_=Picus miniaceus malaccensis=_ Latham: Banded Red
Woodpecker.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 8 x 5
mm., 79.5 gm., August 4, 1962, MCT 2722.
On August 4 I saw two birds of this species together in badly
disturbed primary forest and took the specimen listed above.
_=Micropternus brachyurus badiosus=_ (Bonaparte): Rufous
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] brood
patch, 4 to 5 old collapsed follicles, 73.2 gm., July 3, 1962, MCT 2584;
[Female], 65.4 gm., July 25, 1962, MCT 2658; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm.,
66.7 gm., July 25, 1962, MCT 2659. Tiger Estate: [Male], June 23, 1963,
ADG 158; [Female], June 23, 1963, ADG 159.
I saw this woodpecker but twice, both times at the Cocoa Research
Station. A female taken from a dead tree in the cocoa may have been
just finishing nesting activities, judging from the size of the
ova. A pair seen feeding on the ground near a brush pile in
secondary forest was collected. The stomachs contained ants.
_=Dendrocopos canicapillus aurantiiventris=_ (Salvadori): Oriental Pygmy
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: sex?, July 22,
1962, MCT 2635; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., 23.5 gm., molting, August 25,
1962, MCT 2807.
On July 22 four individuals were feeding on dead trees in the
cocoa. They made a _cheep cheep_ sound, rattling calls, and
drummed. On August 25, 1962, two were feeding in dead trees in the
cocoa. The testes of specimen MCT 2807 were probably regressing
since it was beginning the molt.
_=Meiglyptes tristis micropternus=_ Hesse: Fulvous-rumped Barred
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 31.7 gm.,
July 7, 1962, MCT 2607; [Male], May 28, 1963, ADG 115.
Compared with _M. tukki_, this species was comparatively rare. I
saw two on July 7 working in a living tree some 15 feet above the
ground. The tree was only 20 feet high and had dense foliage. The
birds gave a rattling call note of about two seconds duration; it
sounded like a typical woodpecker call. The single call note can be
rendered _cheet_. They were also heard drumming, but only softly.
The stomachs contained ants, which probably are what the two
woodpeckers were feeding on in the green tree.
_=Meiglyptes tukki tukki=_ (Lesson): Buff-necked Barred
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 13: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x
1 mm., heavy molt, July 10, 1962, MCT 2614; [Female], 53.3 gm., July 28,
1962, MCT 2677; [Male], 51.5 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2679; [Female],
48.7 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2678; [Male], December 2, 1962, MCT 3423;
[Female], December 2, 1962, MCT 3424; [Female], December 2, 1962, MCT
3425. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 26, 1962, MCT 3153. Telipok:
[Female], March 24, 1962, ADG 37. Agriculture Oil Palm Research Station:
[Female], October 4, 1963, ADG 292; [Female], August 15, 1963, ADG 238;
[Female], August 14, 1963, ADG 234. Pintasan Agriculture Station:
[Female], October 17, 1963, ADG 313.
This was the most common woodpecker at the Cocoa Research Station.
A flock of four was seen on July 28, 1962, and on December 2, 1962,
I took three simultaneously in one mist net. The species has
flocking tendencies. Calls heard were a typical woodpecker rattle.
_=Dinopium rafflesi dulitense=_ Delacour: Olive-backed Three-toed
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 11 x
7 mm., July 12, 1962, MCT 2620; [Male], September 6, 1962, MCT 2879. 12
mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 20, 1962, MCT 3097. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Male], August 12, 1963, ADG 227.
The species was taken in both primary and secondary forest. The
specimen collected at the Cocoa Research Station on July 12
suggests that the species breeds there.
_=Dryocopus javensis javensis=_ (Horsfield): Great Black
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] old brood
patch, 284.7 gm., light body and tail molt, July 6, 1962, MCT 2601;
[Male] by plumage, July 19, 1962, MCT 2625; [Female], June 25, 1963, ADG
162; [Male], May 26, 1963, ADG 112.
This species was common at the Cocoa Research Station. On June 30,
1962, a flock of six was moving through secondary forest. On July
6, 1962, I saw four in dead trees in one of the cocoa fields.
_=Mulleripicus pulverulentus pulverulentus=_ (Temminck): Great Slaty
Woodpecker.--_Specimen_, 1: Tiger Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT
3326.
I saw this species once at the Cocoa Research Station, where a
flock of four was feeding 30 feet up in secondary forest about 100
feet high on October 4, 1962.
_=Blythipicus rubiginosus parvus=_ Chasen and Kloss: Maroon
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September
28, 1962, MCT 2975. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] imm., October 17, 1962,
MCT 3062.
I saw this bird sporadically while I was on the east coast. It
seemed to prefer secondary forest that had some undergrowth and was
invariably flushed from the understory.
_=Chrysocolaptes validus xanthopygius=_ Finsch: Orange-backed
Woodpecker.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], light body
and wing molt, July 2, 1962, MCT 2575; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., 168.5
gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2640; [Female], 176.1 gm., July 23, 1962, MCT
2641; [Male], September 28, 1962, MCT 2976.
This was one of the more common woodpeckers at the Cocoa Research
Station. I saw it throughout the period I was there, in secondary
forest and dead trees in the cocoa fields.
_=Calyptomena viridis gloriosa=_ Deignan: Green Broadbill.--_Specimens_,
10: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 67.4 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT
2698; [Female], 53.2 gm., September 16, 1962, MCT 2927; [Female], May 6,
1963, ADG 106; [Male], June 18, 1963, ADG 148; [Female] by plumage, June
26, 1963, ADG 164. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 12, 1962, MCT
3015; [Female], October 20, 1962, MCT 3098; [Male], October 22, 1962,
MCT 3122. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female], August 15, 1963, ADG 240.
Pintasan: [Male], October 16, 1963, ADG 310.
Sight records of this species are evidently a poor indication of
its abundance, because I saw but one in the field at the Cocoa
Research Station, a male sitting in the top of cocoa tree about
eight feet up. All the specimens were netted, and the number so
taken indicates not only that the species is common but also that
it frequents the lower levels of the forest as well as the tops of
tall trees (as noted by Smythies, 1960:339).
_=Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus macrorhynchus=_ (Gmelin): Black-and-Red
Broadbill.--_Specimens_, 2: Kalabakan: [Male], November 16, 1962, MCT
3296. Tiger Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT 3321.
This species was seen only at Kalabakan, where I caught two in one
net in dense secondary forest.
_=Eurylaimus ochromalus ochromalus=_ Raffles: Black-and-Yellow
Broadbill.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 32.0 gm.,
July 28, 1962, MCT 2682; [Male], 32.0 gm., August 1, 1962, MCT 2747;
[Male], 33.8 gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2753; [Female], 34.0 gm.,
September 11, 1962, MCT 2892; [Male], 34.7 gm., September 14, 1962, MCT
2926; [Female], September 26, 1962, MCT 2968; [Male], April 27, 1963,
ADG 71. Agricultural Station Gum-Gum: [Female], September 26, 1963, ADG
284. Pintasan Agriculture Station: [Female], October 16, 1963, ADG 311.
This broadbill was common at the Cocoa Research Station in cocoa
fields and adjacent secondary forest; it was never seen in primary
forest. On September 4, 1962, I saw 10 to 15 in the cocoa, moving
in a loose flock. The birds uttered call notes and at the same time
bowed their heads sharply, as if to emphasize the call. Frequent
supplanting, attacks, and other aggressive interactions were seen.
The species was heard and observed also at a place 12 miles north
of Kalabakan, at the edge of, but never in, primary forest.
_=Eurylaimus javanicus brookei=_ Robinson and Kloss: Banded
Broadbill.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 7 x 4
mm., 81.8 gm., July 25, 1962, MCT 2660.
This broadbill was seen only on two occasions at the Cocoa Research
Station, both times at the edge of the primary forest.
_=Pitta baudi=_ Muller and Schlegel: Blue-headed Pitta.--_Specimens_, 6:
12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 17, 1962, MCT 3067; [Female],
October 23, 1962, MCT 3131; [Male], October 30, 1962, MCT 3182;
[Female], October 30, 1962, MCT 3185; [Female], November 5, 1962, MCT
3212; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., November 6, 1962, MCT 3213.
The Blue-headed Pitta was abundant at the Kalabakan collecting
locality, in primary forest. It was seen only once at the Cocoa
Research Station.
The voice of this bird was a one-note whistle with a terminal
inflection. It reminded me of a small child crying. When one
called, it was usually in chorus with several others.
_=Pitta guajana schwaneri=_ Bonaparte: Banded Pitta.--_Specimens_, 4:
Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm, 63.4 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2651;
[Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., 81.5 gm., August 4, 1962, MCT 2723; [Female]
imm., 71.8 gm., August 4, 1962, MCT 2724; [Male], June 15, 1963, ADG
145.
The specimens were taken in primary forest. This pitta was
exceedingly tame, often moving along only 20 feet ahead of the
observer. The one adult male taken hopped along the forest floor,
occasionally jumping up on a log or plant to look back. It finally
flushed and flew about 30 feet ahead of me to a log; there it gave
a call which can be rendered as _shewo_, repeated at 10- to
15-second intervals. The call was much like that of _Pitta
sordida_.
_=Pitta brachyura moluccensis=_ (P. L. S. Mueller): Blue-winged
Pitta.--_Specimen_, 1: Tenom: [Female] oviduct slightly enlarged,
edematized brood patch, December 31, 1962, MCT 3544.
The specimen was taken in a net stretched across a dry stream near
the Padas River in a relatively open area near a coconut grove with
some bamboo and elephant ears nearby.
_=Pitta sordida mulleri=_ Bonaparte: Green-breasted Pitta.--_Specimens_,
2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], May 1, 1963, ADG 96; [Female],
July 15, 1963, ADG 203.
The discovery of this bird by Garcia was a surprise. I was familiar
with its habits and calls in the Philippines, and in four months I
never heard or observed it at the Cocoa Research Station. Perhaps
the specimens were migrants.
_=Hirundo tahitica abbotti=_ Oberholser: Pacific Swallow.--_Specimen_,
1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], April 26, 1963, ADG 58.
This species was common at most localities on the east coast. On
June 25, 1962, a pair was building a nest under the Cocoa Research
Station laboratory. On July 21 young were observed leaving the
nest, at the research station rest house.
_=Hirundo rustica gutturalis=_ Scopoli: Common Swallow.--_Specimens_, 9:
12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], November 10, 1962, MCT 3238; [Male],
November 10, 1962, MCT 3239; [Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3257;
[Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3258; [Male], November 12, 1962, MCT
3259; [Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3260; [Male], November 13, 1962,
MCT 3268; [Female], November 13, 1962, MCT 3269; [Female], November 13,
1962, MCT 3270.
I saw this migrant at Semporna on August 19, 1962; soon it was the
most common swallow at each of the localities where seen.
_=Cecropsia striolata striolata=_ Temminck and Schlegel: Striated
Swallow.--While in Kalabakan on November 3, 1962, I saw a swallow that
differed markedly from others in town. I could not see the breast, but
the rump was conspicuously tawny, clearly indicating that the bird
belonged to this species. There are but two specimens from Borneo, both
from southwestern Sarawak (Smythies, 1960:353). D. M. Batchelor records
the species from Kimanis Bay but gives no dates other than
November-December (Smythies, 1963:280). Batchelor's observation and mine
provide the first records for North Borneo.
_=Dicrurus aeneus malayensis=_ (Blyth): Bronzed Drongo.--_Specimen_, 1:
12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 20, 1962, MCT 3104.
This drongo was seen only once, when a flock of three to five was
feeding late one evening in a clearing where the trees had been cut
down the day before.
_=Dicrurus paradiseus brachyphorus=_ (Bonaparte): Large Racket-tailed
Drongo.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] immature, 58.2
gm., August 4, 1962, MCT 2727; [Female], 65.1 gm., August 20, 1962, MCT
2786; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT 3413. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female],
October 20, 1962, MCT 3102. Kalabakan: [Male], November 18, 1962, MCT
3303.
I seldom saw this species in the cocoa at Quoin Hill. Twelve miles
north of Kalabakan it was common in tree tops 150 feet up, foraging
in the upper canopy.
