tenom: [Female] largest ovum 2 mm., oviduct evident, January 6, 1963,
MCT 3583.
This female, taken in a bird net in a grass-scrubland association,
was coming into breeding condition.
_=Strix leptogrammica=_ Temminck: Malaysian Wood Owl.--_Specimens_, 2:
Cocoa Research Station: sex?, July 9, 1963, ADG 182; [Male], May 25,
1963, ADG 111.
On September 7, 1962, I flushed two of these owls from a tree
beside the Apas River in primary forest. One was subsequently shot
but lost. Garcia's two specimens were not identified to subspecies.
_=Caprimulgus macrurus salvadori=_ Sharpe: Long-tailed
Nightjar.--_Specimens_, 3: Tuaran: [Female], January 12, 1963, MCT 3592;
[Female], March 2, 1963, ADG 6. Mt. Rumas: [Male], March 6, 1963, ADG
13.
This was an abundant bird on the Jesselton-Tuaran road but was not
seen at any of the other collecting stations in North Borneo.
_=Collocalia fuciphaga natunae=_ Stresemann: Thunberg
Swiftlet.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum
7 mm., oviduct enlarged, 13.1 gm., June 30, 1962, MCT 2570; [Female]
ovary small, September 8, 1962, MCT 2887. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female],
December 20, 1962, MCT 3485.
This swiftlet was seen every day while we were at the Cocoa
Research Station and was common also in the mountains around Tenom,
where it flew in and out of the fog over our camp.
_=Collocalia esculenta=_ ssp.: White-bellied Swiftlet.--_Specimens_, 7:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 5.5 gm., July 4, 1962, MCT 2591; [Male],
6.2 gm., July 5, 1962, MCT 2594; [Male], 6.2 gm., July 1, 1962, MCT
2574; [Female], 6.0 gm., July 4, 1962, MCT 2589; [Female], 5.7 gm., July
4, 1962, MCT 2590. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] testis 4 x 2 mm., November
10, 1962, MCT 3236; [Male], November 10, 1962, MCT 3237.
This was the most abundant of all the swifts at the Cocoa Research
Station and in the Kalabakan area and was seen also at Semporna on
August 16, 1962, in a small coral cave near the District Officer's
house. This cave was 10 feet high at most, but averaged five to six
feet. It harbored about 1,000 birds, most of them nesting back in
the dimly lit zone but one small group of 50 nested in the entrance
in bright light. The adults were still feeding young, although the
latter could fly strongly.
_=Chaetura leucopygialis=_ (Blyth): White-rumped Spine-tailed
Swift.--_Specimens_, 12: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] well-developed
brood patch, June 28, 1962, MCT 2565; [Female], 12.9 gm., June 30, 1962,
MCT 2567; [Female], June 30, 1962, heavy molt on body, head, wing, tail,
MCT 2568; [Female], 14.5 gm., June 30, 1962, MCT 2569; [Female], 13.0
gm., June 30, 1962, MCT 2571; [Female], 13.0 gm., July 1, 1962, MCT
2572; [Male] testis 4 x 2 mm., 12.3 gm., July 1, 1962, MCT 2575; [Male]
testis 2 x 1 mm., 14.9 gm., July 2, 1962, MCT 2576; [Female], 15.4 gm.,
July 5, 1962, MCT 2595; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 15.4 gm., wing molt,
July 5, 1962, MCT 2596; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 11.9 gm., July 6, 1962,
MCT 2598; [Female], 13.0 gm., July 6, 1962, MCT 2599.
This species was common around the Cocoa Research Station but was
not seen elsewhere. There is some variation in color within the
populations.
_=Hemiprocne comata comata=_ (Temminck): White-whiskered Tree
Swift.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm.,
17.0 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2675; sex?, young in juvenal plumage, MCT
2812; [Male], April 28, 1963, ADG 76.
At the Cocoa Research Station this common bird usually was seen
sitting on a dead branch of a shade tree in the cocoa whence it
would dart out after insects. It rarely perched higher than 12
feet. Occasionally it was seen in a clearing in the primary forest.