_=Oriolus xanthonotus consobrinus=_ Ramsay: Malaysian Black-headed
Oriole.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] imm., 41.8 gm.,
July 22, 1962, MCT 2639; [Female], 40.7 gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2644;
[Male] testis 1 x 1 mm., 48.2 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2653; [Female]
imm., 36.3 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2681; [Male] imm., 40.4 gm., August
25, 1962, MCT 2804; [Male], September 26, 1962; MCT 2962; [Male],
November 29, 1962, MCT 3381; [Female], December 2, 1962, MCT 3426. 12
mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 28, 1962, MCT 3180.
This oriole was common in the cocoa and in secondary forest
surrounding the cocoa at Quoin Hill.
_=Platylophus galericulatus coronatus=_ (Raffles): Crested
Jay.--_Specimens_, 4: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 17, 1962,
MCT 3068; [Female], October 21, 1962, MCT 3116; [Male], October 21,
1962, MCT 3117; [Male], October 21, 1962, MCT 3118.
This jay was observed several times at the forest camp at
Kalabakan. The bird utters a metallic chattering noise much like
that of other jays, except for the metallic quality. I observed it
also in moss forest 5.5 miles north of Tenom.
Comparison of my specimens with series in the U. S. National Museum
and the American Museum of Natural History indicates wide variation
within this species in Borneo. The specimens vary considerably in
depth of brown, some approaching _P. g. lemprieri_ and others _P.
g. coronatus_. Because of this wide variation I have not recognized
the subspecies _lemprieri_ and place all specimens from Borneo
under _coronatus_.
_=Platysmurus leucopterus aterrimus=_ (Temminck): Black Crested
Magpie.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] brood patch
refeathering, 181.6 gm., July 21, 1962, MCT 2628; [Female] imm., 143.4
gm., July 21, 1962, MCT 2629; [Female], September 4, 1962, MCT 2865;
[Male], 178.0 gm., September 6, 1962, MCT 2880.
The Black Crested Magpie was common at Quoin Hill in secondary
forest and cocoa. At the Kalabakan forest camp, I saw a flock of 10
to 20 feeding 70 to 100 feet up in a tree in primary forest.
_=Corvus enca compilator=_ Richmond: Slender-billed Crow.--_Specimen_,
1: Pintasan Agricultural Station: [Female], October 17, 1963, ADG 315.
Small flocks in the cocoa and secondary forest were common at the
Cocoa Research Station.
_=Pityriasis gymnocephala=_ (Temminck): Bald-headed Wood
Shrike.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] one testis,
115.0 gm., October 4, 1962, MCT 2987; [Female] largest ova 15 mm.,
well-developed brood patch, oviduct enlarged, 140.0 gm., October 4,
1962, MCT 2988; [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., 121.0 gm., October 4, 1962, MCT
2989. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], November 8, 1962, MCT 3224; [Female],
November 8, 1962, MCT 3225; [Male], November 8, 1962, MCT 3226;
[Female], November 8, 1962, MCT 3227.
These birds first drew my attention at Quoin Hill by their peculiar
whistle, which Smythies (1960:491) calls a "nasal whine." They seem
not to descend lower than 30 feet above the ground. They are
exceedingly tame; I shot at them two to four times without
frightening them off. They were in badly disturbed primary forest
at Quoin Hill. At a point 12 miles north of Kalabakan, I found them
in primary forest. I took four birds from a flock of five or six.
Later in the afternoon, I heard another group in the tops of trees
150 feet high. They seemed to be fairly common, judging by the
frequency with which the calls were heard. One of the birds I shot
was only wounded and set up such a clamor that soon the rest of the
flock approached, seemingly in response to the distress calls. Some
individuals came within 20 feet of me. The noise also attracted an
accipiter.
Some of the specimens were made into skeletons, which I think show
important indications of the systematic position of this species.
The Bald-headed Wood Shrike has been placed in various families.
Gadow (1883:90) placed it with the Cracticidae, with its closest
relative being _Cracticus_. Amadon (1956) thought that it was best
left in the Prionopidae, with subfamily status. Hachisuka (1953)
concluded that its closest affinities were with _Cracticus_ of the
family Cracticidae. The latest reviser, A. L. Rand (_in_ Peters _et
al._, 1960:364-365), places it in the Laniidae. A brief comparison
of my skeletons of _Pityriasis_ tended to confirm Gadow's and
Hachisuka's conclusion that it belongs with the Cracticidae. I
think that it is best placed in this family, with subfamily status
(Pityriasinae).
_=Sitta frontalis corallipes=_ (Sharpe): Velvet-fronted
Nuthatch.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm., 14.0
gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2646; [Male] imm., 13.0 gm., August 20, 1963,
MCT 2780; [Male] imm., August 27, 1962, MCT 2820.
I saw several nuthatches feeding in secondary forest at Quoin Hill
and one 12 miles north of Kalabakan. One was observed feeding about
100 feet up in a dipterocarp.
_=Pellorneum capistratum morrelli=_ Chasen and Kloss. Black-capped
Jungle Babbler.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3
x 2 mm., 21.1 gm., July 27, 1962, MCT 2667; [Female], 21.4 gm., July 31,
1962, MCT 2690; [Male], September 24, 1962, MCT 2938; [Female], June 13,
1963, ADG 131; [Female] imm., June 14, 1963, ADG 140; [Female], July 7,
1963, ADG 168. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Female], July 11, 1963, ADG
188.
This species was seen 12 miles north of Kalabakan and at Quoin
Hill. It was fairly common and could be seen running on the ground
ahead of the observer, occasionally hopping up on a brush pile or
branch, seemingly to make a quick survey before moving back to the
ground. It preferred primary forest but was occasionally observed
in the primary-secondary forest edge vegetation.
_=Trichastoma pyrrhogenys canicapillum=_ (Sharpe): Temminck Jungle
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 13: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 17,
1962, MCT 3445; [Male], December 17, 1962, MCT 3446; [Male], December
17, 1962, MCT 3452; [Male], December 18, 1962, MCT 34554; [Female]
collapsed follicles, brood patch, December 18, 1962, MCT 3455; [Male],
December 18, 1962, MCT 3460; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., December 18, 1962,
MCT 3461; [Male], December 19, 1962, MCT 3474; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm.,
December 19, 1962, MCT 3475; [Male], December 22, 1962, MCT 3505;
[Male], December 24, 1962, MCT 3528; [Female] imm., December 25, 1962,
MCT 3532; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., December 25, 1962, MCT 3533.
This species was common in the moss forest near Tenom. The female
specimen with collapsed follicles indicates that some of the birds
were in breeding condition. All specimens were netted.
_=Trichastoma malaccense poliogenys=_ (Strickland): Short-tailed Jungle
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 17: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 7 x 4
mm., 24.5 gm., July 31, 1962, MCT 2687; [Female], September 5, 1962, MCT
2874; [Female], September 24, 1962, MCT 2941; [Male], November 29, 1962,
MCT 3387; [Female], November 29, 1962, MCT 3388; [Male], December 1,
1962, MCT 3400; [Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3262. Kalabakan:
[Male], November 16, 1962, MCT 3292. Cocoa Research Station: [Male],
June 11, 1963, ADG 123; [Male], June 12, 1963, ADG 127; [Female], June
13, 1963, ADG 132. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 9, 1963, ADG
179; [Male], July 9, 1963, ADG 179 (_sic_). Oil Palm Research Station:
[Male], August 10, 1963, ADG 219; [Male], August 12, 1963, ADG 225;
[Female], August 13, 1963, ADG 236; [Female], August 23, 1963, ADG 255.
This terrestrial species was common in primary forest, and
occasionally in secondary forest, in low trees or around brush
piles. On September 24, by "squeaking," I so aroused one bird that
it ran back and forth on a limb of a fallen tree in great
agitation. The specimen taken on November 12 was in heavy molt; it
lacked tail feathers and the primaries were being replaced.
_=Trichastoma bicolor=_ (Lesson): Ferruginous Jungle
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 6: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 24, 1962,
MCT 3143; [Female], October 26, 1962, MCT 3161; [Male], November 10,
1962, MCT 3135; [Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3255. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Male], August 12, 1963, ADG 266; [Female], August 28, 1963,
ADG 269.
All specimens were taken in primary forest.
_=Trichastoma sepiarium harteri=_ (Chasen and Kloss): Horsfield Jungle
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 6: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 8 x 5
mm., 25.7 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2652; [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., 28.2
gm., July 27, 1962, MCT 2668; [Male] testis 8 x 7 mm., 28.2 gm., July
31, 1962, MCT 2688; [Male], June 15, 1963, ADG 142. 12 mi. N Kalabakan:
[Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., November 8, 1962, MCT 3233. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Female], September 5, 1963, ADG 275.
This babbler tends to inhabit secondary growth more than does _T.
malaccense_ and was partly arboreal, occasionally ranging as high
as 20 feet above ground. It occurred occasionally in flocks of four
or five.
_=Malacopteron magnum magnum=_ Eyton: Greater Red-headed
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 12: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 7 x 5
mm., September 7, 1962, MCT 2886; [Male] testis 9 x 5 mm., October 4,
1962, MCT 2990; [Male], November 30, 1962, MCT 3437; [Female], November
27, 1962, MCT 3340; [Female], April 30, 1963, ADG 91; [Male], June 14,
1963, ADG 136; [Male], July 9, 1963, ADG 178. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate:
[Male], July 11, 1963, ADG 191; [Male], July 16, 1963, ADG 205. 12 mi. N
Kalabakan: [Male], October 22, 1962, MCT 3124; [Female], October 28,
1962, MCT 3176; [Male], October 28, 1962, MCT 3177.
This babbler was common at the Cocoa Research Station but uncommon
elsewhere. It seemed to prefer primary forest and was only rarely
seen in the cocoa. My series shows that this species was common at
Quoin Hill and _M. cinereum_ was rare, while the opposite obtained
12 miles north of Kalabakan. For the moment this cannot be
explained. Possibly these two species are competitive and tend
toward mutual exclusion. Since the birds were mostly netted, it is
assumed that I obtained a random sample. My observations at Quoin
Hill seem to bear out the specimen record.
The specimens in my series of _M. m. magnum_ are more nearly black
on the crown than those labelled _M. m. saba_ in the U. S. National
Museum (from the Segah River), but there was much variation in the
amount of black on the crown in all series examined. I consider _M.
m. saba_ to be synonymous with _M. m. magnum_.
_=Malacopteron cinereum cinereum=_ Eyton: Lesser Red-headed
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 29: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], December 2,
1962, MCT 3428; [Female], June 11, 1963, ADG 124; [Male], July 9, 1963,
ADG 178. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 13, 1962, MCT 3025;
[Female], October 13, 1962, MCT 3030; [Male], October 13, 1962, MCT
3032; [Female], October 14, 1962, MCT 3042; [Male], October 14, 1962,
MCT 3043; [Female], October 16, 1962, MCT 3059; [Male], October 21,
1962, MCT 3119; [Male], October 22, 1962, MCT 3128; [Female], October
24, 1962, MCT 3136; [Male], October 28, 1962, MCT 3178; sex?, October
31, 1962, MCT 3188; [Female], November 7, 1962, MCT 3219; [Female],
November 7, 1962, MCT 3220; [Male], November 12, 1962, MCT 3263;
[Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3264. Kalabakan: [Male], November 15,
1962, MCT 3282; [Male], November 15, 1962, MCT 3284; [Female], November
15, 1962, MCT 3285. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 13, 1963, ADG
197. Oil Palm Research Station: sex?, August 16, 1963, ADG 245;
[Female], August 28, 1963, ADG 272. Pintasan Agriculture Station:
[Male], October 17, 1963, ADG 318; [Male], October 18, 1963, ADG 319;
[Male], October 18, 1963, ADG 320; [Female], October 18, 1963, ADG 321;
[Female], October 18, 1963, ADG 322. See remarks under _M. magnum_.
_=Malacopteron magnirostre cinereocapillum=_ (Salvadori): Brown-headed
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 20: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 5 x 3
mm., 20.4 gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2647; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 20.0
gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2656; [Male] testis 1 x 1 mm., 20.5 gm., July
24, 1962, MCT 2657; [Male], 20.4 gm., July 27, 1962, MCT 2669. 12 mi. N
Kalabakan: [Male], October 10, 1962, MCT 2994; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm.,
October 12, 1962, MCT 3016; [Female], October 12, 1962, MCT 3017;
[Male], October 13, 1962, MCT 3026; [Female], October 13, 1962, MCT
3028; [Male], October 17, 1962, MCT 3070; [Male], October 19, 1962, MCT
3083; [Male], October 19, 1962, MCT 3084; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm.,
October 20, 1962, MCT 3108; [Male], October 26, 1962, MCT 3158;
[Female], October 26, 1962, MCT 3159; [Male], November 11, 1962, MCT
3253; [Female], November 11, 1962, MCT 3254. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male],
December 19, 1962, MCT 3462. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female], August
28, 1963, ADG 265.
This babbler inhabits the understory of primary forest, and
occasionally is seen in secondary forest scrub. A specimen was
taken at 4,000 feet elevation in moss forest near Tenom. The
breeding season is seemingly in June and July but there is
indication of gonadal activity in males in October (MCT 3108). On
October 15, 1962, I observed an individual feeding on the rough
bark of a large dipterocarp. The bird was clinging to the bark much
as a nuthatch would, hopping along the vertical trunk upside down,
laterally and straight up. Other birds of the species were feeding
close by in small trees about 20 feet tall.
_=Pomatorhinus montanus borneensis=_ Cabanis: Chestnut-backed Scimitar
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 5 x 2
mm., 33.1 gm., July 23, 1962, MCT 2643; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 28.2
gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2655. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 22,
1962, MCT 3496.
This bird of the understory in primary forest was seen in only one
other situation, 12 miles north of Kalabakan it was feeding in a
clearing near our camp.
_=Ptilocichla leucogrammica=_ (Bonaparte): Bornean
Wren-babbler.--_Specimens_, 3: Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 17,
1963, ADG 207: [Female] one egg in oviduct, July 19, 1963, ADG 211. Oil
Palm Research Station: [Female] egg in oviduct, August 13, 1963, ADG
230.
Garcia netted three specimens in primary forest. This bird is known
from Borneo only from a few specimens (Smythies, 1960:410). In
North Borneo, it has been known previously only from Bettotan on
the east coast (Smythies, 1960:410). The additional records
published herewith also are for the east coast.
_=Kenopia striata=_ (Blyth): Striped Wren-babbler.--_Specimens_, 11:
Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 21.1 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2649;
[Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., 19.6 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2640; [Male]
testis 2 x 1 mm., 18.7 gm., July 27, 1962, MCT 2670. 12 mi. N Kalabakan:
[Female], October 28, 1962, MCT 3172; [Male], October 21, 1962, MCT
3114; [Female], October 22, 1962, MCT 3123; [Male], October 26, 1962,
MCT 3157; [Male], October 30, 1962, MCT 3187; [Male], November 1, 1962,
MCT 3192. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 21, 1963, ADG 213. Oil
Palm Research Station: [Male], August 13, 1963, ADG 229; [Female],
August 19, 1963, ADG 250.
This bird of primary forest is found occasionally in adjacent
secondary forest and spends about three-fourths of its time running
about on the ground, only occasionally ascending to the lower
branches of trees. The song may be rendered as _kittle jank_, the
first note being trilled and a bit higher than the last, which is
short and chopped off. This babbler appears to sing as it moves
along the forest floor without stopping. It was observed foraging
under leaves, and was common both at Quoin Hill and 12 miles north
of Kalabakan, in groups of two or three birds.
_=Macronous gularis=_ (Horsfield): Striped Tit-babbler.--I saw this bird
at the Semporna Rest House feeding in shrubbery. It was not seen
elsewhere.
_=Macronous ptilosus reclusus=_ Hartert: Fluffy-backed
Tit-babbler.--_Specimens_, 2: Kalabakan: [Male], November 15, 1962, MCT
3283. Oil Palm Research Station: sex?, August 23, 1963, ADG 254.
This bird was seen only at Kalabakan, in dense secondary growth. My
specimen was in heavy molt.
_=Stachyris nigriceps hartleyi=_ Chasen: Gray-throated Tree
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 16: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 17, 1962,
MCT 3451; [Female], December 18, 1962, MCT 3456; [Male] testis 7 x 5
mm., December 18, 1962, MCT 3457; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., December 18,
1962, MCT 3458; [Female], December 18, 1962, MCT 3459; [Female] old
brood patch, December 19, 1962, MCT 3471; [Male] testis 9 x 5 mm.,
December 19, 1962, MCT 3472; [Female] several collapsed follicles,
December 19, 1962, MCT 3473; [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., December 20, 1962,
MCT 3480; [Male] testis enlarged, December 20, 1962, MCT 3481; [Female]
imm., December 20, 1962, MCT 3482; [Male] testis 7 x 5 mm., December 20,
1962, MCT 3486; [Female], December 21, 1962, MCT 3493; [Male] testis 7 x
5 mm., December 21, 1962, MCT 3494; [Female] imm., December 21, 1962,
MCT 3495; [Female] imm., December 22, 1962, MCT 3506.
This babbler was abundant in the moss forest above Tenom and
appeared to be at the height of its breeding season in December.
The specimens were compared with material at the American Museum of
Natural History and proved to be _S. n. hartleyi_, which has not
previously been reported from North Borneo.
_=Stachyris poliocephala=_ (Temminck): Gray-headed Tree
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 8: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 2
mm., 24.0 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2674; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT
3414; [Female], December 1, 1962, MCT 3415. 12 mi. N Kalabakan:
[Female], October 18, 1962, MCT 3072; sex?, October 29, 1962, MCT 3181;
[Female], November 2, 1962, MCT 3202. Oil Palm Research Station: [Male],
August 16, 1963, ADG 248; [Female], August 15, 1962, ADG 239.
This species of the secondary forest usually was associated with
piles of brush or heavy growth of fern. I never saw it higher than
three feet above the ground.
_=Stachyris nigricollis=_ (Temminck): Black-necked Tree
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], June 15, 1963,
ADG 144. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Female], July 15, 1963, ADG 201. Oil
Palm Research Station: [Male], August 12, 1963, ADG 224; [Female],
August 19, 1963, ADG 251.
Although I worked in the same area and at the same time of year as
did Garcia, I did not see this species.
_=Stachyris leucotis obscurata=_ Mayr: White-necked Tree
Babbler.--_Specimen_, 1: Oil Palm Research Station: [Male], September 5,
1963, ADG 274.
Garcia's specimen was taken in primary forest. Smythies (1960:418)
states that most records come from submontane localities, except
for those from Bettotan; the specimen is from an altitude of 40
feet, near Bettotan.
_=Stachyris maculata maculata=_ (Temminck): Red-rumped Tree
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 12: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ova
2 mm., brood patch, July 10, 1962, MCT 2613; [Male], 25.8 gm., August 5,
1962, MCT 2731; [Male], 28.0 gm., August 5, 1962, MCT 2732. 12 mi. N
Kalabakan: [Male] testis 3 x 3 mm., October 12, 1962, MCT 3006;
[Female], October 12, 1962, MCT 3007; [Female], October 12, 1962, MCT
3008; [Male], October 12, 1962, MCT 3009. Cocoa Research Station:
[Female], June 11, 1963, ADG 121; [Female], June 13, 1963, ADG 133;
[Male], June 14, 1963, ADG 134. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female],
August 14, 1963, ADG 235; [Female], August 15, 1963, ADG 237.
This babbler was common in small groups at Quoin Hill. Whitehead
(1893:227) states that the species "frequents the true forest near
the ground." I observed these babblers only in sub-canopy trees, at
least 30 feet above the ground. Smythies (1960:419) stated that he
had never seen this species in the forest undergrowth.
_=Stachyris erythroptera bicolor=_ (Blyth): Red-winged Tree
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 11: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x 1
mm., 13.4 gm., July 24, 1962, MCT 2654; [Female] imm., 13.0 gm., August
28, 1962, MCT 2832; [Female], 12.5 gm., August 28, 1962, MCT 2833;
[Male], December 2, 1962, MCT 3432; [Female], December 2, 1962, MCT
3433. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 10, 1962, MCT 2995; [Male],
November 6, 1962, MCT 3215; [Male], November 7, 1962, MCT 3218. 5.5 mi.
SW Tenom: [Male] testis 3 x 1 mm., December 18, 1962, MCT 3463. Ulu
Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 10, 1963, ADG 184; [Male], July 17,
1963, ADG 206.
This species was seen most often in primary forest undergrowth, but
occasionally as high as 10 feet up in small trees. I saw it also in
and around brush piles in secondary forest. The one specimen from
5.5 mi. SW Tenom was taken in the moss forest. MCT 2833 was in
heavy molt on the wings, head, and body.
_=Stachyris rufifrons sarawacensis=_ Chasen: Hume's Tree
Babbler.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 4 x 3
mm., November 28, 1962, MCT 3358.
There was no comparative material in the U. S. National Museum
where I studied the specimen but it fits Chasen's original
description of _S. r. sarawacensis_. H. G. Deignan (_in_ Peters _et
al._, 1964:303) considered this subspecies doubtfully distinct from
_S. r. poliogaster_.
The specimen was taken at a height of one and one-half feet in a
mist net set along a path. The bird was caught when it attempted to
cross the path from a patch of heavy undergrowth to a patch on the
other side. Mary Norman observed them at Kalabakan (Smythies,
1963:281) in saplings. They should probably be considered birds of
the understory.
_=Alcippe brunneicauda=_ (Salvadori): Brown Quaker
Babbler.--_Specimens_, 22: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] imm., 14.4
gm., August 20, 1962, MCT 2781; [Female], 14.9 gm., September 6, 1962,
MCT 2877; [Female], September 25, 1962, MCT 2957; [Female], November 28,
1962, MCT 3361; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3362; [Male], November
28, 1962, MCT 3376; [Male], November 28, 1962, MCT 3378; [Male] testis 5
x 3 mm., December 1, 1962, MCT 3410; [Male], December 2, 1962, MCT 3435;
[Male], November 30, 1962, MCT 3440; [Male], November 30, 1962, MCT
3441. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: sex?, November 1, 1962, MCT 3194; [Male],
November 11, 1962, MCT 3243; [Male], November 11, 1962, MCT 3245;
[Male], November 11, 1962, MCT 3247; [Male], November 11, 1962, MCT
3248; [Male], November 12, 1962, MCT 3261; [Female], November 13, 1962,
MCT 3267; [Female], November 10, 1962, MCT 3306. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom:
[Female], December 22, 1962, MCT 3501; [Female], December 22, 1962, MCT
3502; [Female], December 22, 1962, MCT 3503.
Birds of this species were common in primary forest at the three
localities listed under "specimens." They travel in small, loose
flocks, calling as they move through the forest. Periodic calling,
interspersed with periods of silence, was characteristic of the
species; vocalization of this sort may function in maintaining the
unity of the well spaced flock.
_=Yuhina castaniceps everetti=_ (Sharpe): Chestnut-headed
Yuhina.--_Specimens_, 14: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 19, 1962,
MCT 3468; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., December 23, 1962, MCT 3512; [Male]
testis 7 x 3 mm., December 23, 1962, MCT 3513; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm.,
December 24, 1962, MCT 3520; [Female], December 24, 1962, MCT 3521;
[Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., December 24, 1962, MCT 3523; [Male] testis 6 x
3 mm., December 24, 1962, MCT 3524; [Female], December 24, 1962, MCT
3525; [Female], December 24, 1962, MCT 3526; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm.,
December 24, 1962, MCT 3527; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., December 28, 1962,
MCT 3542; [Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., December 28, 1962, MCT 3543.
I saw several flocks of this species in moss forest at a point 5.5
miles southwest of Tenom. Some were observed going into cavities in
the moss, where they apparently caught insects. They sometimes did
this simultaneously, in several places on the same tree.