_=Hemiprocne longipennis longipennis=_ (Rafinesque): Crested Tree
Swift.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm.,
September 4, 1962, MCT 2866; sex?, 42.8 gm., September 8, 1962, MCT
2888.
These swifts also were common at the Cocoa Research Station. Unlike
_H. comata_, these birds flew high and sat far up in trees while
resting. I never observed them in the primary forest.
The two specimens were more greenish-blue dorsally than typical _H.
l. longipennis_. Specimens from Java were paler gray ventrally and
their tertials were more nearly white. Too few specimens were
available to permit determination of the constancy of the mentioned
variation and the two from the station are referred to the nominate
subspecies until more material becomes available.
_=Harpactes diardi diardi=_ (Temminck): Diard's Trogon.--_Specimens_, 8:
Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 95.9 gm., July 2, 1962, MCT 2579; 3
alcoholic naked young, July 3, 1962, presumed young of 2579, MCT
2581-83; [Female], 95.0 gm., August 20, 1962, MCT 2782; [Male] testis 6
x 3 mm., September 5, 1962, MCT 2870; [Male], September 5, 1962, MCT
2871; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT 3409.
This was the most numerous of the trogons at the Cocoa Research
Station. One female was taken in a live trap set for rats in the
cocoa. The next day a laborer found a young, presumably of that
female, in a nest in the same area. On August 20, a flock of 5 to
10 birds was seen moving together in a loose group through the
jungle. This species appeared to be a bird of the primary forest,
but occasionally was found in the cocoa.
_=Harpactes kasumba impavidus=_ (Chasen and Kloss): Red-naped
Trogon.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 72.1 gm.,
August 5, 1962, MCT 3730 (discarded); [Female], September 7, 1962, MCT
2883.
This species of the deep forest was not seen in any other habitat.
_=Harpactes duvauceli=_ (Temminck): Scarlet-rumped Trogon.--_Specimens_,
7: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 30.9 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2648;
[Male]?, December 1, 1962, MCT 3407; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT 3408.
Ulu Balung: [Female], July 18, 1963, ADG 209; [Male], July 18, 1963,
ADG 208. Kinabatangan Agricultural Station: [Female], October 13, 1963,
ADG 305. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 10, 1962, MCT 2996.
This trogon of the primary forest was second in abundance only to
_H. diardi_.
_=Halcyon concreta=_ (Temminck): Chestnut-collared
Kingfisher.--_Specimens_, 2: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], November 8,
1962, MCT 3222; [Female], November 8, 1962, MCT 3223.
This kingfisher was netted near a small stream in the deep primary
forest. Another individual was obtained in moss forest at an
elevation of 4,000 feet at Tenom, but was discarded.
_=Halcyon chloris chloroptera=_ (Oberholser): White-collared
Kingfisher.--_Specimens_, 4: 9.5 mi. E Tawau: [Female] largest ovum 3
mm., 61.7 gm., July 29, 1962, MCT 2683; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., 60.3
gm., July 29, 1962, paired with 2683. Telipok: [Female], February 9,
1963, G. R. Conway; [Female], February 10, 1963, G. R. Conway.
This is a bird of the sea coast. It was seen at Tawau, Siamil
Island, and Karindingen Island.
_=Halcyon sancta sancta=_ (Vigors and Horsfield): Sacred
Kingfisher.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], June 17,
1963, ADG 147.
The specimen was taken along the Apas River in scrubland near the
river. One previously was recorded from North Borneo, this from
Labuan (Smythies, 1957:660). He (1963:278) saw another at Bauto on
the Labuk River.
_=Halcyon pileata=_ (Boddaert): Black-capped Kingfisher.--_Specimens_,
3: Tenom: [Male], January 1, 1963, MCT 3564. Pintasan Agriculture
Station: [Female], October 18, 1963, ADG 322; [Male], October 11, 1963,
ADG 301.