_=Yuhina zantholeuca brunnescens=_ (Sharpe): White-bellied
Yuhina.--_Specimens_, 4: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 12, 1962,
MCT 3010; sex?, November 1, 1962, MCT 3193; sex?, December 22, 1962, MCT
3500; [Male] testis 7 x 4 mm., December 23, 1962, MCT 3519.
One flock of about five of these yuhinas was seen in primary forest
at Kalabakan. Another small group was observed in the moss forest
near Tenom.
_=Tephrodornis gularis frenatus=_ Buettikofer: Hook-billed
Graybird.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September 25,
1962, wing molt, MCT 2946; [Female], September 25, 1962, wing molt, MCT
2947; [Female], September 25, 1962, MCT 2948.
I observed this species twice in six months on the east coast. The
three collected at the research station in the cocoa were in a
family group. On November 9, 1962, I saw three birds feeding at the
edge of the primary forest.
_=Coracina striata sumatrensis=_ (S. Mueller): Barred
Graybird.--_Specimens_, 2: Tiger Estate: [Female], December 30, 1962;
[Male], December 30, 1962.
_=Coracina fimbriata schierbrandi=_ (Pelzeln): Lesser
Graybird.--_Specimens_, 6: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] imm., 25.7
gm., July 22, 1962, MCT 2637; sex?, 29.5 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2676;
[Male], 28.4 gm., August 5, 1962, MCT 2729; [Female], 30.0 gm.,
September 13, 1962, MCT 2917. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 25,
1962, MCT 3147. Tiger Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT 3317.
This species was common at the Cocoa Research Station, most common
in the cocoa, and an occasional bird was observed in the primary
forest.
The adult male (MCT 3317) from Tiger Estate was darker than any in
the series of _C. f. schierbrandi_ in The American Museum of
Natural History, and closely approached a series _C. f. culminata_
from Malaya in the same museum.
_=Hemipus hirundinaceus=_ (Temminck): Black-winged Flycatcher
Shrike.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 10.2 gm., July
21, 1962, MCT 2632.
The specimen was taken in the cocoa where it was sitting on a dead
limb, occasionally darting out after insects, and provides the only
record from this locality. At the collecting site 12 miles north of
Kalabakan, however, it was seen several times feeding in small
flocks in a clearing near a trail.
_=Hemipus picatus intermedius=_ Salvadori: Bar-winged Flycatcher
Shrike.--_Specimens_, 6: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm., August
27, 1962, MCT 2815; [Male] imm., August 27, 1962, MCT 2816; [Female],
August 27, 1962, MCT 2817; [Female], 9.8 gm., September 12, 1962, MCT
2906; [Female], 10.2 gm., September 12, 1962, MCT 2907; [Male] imm., 8.7
gm., September 12, 1962, MCT 2908.
Smythies (1960:362) lists this species as a montane resident.
However, the elevation of the Cocoa Research Station is only 750
feet, which is clearly submontane (Smythies, 1960:693). I saw the
birds in a flock of three or four, feeding in shade trees in the
cocoa fields. They acted like typical flycatchers, sitting on twigs
and darting out after insects. On September 12, a flock of 10 was
seen in the same area. Whitehead (1893:208) described the habits of
the species as being like those of _Tephrodornis gularis_ and not
at all like those of a flycatcher.
_=Lalage nigra=_ (Forster): Pied Triller.--Common in the lowlands near
Tawau and Tuaran. On September 19, 1962, I saw an adult feeding one
young on Siamil Island.
_=Pericrocotus igneus igneus=_ Blyth: Fiery Minivet.--_Specimens_, 3:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 15.8 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2764;
[Male], 14.0 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2766; [Female], 15.2 gm., August
11, 1962, MCT 2767.
I saw this species only on August 11, 1962, when a flock of eight
was seen feeding in a cocoa tree.
The female is somewhat darker than comparative material from
Borneo, possibly owing to fresh plumage in my specimen and foxing
in the older comparative material.
_=Pericrocotus flammeus insulanus=_ Deignan: Scarlet
Minivet.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 2 x 1
mm., 20.0 gm., July 7, 1962, MCT 2608; [Female], 19.7 gm., August 4,
1962, MCT 2728; [Male], 19.0 gm., August 23, 1962, MCT 2802. Tiger
Estate: [Female], June 23, 1963, ADG 160; [Male], June 23, 1963, ADG
161.
This minivet was common at the Cocoa Research Station, where it
usually inhabited the shade trees in the cocoa groves. The birds
seen and the one taken on July 7 were all in heavy molt.
_=Pycnonotus eutilotus=_ (Jardine and Selby): Crested Brown
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], December 2,
1962, MCT 3421; [Male], June 19, 1963, ADG 152.
The species was netted twice in much disturbed primary forest.
_=Pycnonotus melanoleucos=_ (Eyton): Black and White
Bulbul.--_Specimen_, 1: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], November 5, 1962,
MCT 3211.
The specimen was caught in a mist net in primary forest. It was
aberrant; the two outer tail feathers were white and it had a few
white under tail coverts.
_=Pycnonotus squamatus borneensis=_ Chasen: Scaly-breasted
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] 24.0 gm.,
August 2, 1962, MCT 2708; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., 22.2 gm., August 23,
1962, MCT 2802.
Both specimens were taken from a feeding tree, _Trema orientalis_,
in which they were eating berries. This species of tree was used
for shade in the cocoa.
_=Pycnonotus cyaniventris paroticalis=_ (Sharpe): Gray-bellied
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum 2
mm., 21.6 gm., August 25, 1962, MCT 2808; [Male] testis 7 x 4 mm., 20.5
gm., September 13, 1962, MCT 2916.
On August 23, 1962, I saw four in the cocoa but they took flight
into the forest. I later collected two specimens from a shade tree,
_Trema orientalis_, in which they were feeding upon the berries.
_=Pycnonotus atriceps atriceps=_ (Temminck): Black-headed
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], April 29,
1963, ADG 85; [Female], April 27, 1963, ADG 72; [Female], April 20,
1963, ADG 90; [Male], April 27, 1963, ADG 69; [Male], April 28, 1963,
ADG 79; [Male], April 26, 1963, ADG 61; [Male], April 28, 1963, ADG 81;
[Male] juv., April 28, 1963, ADG 82; [Male], May 1, 1963, ADG 97.
I did not see this species in my stay at the Cocoa Research
Station, and the specimens taken by Garcia constitute the only
record. The juvenal plumage in one specimen indicates that the
species breeds at Quoin Hill.
_=Pycnonotus zeylanicus=_ (Gmelin): Yellow-crowned Bulbul.--It was
common at Tuaran.
_=Pycnonotus goiavier gourdini=_ Gray 1847: Yellow-vented
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 17: Tenom: [Female], December 31, 1962, MCT 3547;
[Male] testis 9 x 6 mm., December 31, 1962, MCT 3548; [Female] oviduct
regressing, old brood patch, December 31, 1962, MCT 3549; [Male],
December 31, 1962, MCT 3550; [Female] oviduct nearly regressed, January
1, 1963, MCT 3556; [Female], January 1, 1963, MCT 3557; [Male] testis 9
x 7 mm., December 31, 1963, MCT 3558; [Male] testis enlarged, January 1,
1963, MCT 3559; [Female], January 1, 1963, MCT 3560; [Male], January 2,
1963, MCT 3562; [Female], January 2, 1963, MCT 3566; [Male], January 2,
1963, MCT 3567; [Male] testis 9 x 7 mm., January 2, 1963, MCT 3568;
[Male], January 2, 1963, MCT 3569; [Female], January 2, 1963, MCT 3570;
[Female], January 2, 1963, MCT 3571; [Male] testis 9 x 7 mm., January 2,
1963, MCT 3572.
Although this species was observed by me at the Cocoa Research
Station, I was unable to obtain any specimens. It was also seen
commonly at Semporna, Siamil Island, Kalabakan, Brantian Estate,
and at Tuaran, always associated with cultivated areas. The birds
obviously were breeding at Tenom in December, and several young
were taken. In some, the molt of the wings, body, and tail had
begun.
_=Pycnonotus plumosus hutzi=_ Stresemann: Large Olive
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 8: Tenom: [Female], December 31, 1962, MCT 3551;
[Male] testis 6 x 5 mm., January 1, 1963, MCT 3553; [Male] testis small,
January 1, 1963, MCT 3554; [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., January 4, 1963, MCT
3577; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., January 4, 1963, MCT 3578. Mt. Rumas:
[Male], March 6, 1963, ADG 16; [Female], March 6, 1963, ADG 17; sex?,
March 6, 1963, ADG 15.
The specimens were netted in scrub-grassland at Tenom. The size of
the testes of the Tenom specimens indicated that the birds were
breeding.
_=Pycnonotus brunneus brunneus=_ Blyth: Red-eyed Brown
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 17: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] imm., 32.6 gm.,
July 22, 1962, MCT 2638; [Male] testis minute, 37.3 gm., August 2, 1962,
MCT 2709; [Male] testis minute, 36.0 gm., August 3, 1962, MCT 2720;
[Female] ovary granular, September 4, 1962, MCT 2867; [Male] testis 6 x
4 mm., September 4, 1962, MCT 2868; [Female] egg in oviduct, largest
ovum 9 mm., 1 collapsed follicle, 30.0 gm., September 10, 1962, MCT
2894; [Male] testis small, September 25, 1962, MCT 2953; [Female],
September 25, 1962, MCT 2954; [Male] testis small, November 27, 1962,
MCT 3346; [Male] testis 4 x 2 mm., November 29, 1962, MCT 3380; [Male]
testis small, November 29, 1962 MCT 3393; [Male] testis small, December
1, 1962, MCT 3402; [Male] testis small, December 1, 1962, MCT 3403;
[Male] testis small, December 1, 1962, MCT 3404; [Female] ovary minute,
December 1, 1962, MCT 3416; [Male] testis small, November 30, 1962, MCT
3438. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female], August 27, 1963, ADG 260.
This most common of the "brown" bulbuls at the Cocoa Research
Station frequented shade trees (_Trema orientalis_). One bird fed
on small red peppers, Capsicum sp. Some of the September-taken
specimens were in breeding condition.
_=Pycnonotus simplex perplexus=_ Chasen and Kloss: White-eyed Brown
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 3: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female] ovary granular,
December 19, 1962, MCT 3469; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., December 20,
1962, MCT 3478; [Female] ovary granular, December 22, 1962, MCT 3499.
This bird was taken only in the moss forest at 4,000 feet elevation
near Tenom. Smythies (1960:382) considered the species to be
characteristic of the lowlands. Specimens were taken by Harrison in
the Kelabit Uplands (Smythies, 1957:704) at 4,200 feet.
_=Pycnonotus erythrophthalmos salvadori=_ (Sharpe): Lesser Olive-brown
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 15: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 6 x 4
mm., 20.2 gm., August 12, 1962, MCT 2778; [Male] testis 6 x 5 mm., 19.8
gm., August 28, 1962, MCT 2830; [Female] ovary granular, 20.5 gm.,
August 28, 1962, MCT 2831; [Female] imm., 20.0 gm., September 14, 1962,
MCT 2925; [Male] testis 7 x 5 mm., September 25, 1962, MCT 2928;
[Male]?, October 2, 1962, MCT 2983; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT
3357; [Male] testis small, December 1, 1962, MCT 3405; [Male] testis
minute, December 2, 1962, MCT 3420; [Male] testis small, December 1,
1962, MCT 3434; [Male] testis small, November 30, 1962, MCT 3439;
[Female], April 26, 1962, ADG 63; [Male], July 7, 1963, ADG 170; [Male],
July 7, 1963, ADG 171; [Male], July 8, 1963, ADG 176.
This species commonly fed in the shade trees (_Trema orientalis_),
along with other species of bulbuls. I occasionally saw individuals
in primary forest.
_=Criniger bres gutturalis=_ (Bonaparte): Olive White-throated
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 25: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] ovary
regressed, 41.4 gm., July 27, 1962, MCT 2666; [Female], 46.0 gm., July
28, 1962, MCT 2672; [Male], 51.2 gm., July 31, 1962, heavy molt, MCT
2685; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., 52.6 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2710;
[Male], November 27, 1962, MCT 3353; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT
3354; [Female], June 14, 1963, ADG 138; [Female], July 8, 1963, ADG 172;
[Male], July 7, 1963, ADG 173; sex?, July 11, 1963, ADG 190. 12 mi. N
Kalabakan: [Female], October 16, 1962, MCT 3052; [Male] testis small,
October 22, 1962, MCT 3127; [Male], October 24, 1962, MCT 3137; sex?,
November 1, 1962, MCT 3190; [Female], November 2, 1962, MCT 3201;
[Female], November 11, 1962, MCT 3250; [Male] testis small, November 13,
1962, MCT 3271; [Female], November 17, 1962, MCT 3301. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Female], August 16, 1963, ADG 246; [Female] juvenal, August
19, 1963, ADG 253; [Female], August 23, 1963, ADG 256; [Female], August
28, 1963, ADG 264; [Male], August 28, 1963, ADG 270; [Female], August
28, 1963, ADG 271; [Female], October 4, 1963, ADG 293.
At the Cocoa Research Station this species was common and inhabited
the cocoa and surrounding secondary forest. I found it to be common
12 miles north of Kalabakan.
_=Criniger ochraceous ruficrissus=_ Sharpe: Brown White-throated
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 5: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 21, 1962,
MCT 3489; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., December 21, 1962, MCT 3490; [Male]
testis 4 x 3 mm., December 21, 1962, MCT 3491; [Female], December 23,
1962, MCT 3518; [Female], December 25, 1962, MCT 3535.
This bird was seen only in the moss forest above Tenom. It was not
taken in nets the first four days they were erected, nor did we see
individuals in the forest. Then, on December 21, three were taken
in widely separated nets, and the species was then seen nearly
every day for a week. Such sporadic and unpredictable local
occurrences may indicate wide separation of the loosely-organized
foraging groups of this species. The call is a harsh, jaylike note.
_=Criniger phaeocephalus connectens=_ (Chasen and Kloss): Crestless
White-throated Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 31: Cocoa Research Station:
[Female], December 1, 1962, MCT 3406; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., 35.0 gm.,
July 31, 1962, MCT 2689; [Male], May 2, 1963, ADG 104; [Male], June 22,
1963, ADG 122. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., October 12,
1962, MCT 3002; [Female], October 12, 1962, MCT 3003; [Female], October
12, 1962, MCT 3004; [Male], October 14, 1962, MCT 3037; [Male], October
14, 1962, MCT 3038; [Female], October 14, 1962, MCT 3039; [Female],
October 17, 1962, MCT 3063; [Male], October 17, 1962, MCT 3071; [Male],
October 19, 1962, MCT 3080; [Male], October 20, 1962, MCT 3106; [Male],
October 20, 1962, MCT 3110; [Male], October 21, 1962, MCT 3115;
[Female], October 22, 1962, MCT 3125; [Female] October 23, 1962, MCT
3135; [Female], October 24, 1962, MCT 3142; [Female], October 26, 1962,
MCT 3155; [Male], October 28, 1962, MCT 3175; sex?, October 30, 1962,
MCT 3186; [Female], November 1, 1962, MCT 3191; [Male], November 8,
1962, heavy molt, MCT 3234. Kalabakan: [Female], November 15, 1962,
heavy molt, MCT 3288. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 17, 1962, MCT
3453. Oil Palm Research Station: [Male], August 15, 1963, ADG 241;
[Male], August 27, 1963, ADG 259; [Male], September 5, 1963, ADG 276.
Gum-Gum: [Male], September 4, 1963, ADG 283. Lamag: [Male], October 15,
1963, ADG 308.
This species of the primary forest was common both at Cocoa
Research Station and 12 miles north of Kalabakan. Although not
frequently seen, it was caught in mist nets with regularity.
Specimens taken near Kalabakan on November 8 and 15, 1962, were in
heavy molt.
_=Criniger finschii=_ Salvadori: Finsch's Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa
Research Station: [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., 23.1 gm., August 23, 1962,
MCT 2798; [Female], 24.4 gm., August 23, 1962, MCT 2799; [Male] testis 6
x 4 mm., 24.5 gm., September 13, 1962, MCT 2914; [Female], 24.0 gm.,
September 13, 1962, MCT 2915; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., September 24,
1962, MCT 2942; [Male] testis, 6 x 5 mm., September 26, 1962, MCT 2969;
[Female], September 27, 1962, MCT 2972; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT
3341. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 19, 1962, heavy molt, MCT
3077.
This bulbul was common in the cocoa at the Cocoa Research Station.
It fed in the company of other bulbuls in shade trees (_Trema
orientalis_). The size of the testes of the males taken is
characteristic of the beginning or ending of the breeding season,
but ovaries of the females showed no signs of being in breeding
condition.
According to Smythies (1960:385), this species had never been taken
in North Borneo. These specimens, therefore, are the first recorded
from there. Specimens previously were saved from Sarawak and
Indonesian Borneo.
_=Hypsipetes criniger viridis=_ (Bonaparte): Hairy-backed
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 26: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September 26,
1962, MCT 2963; [Female], September 27, 1962, MCT 2971; [Female],
November 27, 1962, MCT 3337; [Male], November 27, 1962, MCT 3356;
[Female], July 7, 1963, ADG 169; [Male], June 14, 1963, ADG 139; [Male],
June 12, 1963, ADG 125. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 13, 1962,
MCT 3022; [Male], October 13, 1962, MCT 3023; [Female], October 13,
1962, MCT 3029; [Female], October 13, 1962, MCT 3033; [Male], October
14, 1962, MCT 3040; [Female], October 16, 1962, MCT 3054; [Male],
October 16, 1962, MCT 3055; [Female], October 19, 1962, MCT 3081;
[Female], October 19, 1962, MCT 3082; [Male], October 20, 1962, MCT
3109; [Male], October 22, 1962, MCT 3129; [Male], October 26, 1962, MCT
3162; [Male], November 11, 1962, MCT 3251; [Female], November 13, 1962,
MCT 3273; [Female], November 13, 1962, MCT 3274; [Male], November 13,
1962, MCT 3275. Gum-Gum: [Female], October 3, 1963, ADG 288; [Male],
October 3, 1963, ADG 289; [Male], August 12, 1963, ADG 228.
These bulbuls regularly feed on berries of _Trema orientalis_. I
saw these bulbuls darting out after insects from branches, much as
flycatchers would do, and have noticed a tendency toward
flycatching in other bulbuls, but not so commonly as in this
species. In using the name _Hypsipetes_ instead of _Microscelis_ I
follow Rand and Rabor (1959:102).
_=Hypsipetes malaccensis=_ Blyth: Streaked Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 4:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., 41.0 gm., August 20,
1962, MCT 2787. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 19, 1962, MCT
3092. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 22, 1962, MCT 3497; [Male],
December 22, 1962, MCT 3498.
I did not find this species common at any collecting locality.
Smythies (1957:707) considered it a lowland species, but its
occasional occurrence in the highlands is indicated by the specimen
from Tenom.
Deignan (_in_ Peters, 1960:291) regards _Hypsipetes virescens_ and
_Hypsipetes malaccensis_ as specifically distinct.
_=Hypsipetes charlottae perplexus=_ (Riley): Crested Olive
Bulbul.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 5 x 3
mm., August 27, 1962, MCT 2818; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., September 25,
1962, MCT 2951; [Female], September 25, 1962, MCT 2952; [Male], November
27, 1962, MCT 3333; [Female] imm., 32.6 gm., July 22, 1962, MCT 2638.
This species was occasionally observed in the cocoa, where it fed
on berries of _Trema orientalis_. The size of the testes in males
taken in August suggests that the species had been breeding
earlier.
_=Hypsipetes flavalus connectens=_ (Sharpe): Ashy Bulbul.--_Specimens_,
7: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 23, 1962, MCT 3508; [Female]
largest ova 1 mm., December 17, 1962, MCT 3447; [Male], December 17,
1962, MCT 3448; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., December 19, 1962, MCT 3466;
[Male], December 19, 1962, MCT 3467; [Male] testis 6 x 6 mm., December
20, 1962, MCT 3476; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., December 20, 1962, MCT
3477.
This was a common and conspicuous bird in the moss forest. Males
called and sang there. The call note sounds like the mew of a cat.
The Ashy Bulbul could easily be "squeaked in," at which time it
approached silently. When observed in the forest it was noisy and
gregarious.
_=Aegithina viridissima viridissima=_ (Bonaparte): Green
Iora.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest ovum 1
mm., 13.5 gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2755; [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., 14.8
gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2756; sex?, 13.2 gm., August 25, 1962, MCT
2805; [Male], 12.5 gm., September 10, 1962, MCT 2895; [Female] 13.0 gm.,
September 14, 1962, MCT 2921; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3345. 5.5
mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 20, 1962, MCT 3479.
In the cocoa this abundant bird usually occurred in flocks of five
to 10 and fed 10 to 15 feet up in shade trees. On December 17, I
saw singing males in the moss forest at 4,000 feet, 5.5 miles
southwest of Tenom. This is considered a lowland species by
Smythies (1957:698).
_=Aegithina tiphia aequanimis=_ Bangs: Common Iora.--_Specimens_, 2:
Tenom: [Male], January 5, 1963, MCT 3581; [Male], January 5, 1963, MCT
3582.
Two were netted in secondary forest near Tenom.
_=Chloropsis cyanopogon cyanopogon=_ (Temminck): Lesser Green
Leafbird.--_Specimens_, 8: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 19.8 gm.,
July 21, 1962, MCT 2630; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 25.3 gm., July 21,
1962, MCT 2631; [Male] testis 8 x 5 mm., August 27, 1962, MCT 2819;
[Female], 22.2 gm., September 14, 1962, MCT 2923; [Female], November 27,
1962, MCT 3342; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3352; [Female], April
28, 1963, ADG 77; [Female], May 28, 1963, ADG 116.
It was seen regularly in the cocoa at the research station and was
the most common leafbird.
_=Chloropsis sonnerati zosterops=_ Vigors: Greater Green
Leafbird.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 2
mm., 45.8 gm., MCT 2707; [Male], 46.0 gm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2740.
It was seen many times in the cocoa.
_=Irena puella criniger=_ Sharpe: Fairy Bluebird.--_Specimens_, 10:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 1 mm., 63.6 gm., July 4, 1962,
heavy molt, MCT 2588; [Female], 70.3 gm., July 28, 1962, MCT 2680;
[Female], 69.8 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2711; [Male] testis 13 x 10
mm., 65.0 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2714; sex?, August 2, 1962, MCT 2715;
sex?, 64.5 gm., August 2, 1962, MCT 2716; [Female], June 15, 1963, ADG
143; [Female], July 11, 1963, ADG 189; [Female], June 27, 1963, ADG 163.
Tiger Estate: [Male], June 23, 1963, ADG 157.
This was a common species around the Research Station in the cocoa
and much-disturbed primary forest.
_=Erithacus cyane=_ (Pallas): Siberian Blue Robin.--_Specimen_, 1: 12
mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], November 4, 1962, MCT 3208 (netted in primary
forest).
_=Copsychus pyrrhopygus=_ (Lesson): Orange-tailed Shama.--_Specimens_,
9: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., July 11, 1962, MCT
2617; [Male], September 7, 1962, MCT 2885; [Female], October 3, 1962,
MCT 2985; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT 3401; [Male], November 30, 1962,
MCT 3444. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., October 14, 1962
MCT 3044; [Female], November 13, 1962, MCT 3272. Oil Palm Research
Station: [Male], June 20, 1963, ADG 154; [Female], August 11, 1963, ADG
222.
This bird of the primary forest was only rarely seen in secondary
forest. The specimen taken on July 11, 1962, was in heavy molt with
only two outermost tail feathers in evidence; there was also molt
of the wing and body feathers.
_=Copsychus saularis pluto=_ Bonaparte: Magpie-Robin.--_Specimens_, 3:
Pintasan Agriculture Station: [Male], October 18, 1963, ADG 323. Tuaran:
[Female], December 14, 1963, SCFC 219. Telipok: [Female], March 9, 1963,
TM 68.