The specimen from Tenom was caught in a net in the scrub-grassland
association. The others were taken along the Kinabatangan River.
_=Pelargopsis capensis fraseri=_ Sharpe: Stork-billed
Kingfisher.--_Specimens_, 2: Telipok: [Male], February 9, 1963, TM 30.
Mt. Rumas: [Male], April 16, 1963, ADG 53.
This species was common along the lower reaches of the Kalabakan
and Brantian rivers and in the mangroves near Tawau.
_=Alcedo atthis bengalensis=_ Gmelin: Common Kingfisher.--_Specimen_, 1:
Pintasan Agriculture Station: [Female], October 12, 1963, ADG 304.
I saw this kingfisher once along the Apas River at Quoin Hill and
again along the beach at Siamil Island.
_=Alcedo euryzona euryzona=_ Temminck: Blue-banded
Kingfisher.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September
7, 1962, MCT 2884. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 19, 1962, MCT
3091; [Female], October 20, 1962, MCT 3099; [Male], October 20, 1962,
MCT 3101.
This species was fairly common along streams deep in the primary
forest at Quoin Hill.
_=Ceyx erithacus=_ ssp. (Linnaeus): Forest Kingfisher.--_Specimens_, 4:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 13.2 gm., September 14, 1962, MCT 2924;
12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 18, 1962, MCT 3075; [Female],
October 26, 1962, MCT 3163. Oil Palm Research Station: [Male], September
5, 1963, ADG 273.
All specimens taken showed characters intermediate between those of
the subspecies _C. e. motleyi_ and _C. e. rufidorsus_. Voous (1951)
states that, in all the Malaysian region, the greatest number of
hybrids between these two subspecies occurred in Borneo and,
further, that he could find hybrid specimens showing practically
all imaginable character combinations. My specimens also showed
these intermediate tendencies and I am unable at present to
allocate the specimens to subspecies.
_=Merops viridis viridis=_ Linnaeus: Blue-throated
Bee-eater.--_Specimens_, 9: Mt. Rumas: [Male], March 5, 1963, ADG 9;
[Male], March 5, 1963, ADG 10; [Female], March 6, 1963, ADG 20; [Male],
March 7, 1963, ADG 21; [Female], March 7, 1963, ADG 22; [Male], March 7,
1963, ADG 23. Telipok: [Female], March 24, 1963; ADG 39. Pintasan:
[Male], October 22, 1963, ADG 302; [Female], October 12, 1963, ADG 303.
These specimens were all taken in March and October and seem to
support Smythies' (1957:664) idea that they arrive with the
northeast monsoon (October to March) and are absent the rest of the
year.
_=Nyctiornis amicta=_ (Temminck): Red-bearded Bee-eater.--_Specimen_, 1:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September 27, 1962, molting, MCT 2970.
The specimen was taken along a stream in the deep primary forest,
where it was sitting on a dead twig overlooking the stream. The
call note was much like that of a scolding squirrel. This was the
only time this species was observed in the Quoin Hill area.
_=Eurystomus orientalis cyanicollis=_ Vieillot: Broad-billed
Roller.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x 1
mm., 157.4 gm., heavy molt, July 3, 1962, MCT 2585; [Male] testis 2 x 1
mm., 152.0 gm., heavy molt, July 21, 1962, MCT 2633; [Female], 146.4
gm., heavy molt, July 21, 1962, MCT 2634; [Female], April 29, 1963, ADG
83.
At the Cocoa Research Station this common bird perched in dead
trees in the cocoa. On several evenings in September, an individual
was seen catching insects in flight at dusk, repeatedly returning
to a stump between forays. This continued until it was so dark that
I could barely discern the bird.
_=Berenicornis comatus=_ (Raffles): White-crested Hornbill.--A pair was
seen feeding about 150 feet up in a tree at the Cocoa Research Station.
No other was seen in northern Borneo.
_=Annorrhinus galeritus=_ (Temminck): Bushy-crested Hornbill.--This
hornbill was seen only on October 3, 1962, at the Cocoa Research
Station, when a flock of five flew overhead.