This species was recorded at Tawau in cultivated areas but no
specimens were collected there. Those collected by Garcia, Chung,
and Conway tended to be morphologically intermediate between _C. s.
adamsi_ and _C. s. pluto_.
_=Copsychus stricklandi stricklandi=_ Motley and Dillwyn: White-rumped
Shama.--_Specimens_, 14. Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 8 x 5
mm., August 28, 1962, MCT 2826; [Male] testis 11 x 6 mm., September 5,
1962, MCT 2873; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3359; [Female],
November 29, 1962, MCT 3389. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 12,
1962, MCT 3012; [Female], October 12, 1962, MCT 3013; [Female] brood
patch, oviduct enlarged, October 17, 1962, MCT 3069; [Female], October
19, 1962, MCT 3078; [Female], October 26, 1962, MCT 3154. 5.5 mi. SW
Tenom: [Male], December 23, 1962, MCT 3514. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate:
[Male], July 15, 1963, ADG 200. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female],
August 27, 1963, ADG 263; [Female], August 28, 1963, ADG 268; [Female],
October 4, 1963, ADG 291.
This species was common in the cocoa and surrounding secondary
forest at Quoin Hill, but I saw it only once in the moss forest on
the mountains near Tenom.
No specimen taken showed characters of or tendencies toward _C.
malabaricus suavis_. Perhaps the zone of intergradation on the east
coast is farther south than Darvel Bay, where it was placed by
Smythies (1960:390).
S. D. Ripley (_in_ Peters _et al._, 1964:72) considered _C.
stricklandi_ to be specifically distinct from _C. malabaricus_, and
his opinion is accepted here.
_=Enicurus leschenaulti borneensis=_ Sharpe: White-crowned Forktail.
_Specimens_, 4: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female] imm., October 21, 1962, MCT
3112; [Female] largest ovum 2 mm., October 27, 1962, MCT 3167; [Male],
November 1, 1962, MCT 3195. Gum-Gum: [Female], September 24, 1963, ADG
282.
I saw this species only once in life, along a small, wet-weather
stream. The specimens, however, were all netted in primary forest,
some distance away from any stream.
Judging from measurements, these specimens are _E. l. borneensis_,
although one would expect to find only _E. l. frontalis_ at
elevations of 600 feet. The specimen taken by Garcia at Gum-Gum was
not identified to subspecies.
_=Enicurus ruficapillus=_ Temminck: Chestnut-naped
Forktail.--_Specimens_, 3: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 21, 1962,
MCT 3113; [Male], November 4, 1962, MCT 3207; [Male], November 8, 1962,
MCT 3231.
This bird was common along the upper Apas River at Quoin Hill. All
specimens were taken in nets stretched across streams.
_=Zoothera interpres interpres=_ (Temminck): Chestnut-headed Ground
Thrush.--_Specimens_, 9: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female], October 28, 1962,
MCT 3171; [Female], October 24, 1962, MCT 3138. Kalabakan: [Female],
November 17, 1962, MCT 3300. Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm., June
10, 1963, ADG 120; [Male], June 12, 1963, ADG 130; [Female] imm., June
15, 1963, ADG 141. Oil Palm Research Station: [Male], August 15, 1963,
ADG 233; [Male], August 9, 1963, ADG 217; [Male], August 27, 1963, ADG
261.
The many specimens of this species taken indicate the effectiveness
of mist nets in collecting birds in tropical forest. Although
Smythies (1960:398) considered this bird to be rare in Borneo, I
think that it is merely shy and retiring. We never saw the species
in the field and the specimens were all netted. The habitat was in
primary forest, except for that of MCT 3300, which was taken in
dense secondary forest. The two birds from 12 miles north of
Kalabakan were taken in a net stretched across a surveyor's
transect. The net was set on a hilltop and the birds hit it
approximately three feet above the ground. Two of the specimens
from the Cocoa Research Station are in juvenal plumage, indicating
that this species probably breeds in the area.
_=Cettia whiteheadi=_ (Sharpe): Short-tailed Bush Warbler.--_Specimen_,
1: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., December 21, 1962, MCT
3488.
The specimen was netted in the moss forest, in fairly heavy
secondary undergrowth.
_=Prinia flaviventris=_ (Delessert): Yellow-bellied Wren-Warbler.--On
September 2, 1962, I saw several of these wren-warblers in a grassy area
near the golf course at Tawau.
_=Acrocephalus arundinaceus orientalis=_ (Temminck and Schlegel): Great
Reed Warbler.--_Specimens_, 6: Tenom: [Female], December 31, 1962, MCT
3546; [Male], January 1, 1963, MCT 3555; [Male], January 2, 1963, MCT
3565; [Female], January 4, 1963, MCT 3575; [Female], January 3, 1963,
MCT 3574; [Male], January 4, 1963, MCT 3579.
This species was common in the old paddy near Tenom, which has now
grown up to grass and shrubs. I saw one individual also in
shrubbery in Jesselton.
_=Phylloscopus borealis=_ (Blasius): Arctic Leaf Warbler.--I saw this
leaf warbler once in dense scrub in the moss forest near Tenom.
_=Seicercus superciliaris schwaneri=_ (Blyth): White-throated Flycatcher
Warbler.--_Specimens_, 2: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male] testis 4 x 2 mm.,
December 23, 1962, MCT 3510; [Female], December 23, 1962, MCT 3511.
In the moss forest this was a common bird that hopped about in the
climbing bamboo and scrub.
_=Orthotomus atrogularis humphreysi=_ Chasen and Kloss: Black-necked
Tailorbird.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 4 x 2
mm., 6.5 gm., August 28, 1962, MCT 2827; [Female] oviduct enlarged,
brood patch, 5.5 gm., August 28, 1962, MCT 2828; [Male] testis 4 x 2
mm., September 26, 1962, MCT 2967; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT
3336; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3375.
These birds lived in the secondary forest-edge in dense shrubbery.
They were breeding at a time when most other birds seemed to have
completed breeding activities; most had begun the post-breeding
(prealternate) molt. On October 3, 1962, I saw two adults with two
young in nondescript juvenal plumage with virtually no markings and
a pale yellow color, unlike that of the adults.
_=Orthotomus sericeus sericeus=_ Temminck: Red-headed
Tailorbird.--_Specimens_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] with large
ovum, 10.8 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2770.
The bird was uncommon at the research station. The one specimen was
from the cocoa. I saw two others in secondary growth on the edge of
the forest. Possibly this species, like the preceding one, was
approaching full breeding activity.
_=Orthotomus sepium borneonensis=_ Salvadori: Ashy
Tailorbird.--_Specimens_, 8: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] vascular
brood patch, oviduct enlarged with one possible collapsed follicle, 7.8
gm., August 22, 1962, MCT 2797; [Female] imm., 8.0 gm., August 28, 1962,
MCT 2829; [Male], 8.8 gm., September 10, 1962, MCT 2896; [Male], 8.5
gm., September 10, 1962, MCT 2897; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., 8.5 gm.,
September 11, 1962, MCT 2901; [Female] largest ova 3 mm., 8.5 gm.,
September 11, 1962, MCT 2902. Tiger Estate: [Female], October 11, 1962,
MCT 3000. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 20, 1962, MCT 3486.
This was the most common tailorbird in the Quoin Hill area.
Indications were that the species was also breeding (see _O.
sericeus_). Besides the above localities, I observed it 12 miles
north of Kalabakan. A male was heard singing on September 11, 1962;
the song was simple and on an ascending scale. The specimen taken
near Tenom was growing new tail feathers.
_=Rhipidura perlata=_ S. Mueller: Spotted Fantail
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 19: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] largest
ova 2 mm., July 11, 1962, MCT 2618; [Male] testis 6 x 5 mm., 15.1 gm.,
July 23, 1962, MCT 2645; [Female], 13.2 gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2776;
[Female], 12.4 gm., August 20, 1962, MCT 2785; [Male], June 12, 1963,
ADG 129. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 13, 1962, MCT 3021; [Male],
October 16, 1962, MCT 3056; [Female], October 16, 1962, MCT 3057;
[Male], October 16, 1962, MCT 3111; [Female], October 24, 1962, MCT
3141; [Male], October 24, 1962, MCT 3146; [Male], October 24, 1962, MCT
3148; sex?, October 26, 1962, MCT 3165; [Male], October 27, 1962, MCT
3168; [Male], October 27, 1962, MCT 3169; sex?, October 30, 1962, MCT
3197. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Female], July 13, 1963, ADG 198;
[Female], July 24, 1963, ADG 214. Oil Palm Research Station: sex?,
August 15, 1963, ADG 243.
This bird was one of the most common in the lower story of the
primary forest. On July 23, 1962, many males were performing
courtship displays at Quoin Hill.
_=Rhipidura javanica longicauda=_ Wallace: Pied Fan-tailed
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 3: Tawau: sex?, September 2, 1962, MCT 2863.
Telipok: [Female], February 9, 1963, TM 28. Tuaran: sex?, December 14,
1963, SCFC 19.
On Karindingen Island this was the only passerine bird seen. It was
confined to the lowlands and never was seen in localities more than
a few feet above sea level.
_=Culicicapa ceylonensis ceylonensis=_ (Swainson): Gray-headed
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 6: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 8.0 gm.,
August 4, 1962, MCT 2726; sex?, August 20, 1962, 8.6 gm., MCT 2784. 12
mi. N Kalabakan: [Female]?, October 12, 1962, MCT 3018; [Male], October
13, 1962, MCT 3024; [Male] testis 4 x 4 mm., October 28, 1962, MCT 3179.
5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 20, 1962, MCT 3483.
This bird of the primary forest and primary-secondary forest
ecotone was common at all three principal collecting stations.
_=Muscicapa sibirica=_ Gmelin: Sooty Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa
Research Station: [Male], 10.0 gm., August 25, 1962, MCT 2811; [Male],
July 8, 1963, ADG 174.
Several small "brown" flycatchers which could not be assigned to
species were observed at Quoin Hill and Kalabakan. The specimen
taken by Garcia is of interest as it was taken on a date extremely
early for a migrant. Garcia's specimen (not the other) also
presented problems of identification and its assignment to this
species is tentative.
_=Muscicapa latirostris latirostris=_ Raffles: Brown
Flycatcher.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], September
26, 1962, MCT 2965.
_=Muscicapa cyanomelana cyanomelana=_ Temminck: Blue and White
Flycatcher.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], November 27,
1962, MCT 3335.
The specimen, netted in the cocoa, apparently provides the only
record from the east coast of Borneo (see Smythies, 1957:742).
_=Muscicapa concreta everetti=_ (Sharpe): White-tailed Blue
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 6: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 15,
1962, MCT 3045; [Male], November 1, 1962, MCT 3199; [Female], November
8, 1962, MCT 3229; [Male], November 8, 1962, MCT 3230. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom:
[Male], December 19, 1962, MCT 3465; [Female], December 23, 1962, MCT
3516.
This species seems to be confined to the primary forest, and was
common at both localities listed. Smythies (1960:444) thought it
resided primarily at elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 feet,
occasionally occurring near sea level. This flycatcher seems to
prefer the understory of the forest, where it was observed sitting
on bare limbs and darting out after insects.
_=Muscicapa unicolor infuscata=_ (Hartert): Pale Blue
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 2: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male] by plumage,
October 31, 1962, MCT 3189; [Female], November 12, 1962, MCT 3556.
This flycatcher was seen only in primary forest, on the above
dates. The birds collected appear to provide the only definitive
records for North Borneo (_cf._ Smythies, 1960:445), although Mary
Norman observed the species once at Quoin Cocoa Estate on an
unspecified date (Smythies, 1963:281).
_=Muscicapa turcosa rupatensis=_ Oberholser: Malaysian Blue
Flycatcher.--_Specimen_, 1: Tiger Estate: [Female], November 25, 1962,
MCT 3320.
_=Muscicapa caerulata caerulata=_ (Bonaparte): Large-billed Blue
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 10: Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 10,
1963, ADG 185. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 19, 1962, MCT 3076;
[Male], October 24, 1962, MCT 3144; [Male], October 26, 1962, MCT 3160;
[Female], October 28, 1962, MCT 3170; [Female], November 8, 1962, MCT
3232; [Male], November 13, 1962, MCT 3266. Oil Palm Research Station:
[Female], August 12, 1963, ADG 223; [Female], August 16, 1963, ADG 244;
[Male], August 19, 1963, ADG 252.
This was the most common "blue" flycatcher at Kalabakan. It was
recorded at Quoin Hill only by Garcia. The record by Smythies
(1963:281) seems open to question as no specimen was preserved.
_=Muscicapa venusta=_ Deignan: Bornean Blue Flycatcher.--_Specimens_,
6: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], September 24, 1962, MCT 2939; [Male],
June 12, 1963, ADG 128. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 12, 1962,
MCT 3014; [Male], October 19, 1962, MCT 3089. Oil Palm Research Station:
[Female], August 10, 1963, ADG 218. Kinabatangan: sex?, October 15,
1963, ADG 309.
The "blue" flycatcher of the Quoin Hill area was observed several
times in the primary forest and primary forest edge. On July 14,
1962, I saw a male and a female of _M. venusta_ bathing in a
shallow stream in the deep forest. They fluttered their wings in
the water and then flew to a nearby fallen log and preened for
several minutes.
_=Muscicapa rufigastra rufigastra=_ Raffles: Mangrove Blue
Flycatcher.--_Specimen_, 1: Tuaran: [Male], December 14, 1963, SCFC 33.
_=Muscicapa dumetoria mulleri=_ Blyth: Orange-breasted
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 5: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 11.8 gm.,
July 25, 1962, MCT 2661; [Female], November 1, 1962, MCT 3198; [Male]
testis 3 x 2 mm., November 11, 1962, MCT 3246; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm.,
November 28, 1962, MCT 3384. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 25,
1962, MCT 3531.
This species was seen only in the understory of primary forest. On
November 10, I watched a male and female feeding about three feet
above the ground in the undergrowth. They sat on small vines and
plants and darted out after insects. I never observed this species
more than 20 feet above the ground.
_=Muscicapa narcissina=_ Temminck: Black and Yellow
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 2: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], November
27, 1962, MCT 3331. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 20, 1962, MCT
3484.
The two specimens were taken in nets in the primary forest. They
cannot presently be assigned with certainty to subspecies.
_=Rhinomyias umbratilis=_ (Strickland): White-throated Jungle
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 19: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 16.7
gm., July 25, 1962, MCT 2662; [Male] testis 6 x 5 mm., 20.7 gm., July
25, 1962, MCT 2663; [Female], 17.9 gm., July 31, 1962, MCT 2686;
[Female], September 29, 1962, MCT 2974; [Male], July 8, 1963, ADG 175.
12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 10, 1962, MCT 2993; [Female],
October 13, 1962, MCT 3027; [Male], October 13, 1962, MCT 3031; [Male],
October 14, 1962, MCT 3036; [Male], October 16, 1962, MCT 3053; [Male],
October 16, 1962, MCT 3058; [Male], October 18, 1962, MCT 3074;
[Female], October 20, 1962, MCT 3107; [Male], October 23, 1962, MCT
3132; [Male], October 25, 1962, MCT 3149; [Female], October 28, 1962,
MCT 3174. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Female], July 11, 1963, ADG 195;
[Female], July 12, 1963, ADG 196; [Female], July 19, 1963, ADG 212.
This abundant species at Quoin Hill and Kalabakan was chiefly an
inhabitant of primary forest.
On July 31, I observed this species singing at Quoin Hill. One sang
with its mouth closed and sounded much farther away than it
actually was. The song has seven notes on a descending scale. Birds
observed on September 27 were in heavy molt and one specimen lacked
tail feathers.
_=Philentoma pyrrhoptera pyrrhoptera=_ (Temminck): Chestnut-winged
Monarch Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 10: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male],
October 10, 1962, MCT 2992; [Female], October 15, 1962, MCT 3048;
[Male], October 20, 1962, MCT 3100; [Male], October 20, 1962, MCT 3105;
[Female], November 11, 1962, MCT 3244; [Female], November 16, 1962, MCT
3291. Ulu Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 9, 1963, ADG 180; [Male],
July 9, 1963, ADG 181; [Male], July 24, 1963, ADG 215; [Female], July
11, 1963, ADG 192.
The species was common at Kalabakan. Garcia took a few at Quoin
Hill, but I observed the species there only once.
_=Philentoma velata caesia=_ (Lesson): Maroon-breasted Monarch
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 25.0 gm.,
August 4, 1962, MCT 2725; [Male], 27.2 gm., August 20, 1962, MCT 2783;
[Male], September 5, 1962, MCT 2872. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female],
October 22, 1962, MCT 3126; sex? ([Female] by plumage), October 29,
1962, MCT 3182; [Female], November 3, 1962, MCT 3205. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom:
[Male], December 26, 1962, MCT 3536.
At Quoin Hill this was a bird of the primary forest. The species
was common in the moss forest above Tenom.
_=Hypothymis azurea prophata=_ Oberholser: Black-naped Blue Monarch
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 18: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 10.8
gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2754; [Male], 15.2 gm., August 28, 1962, MCT
2834; [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., 11.1 gm., September 6, 1962, MCT 2876;
sex? September 14, 1962, MCT 2922; [Male], November 1, 1962, MCT 3200;
[Male], November 7, 1962, MCT 3221; [Male], November 10, 1962, MCT 3242;
[Male], November 20, 1962, MCT 3373; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT
3374; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., December 1, 1962, MCT 3412; [Female],
December 2, 1962, MCT 3427. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 22, 1962,
MCT 3504; [Male], December 23, 1962, MCT 3509. Cocoa Research Station:
[Female], April 30, 1963, ADG 95; [Female], June 19, 1963, ADG 1551. Ulu
Balung Cocoa Estate: [Male], July 11, 1963, ADG 194; Oil Palm Research
Station: [Male], August 10, 1963, ADG 220; [Female], August 13, 1963,
ADG 232.
This seemingly ubiquitous bird occurred in primary forest and
cocoa. A specimen taken on September 14, 1962, was still in heavy
molt.
_=Terpsiphone paradisi borneensis=_ (Hartert): Paradise
Flycatcher.--_Specimens_, 6: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 9 x 5
mm., July 11, 1962, MCT 2616; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., 21.2 gm., August
3, 1962, MCT 2719; [Female], June 10, 1963, ADG 119. 12 mi. N Kalabakan:
[Male], October 19, 1962, MCT 3090; [Female], November 10, 1962, MCT
3240. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female], August 24, 1963, ADG 258.
At Quoin Hill this species was common in primary forest. One of the
males (MCT 2719) was rust-colored. It and similar rufous males may
be immature (see Owen, 1963:235).
_=Pachycephala whiteheadi homeyeri=_ (Blasius): Whitehead's
Thick-head.--_Specimens_, 2: Siamil Island: [Female], September 19,
1962, MCT 2931; [Male], September 19, 1962, MCT 2932.
The thick-heads were by far the most common passerine bird in the
relict forest on Siamil Island, being quite tame and easily
approached. They generally spent most of their time sitting on
branches of forest vines and bushes in the understory and were
never observed in the upper story. McGregor (1910:604) describes
the species as: "Common on Tawi Tawi, less so in Sulu. A deep woods
bird; tame and easily shot. Feeds on insects, and usually keeps
some distance above the ground."
The two specimens recorded above provide the first record of this
species from Borneo, the previously known range being confined to
the Philippine Islands. My material closely resembled the
subspecies found on Tawi-Tawi and here is assigned to _P. w.
homeyeri_.
_=Motacilla caspica melanope=_ Pallas: Gray Wagtail.--_Specimen_, 1:
Cocoa Research Station: [Female], October 4, 1962, MCT 2991.
I saw this migrant first at the research station on August 25,
1962, along a dirt road, and it was subsequently seen many times
along logging roads in secondary forest.
_=Artamus leucorhynchus leucorhynchus=_ Linnaeus: White-breasted
Swallow Shrike.--_Specimens_, 2: Tuaran: sex?, December 6, 1963, SCFC
F13; [Female], December 7, 1963, SCFC F15.
_=Lanius cristatus lucionensis=_ Linnaeus: Brown Shrike.--_Specimen_, 1:
Tuaran: [Male], January 12, 1963, MCT 3593.
One bird was observed near our sulap 12 miles north of Kalabakan on
October 22 and 26, 1962. The specimen was netted in a paddy field
and others were seen at Tuaran.
_=Lanius tigrinus=_ Drapiez: Thick-billed Shrike.--_Specimens_, 2: Tiger
Estate: [Male], November 25, 1962, MCT 3316. Cocoa Research Station:
[Female], November 29, 1962, MCT 3383.
The specimen taken on November 29, was netted in a small clearing
in primary forest.
_=Aplonis panayensis strigatus=_ (Horsfield): Glossy
Starling.--_Specimens_, 2: Tiger Estate: [Female], October 11, 1962, MCT
3001; [Female], November 25, 1962, MCT 3322. Tuaran: [Female], March 21,
1963, ADG 35; sex?, December 1, 1963, EJHB 616.
This species was in the lowlands around Semporna, Siamil Island,
Brantian Estate, and Tawau.
_=Gracula religiosa religiosa=_ Linnaeus: Talking Myna.--_Specimens_, 3:
Tiger Estate: [Female], October 11, 1962, MCT 3020. Cocoa Research
Station: [Male], May 28, 1963, ADG 114. Gum-Gum: [Female], September 9,
1963, ADG 277.
This was a common bird at Quoin Hill but was not seen elsewhere by
me. It frequented the dead trees in the cocoa.
_=Anthreptes simplex=_ (S. Mueller): Plain-colored Sunbird.--_Specimens_,
6: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm., 8.0 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT
2768; [Male] imm., 10.0 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2769; [Male], 7.0 gm.,
September 6, 1962, MCT 2878; [Male], September 25, 1962, MCT 2959;
[Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3332; [Male], November 27, 1962, MCT
3343.
This common bird at Quoin Hill frequented flowers of the Tree
Cassava. Trees of that species were shade trees in the cocoa.
_=Anthreptes malacensis=_ ssp. (Scopoli): Brown-throated
Sunbird.--_Specimens_, 2: Tenom: [Male], January 3, 1963, MCT 3573;
[Male] testis 5 x 4 mm., January 4, 1963, MCT 3576.
One of the specimens (MCT 3576) was molting into adult male
plumage; the size of its testes suggests that this bird was also
coming into breeding condition, all of which seemingly lends
support to Chasen's (1939:401) suspicion that the species has an
eclipse plumage. Lacking specimens in breeding plumage, I was
unable to determine the subspecific affinities of the population at
Tenom.
This species was observed also on Siamil Island.
_=Anthreptes rhodolaema=_ Shelley: Rufous-throated
Sunbird.--_Specimens_, 14: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 3
mm., 12.5 gm., August 9, 1962, MCT 2742; [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., 15.0
gm., August 9, 1962, MCT 2743; [Female], 13.5 gm., August 9, 1962, MCT
2744; [Female] imm., 12.7 gm., August 9, 1962, MCT 2745; [Male] testis 3
x 2 mm., 13.5 gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2749; [Male], 13.0 gm., August
10, 1962, MCT 2750; [Female], 12.0 gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2751;
[Female] imm., 10.8 gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2775; [Male], September 4,
1962, MCT 2869; [Female] largest ova 3 mm., oviduct enlarged, 12.0 gm.,
September 12, 1962, MCT 2905; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3350;
[Male], November 27, 1962, MCT 3351; [Male], November 27, 1962, MCT
3355.
The Rufous-throated Sunbirds were the most common sunbirds at the
Cocoa Research Station. They seemed to prefer foraging about
flowers of the Tree Cassava. The stomachs of those examined
contained insects. The absence of _A. malacensis_ suggests that
these two species are mutually exclusive.