_=Aceros leucocephalus=_ (Vieillot): Wrinkled Hornbill.--On October 3,
1962, a pair was seen in the primary forest at the Cocoa Research
Station.
_=Aceros undulatus undulatus=_ (Shaw): Wreathed Hornbill.--_Specimens_,
2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum 5 mm., October 2, 1962,
MCT 2981; [Male] testis 10 x 11 mm., October 2, 1962, MCT 2982.
This, the most common hornbill at Quoin Hill and at Kalabakan,
occurred in primary forest.
_=Anthracoceros malayanus=_ (Raffles): Black Hornbill.--A flock of five
was seen at the Cocoa Research Station rest house on September 6 and 13,
1962.
_=Buceros rhinoceros=_ Linnaeus: Rhinoceros Hornbill.--It was fairly
common at the Cocoa Research Station, where several were observed in
July and August.
_=Rhinoplax vigil=_ (Forster): Helmeted Hornbill.--The Helmeted Hornbill
was rarely observed, but almost every day we heard its call when we were
on the east coast. It was also heard in the forest on the west coast
around Tenom, but is not common there owing to hunting by the natives.
Skulls of this and the preceding species were on sale in a shop at
Tenom, despite laws prohibiting the killing of these species.
_=Calorhamphus fuliginosus tertius=_ Chasen and Kloss: Brown
Barbet.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum 2
mm., 38.8 gm., brood patch, July 7, 1962, MCT 2610; [Female], 40.0 gm.,
August 1, 1962, MCT 2702; [Female], 44.8 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2703;
[Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., September 25, 1962 (paired with MCT 2956), MCT
2955; [Female], September 1, 1962, MCT 2846, [Female], September 25,
1962, MCT 2956; [Female]?, November 30, 1962, MCT 3436.
These barbets were common at the Cocoa Research Station both in
secondary forest and cocoa, usually in groups of three or four.
They were seen also at Kalabakan where the birds fed in the top of
a 100-foot tree in the primary forest.
In describing this bird, Smythies (1960:322) said the male's bill
is black. The one male that I took had an orange bill and at no
time did I observe any black-billed birds at the Cocoa Research
Station; this black bill perhaps is a character of the subspecies
_C. f. fuliginosus_.
_=Megalaima henrici brachyrhyncha=_ Neumann: Yellow-crowned
Barbet.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 72.8 gm.,
August 1, 1962, MCT 2696; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., 83.2 gm., August 2,
1962, MCT 2705; [Male] testis 6 x 5 mm., 73.7 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT
2706.
This barbet was common at the Cocoa Research Station and its call
could be heard at any time of day until dusk. Smythies (1960:324)
described this call as _took-took-took-took-trrrroook_. All birds
of this species that I watched and listened to, however, were
calling thus: _trrrroook-took-took-took-took_. The number of
_tooks_ varies, but is generally four and can be as high as seven.
This species was heard at all stations on the east coast. At
Kalabakan, one was heard calling all day long from the top of a
70-foot tree.
Comparison of my specimens with those in the U. S. National Museum
revealed that _M. h. brachyrhyncha_ was readily distinguishable
from the nominate race by measurements. The average length of bill
in my specimens was 23 mm., whereas the average length in two
specimens from Sumatra and Siam in the U. S. National Museum was 27
mm. The Bornean specimens differ also in having the blue patch on
the head larger and darker than in _M. h. henrici_. _M. h.
brachyrhyncha_ certainly seems to be a valid race on the basis of
the available specimens.
_=Megalaima chrysopogon chrysopsis=_ Goffin: Gold-whiskered
Barbet.--_Specimens_, 10: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum
2 mm., 164.4 gm., July 21, 1962, MCT 2627; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm.,
156.0 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2697; [Female], 177.2 gm., August 1,
1962, MCT 2701; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., 172.6 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT
2717; ?, 182.2 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2718; [Female], 181.5 gm., MCT
2721; [Male] testis 10 x 8 mm., 148.5 gm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2741;
[Male], June 23, 1963, ADG 155; [Female], May 25, 1963, ADG 109. Tiger
Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT 3324.
Next to the Brown Barbet, this was perhaps the most common barbet
at the Cocoa Research Station and was often the only bird heard in
the heat of the day. On three occasions birds were observed
clinging to the side of a tree as a woodpecker might, pecking away
at dead wood. This species was seen both in the cocoa and primary
forest.
_=Megalaima mystacophanes mystacophanes=_ (Temminck): Gaudy
Barbet.--_Specimens_, 8: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 60.3 gm.,
July 25, 1962; [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., 79.2 gm., August 9, 1962, MCT
2749; [Male] testis 9 x 5 mm., September 1, 1962, MCT 2845; [Female],
September 25, 1962, MCT 2950; [Female], April 30, 1963, ADG 88. 12 mi. N
Kalabakan: [Male], October 20, 1962, MCT 3103. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male]
testis 8 x 6 mm., December 25, 1962, MCT 3530; [Female], December 25,
1962, MCT 3537.
This common bird lived in the secondary and primary forest and
cocoa. I saw it at all localities. At least two calls were given by
this species. One was a simple _took_ with a long pause between
calls; the other was as described by Smythies (1960:323).
The birds fed from high in trees down to nearly ground level. This
species like _M. chrysopogon_, clung to the sides of trees and
pecked at dead wood.
_=Megalaima australis duvauceli=_ (Lesson): Little Barbet.--_Specimens_,
3: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 7 x 5 mm., 35.2 gm., August 1,
1962, MCT 2692; [Male] testis 9 x 5 mm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2699;
[Female] ovary granular, 33.0 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2704.
I was unable to make detailed observations on this species. All
specimens were taken from a high feeding tree, where it was
impossible to identify them before hand.
_=Indicator archipelagicus=_ Temminck: Malaysian
Honey-guide.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] ovary
minute, 29 November 1962, MCT 3394. Tenom: [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm.,
January 5, 1963, MCT 3580.
The specimen from the Cocoa Research Station was taken in a net in
the cocoa and the Tenom bird was taken in a net in the middle of
Tenom, both in garden areas. These two specimens differ in
coloration from Bornean birds in the U. S. National Museum; I think
the difference results from "foxing" of the older specimens.
Specimens have been taken previously in North Borneo on the
Bengkoka River, Lumbidan, and on the Mengalong River (Smythies,
1957:669). Mary Norman saw this honey-guide once at the Quoin
Estate in 1962 (Smythies, 1963:279).
_=Sasia abnormis=_ (Temminck): Rufous Piculet.--_Specimens_, 13: Cocoa
Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., molting, July 10, 1962, MCT
2612; [Female], September 24, 1962, MCT 2940; [Female], December 1,
1962, MCT 3411; [Male], July 9, 1963, ADG 177; [Male], July 7, 1963, ADG
166; [Male], June 14, 1963, ADG 135. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female],
October 17, 1962, MCT 3061. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 19, 1962,
MCT 3470; [Female], December 23, 1962, MCT 3517; [Male], December 24,
1962, MCT 3529; [Female], December 27, 1962, MCT 3541. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Female], August 24, 1963, ADG 257; [Male], August 15, 1963,
ADG 242.
The piculet was common in the secondary undergrowth near the Cocoa
Research Station, and was taken once in the primary forest. One
bird was seen sitting on a small branch about 10 feet up at a right
angle to the branch. It did not ascend the tree like a woodpecker.
This species was also taken in the moss forest near Tenom.
_=Picus puniceus observandus=_ (Hartert): Crimson-winged
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 65.8 gm.,
July 27, 1962, MCT 2671; [Male], September 27, 1962, MCT 2973.
This woodpecker was observed twice, both times in primary forest at
the Cocoa Research Station.
_=Picus mentalis humei=_ (Hargitt): Checkered-throated
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 93.3
gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2642; sex?, 107.0 gm., August 5, 1962, MCT 2733.