_=Anthreptes singalensis borneana=_ (Kloss): Ruby-cheeked
Sunbird.--_Specimens_, 3: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 8.0 gm.,
August 23, 1962, MCT 2801; [Male], November 29, 1962, MCT 3385;
[Female], 8.4 gm., August 10, 1962, MCT 2752.
This species seemed to prefer secondary forest or cocoa as a
habitat and was an uncommon bird at Quoin Hill.
_=Nectarinia sperata=_ (Linnaeus): Van Hasselt's Sunbird.--Fred Dunn saw
a male in secondary forest near the Cocoa Research Station.
_=Nectarinia jugularis=_ (Linnaeus): Yellow-breasted Sunbird.--This
sunbird was abundant in the coconut palms at Siamil Island. The species
was observed also at exotic flowering plants in Tawau.
_=Nectarinia hypogrammica hypogrammica=_ S. Mueller: Purple-naped
Sunbird.--_Specimens_, 10: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], November
27, 1962, MCT 3334: [Male], July 7, 1963, ADG 167. 12 mi. N Kalabakan:
[Male] testis 3 x 5 mm., October 14, 1962, MCT 3035; [Male], October 15,
1962, MCT 3047; [Male], October 23, 1962, MCT 3133; [Male], October 24,
1962, MCT 3145; [Male], November 2, 1962, MCT 3203; [Female], November
15, 1962, MCT 3287. Oil Palm Research Station: [Female], August 16,
1963, ADG 247; [Male], August 27, 1963, ADG 262.
This common species of secondary forest at Quoin Hill seems to
prefer spiders and various insects for food. I saw one bird
removing dead leaves from a tree and picking out the spiders that
had taken over the curled leaves as shelters. I also saw birds of
this species hover before spiderwebs and remove the spiders.
A specimen taken on November 15, 1962, was in heavy molt.
_=Aethopyga mystacalis=_ (Temminck): Scarlet Sunbird.--_Specimen_, 1:
Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 6.0 gm., September 12, 1962, MCT 2903.
This specimen was molting from a drab to an adult type male
plumage. I saw this species only one other time at Quoin Hill, but
on December 26 I saw two males feeding among epiphytic plants in
the moss forest above Tenom. The condition of the specimen's
plumage prevented its identification to subspecies (presumably _A.
m. temmincki_).
_=Aethopyga siparaja=_ (Raffles): Yellow-backed Sunbird.--_Specimens_,
3: Tawau: [Male] testis 5 x 5 mm., September 2, 1962, MCT 2861. Tiger
Estate: [Male], October 11, 1962, MCT 2999. Oil Palm Research Station:
[Female], August 13, 1963, ADG 231.
This sunbird was common around flowers at Kalabakan and Brantian
Estate.
Unfortunately, I lack enough specimens to make a subspecific
identification. The specimen from Tawau differs from _A. s.
siparaja_, however, only in having darker wings; it closely
resembles the type and the series that Oberholser used when
describing _A. s. ochrapyrrha_.
_=Arachnothera longirostris buttikoferi=_ van Oort: Little
Spiderhunter.--_Specimens_, 58: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 16.2
gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2777; [Male], 15.6 gm., August 22, 1962, MCT
2796; [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., 16.0 gm., September 13, 1962, MCT 2913;
[Female], December 1, 1962, MCT 3399; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., December
2, 1962, MCT 3431; [Male], November 27, 1962, MCT 3347; [Female],
November 27, 1962, MCT 3348; [Male], November 28, 1962, MCT 3366;
[Male], November 28, 1962, MCT 3367; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT
3368; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3369; [Male], November 28, 1962,
MCT 3370; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3371; [Male], November 28,
1962, MCT 3372; [Male], November 29, 1962, MCT 3386; [Male], December 1,
1962, MCT 3397; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT 3398; [Female], December
2, 1962, MCT 3430; [Female]?, November 30, 1962, MCT 3443; [Female],
April 26, 1962, ADG 60; [Male], April 27, 1963, ADG 70; [Male], April
27, 1962, ADG 73; [Male], April 18, 1963, ADG 78; [Male], April 28,
1963, ADG 80; [Male], April 29, 1963, ADG 86; [Male], April 29, 1963,
ADG 87; [Male], April 30, 1962, ADG 93. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female],
October 16, 1962, MCT 3050; [Male], October 16, 1962, MCT 3051; [Male]
testis 4 x 2 mm., October 18, 1962, MCT 3073; [Female], October 17,
1962, MCT 3064; [Male] testis 7 x 5 mm., October 19, 1962, MCT 3079;
[Female], October 19, 1962, MCT 3093; [Male], October 21, 1962, MCT
3120; [Male], October 23, 1962, MCT 3134; [Male] testis enlarged,
October 25, 1962, MCT 3150; [Male] testis 7 x 5 mm., October 26, 1962,
MCT 3156; [Female], October 28, 1962, MCT 3173; [Male], November 2,
1962, MCT 3204; [Male], November 4, 1962, MCT 3209; [Male] testis 5 x 4
mm., November 4, 1962, MCT 3210; [Male] testis 2 x 1 mm., November 6,
1962, MCT 3214; [Female], November 11, 1962, MCT 3252. Kalabakan:
[Female], November 15, 1962, MCT 3278; [Female] 2 eggs in oviduct, ovary
enlarged, brood patch, November 15, 1962, MCT 3279; [Female] brood
patch, two collapsed follicles, November 15, 1962, MCT 3280; [Male]
testis 7 x 6 mm., November 15, 1962, MCT 3281; [Female] brood patch, egg
in oviduct, largest ovum 6 mm., November 15, 1962, MCT 3286; [Male]
testis 7 x 6 mm., November 16, 1962, MCT 3290; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm.,
November 16, 1962, MCT 3294; [Female], November 16, 1962, MCT 3295;
[Male] testis 6 x 3 mm., November 17, 1962, MCT 3297; [Male] testis 5 x
5 mm., November 17, 1962, MCT 3298; [Female], November 17, 1962, MCT
3299. 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Female], December 26, 1962, MCT 3538. Gum-Gum:
[Male], October 4, 1963, ADG 290; [Female], October 5, 1963, ADG 294;
[Female], October 5, 1963, ADG 295.
This was the most common of all the spiderhunters, and was found at
all localities. It was readily taken in mist nets. Unlike most
birds, these spiderhunters become quite agitated in nets, and
within a few minutes usually strangle themselves.
From October 16 through November 11, I took several specimens 12
miles north of Kalabakan, but only one in breeding condition. On
November 15, I moved 12 miles back to Kalabakan from an elevation
of 600 feet to an elevation of 50 feet. As can be seen from the
specimen-data, nearly all the females then collected either had
nests with eggs or were approaching oviposition. The specimens were
all taken in nets in an area approximately 200 feet square. On
November 20 at the Brantian Estate a bird sitting on a branch six
inches up in secondary forest jumped down to the ground and fed on
unknown material.
_=Arachnothera crassirostris=_ (Reichenbach): Thick-billed
Spiderhunter.--_Specimen_, 1: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 14.8
gm., August 9, 1962, MCT 2746.
This spiderhunter was recorded on the basis of one specimen and one
sight record. One seen in secondary forest would dart out from its
perch on a limb, hover near the end of a branch, and then return to
its perch. No flowers were visible and I assumed that the bird was
catching insects.
_=Arachnothera flavigaster=_ (Eyton): Greater Yellow-eared
Spiderhunter.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Female] imm.,
36.3 gm., August 21, 1962, MCT 2789; [Female] imm., 38.4 gm., August 21,
1962, MCT 2790; [Female], 38.4 gm., August 22, 1962, MCT 2795; [Female]
brood patch, largest ova 2 mm., November 27, 1962, MCT 3330; [Male],
November 28, 1962, MCT 3359; [Male] testis 7 x 6 mm., November 29, 1962,
MCT 3379; [Male], November 30, 1962, MCT 3395; [Female], April 27, 1963,
ADG 66; [Female], April 27, 1963, ADG 67.
This species was met with only at Quoin Hill, where it was common
around the abaca and wild bananas. The primary diet seemed to be
pollen, nectar, and spiders. I found it easy to differentiate from
the next species in the field (see below).
_=Arachnothera chrysogenys harrissoni=_ Deignan: Lesser Yellow-eared
Spiderhunter.--_Specimens_, 4: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], 23.5
gm., August 21, 1962, MCT 2788; [Male], April 27, 1963, ADG 68; [Male],
April 30, 1963, ADG 92; [Male], May 27, 1963, ADG 113.
I observed this species at Quoin Hill only once, but Garcia took
three specimens at the same locality. He labels his specimens as
taken in primary forest. I never saw the species there and took my
one specimen in the abaca, where the bird was eating spiders,
nectar, and pollen. The chief characters distinguishing this
species from _A. flavigaster_ were the tuft of yellow feathers on
the side of the head and the narrow eye ring in _A. chrysogenys_.
_=Arachnothera affinis pars=_ Riley: Gray-breasted
Spiderhunter.--_Specimens_, 27: Cocoa Research Station: [Male], 27.2
gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2771; [Female], 22.2 gm., August 13, 1962, MCT
2772; [Female] imm., 21.1 gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2773; [Male], 29.2
gm., August 13, 1962, MCT 2774; [Male], 27.0 gm., August 21, 1962, MCT
2791; [Male], 26.6 gm., August 21, 1962, MCT 2792; [Male], April 27,
1963, ADG 65; [Female] imm., May 1, 1963, ADG 99; [Male], June 12, 1963,
ADG 126; [Male], June 20, 1963, ADG 154-B. 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Female],
October 15, 1962, MCT 3046; [Female], October 24, 1962, MCT 3139. Cocoa
Research Station: [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., November 27, 1962, MCT 3327;
[Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3328; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT
3329; [Female], November 27, 1962, MCT 3338; [Male] testis 5 x 4 mm.,
November 27, 1962, MCT 3339; [Male], November 28, 1962, MCT 3363;
[Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3364; [Male], November 28, 1962, MCT
3365; [Female], November 28, 1962, MCT 3366; [Female], November 29,
1962, MCT 3390; [Male] testis enlarged, November 29, 1962, MCT 3391;
[Female]?, November 29, 1962, MCT 3392; [Male], December 1, 1962, MCT
3393; [Male], December 2, 1962, MCT 3429; [Male], November 30, 1962, MCT
3442.
This bird was fairly common at Quoin Hill in the abaca and wild
bananas and, at Kalabakan, in primary forest. Its feeding habits
are the same as those of the preceding species. The order of
abundance of the spiderhunters is probably best shown by the number
of each species taken: _Arachnothera longirostris_, 58; _A.
affinis_, 27; _A. flavigaster_, 9; _A. chrysogenys_, 4; _A.
crassirostris_, 1.
_=Prionichilus xanthopygius=_ (Salvadori): Yellow-rumped
Flowerpecker.--_Specimens_, 7: Cocoa Research Station: [Male] testis 5 x
5 mm., 8.9 gm., August 23, 1962, MCT 2800; [Female] largest ova 3 mm.,
oviduct enlarged, 10.2 gm., September 13, 1962, MCT 2910; [Female] imm.,
9.7 gm., September 13, 1962, MCT 2911; [Male] testis 3 x 2 mm., 9.5 gm.,
September 13, 1962, MCT 2912; [Female] imm., 7.0 gm., September 14,
1962, MCT 2920; [Male] testis 6 x 4 mm., vas deferens enlarged,
September 26, 1962, MCT 2966; [Male], November 27, 1962, MCT 3344.
This species did not appear at Quoin Hill until August 23. The
gonads of most of the adults taken from that time on appeared to be
regressing from breeding condition, and several immatures were
taken also, suggesting that the breeding season was over. The birds
seemed to be attracted, with bulbuls, to the tree _Trema
orientalis_.
_=Prionichilus maculatus maculatus=_ (Temminck): Yellow-throated
Flowerpecker.--_Specimen_, 1: 12 mi. N Kalabakan: [Male], October 19,
1962, MCT 3094.
I observed this flowerpecker once at Quoin Hill, in much-disturbed
primary forest, but was unable to secure a specimen. Twelve miles
north of Kalabakan it was found in primary forest.
_=Dicaeum chrysorrheum=_ Temminck: Yellow-vented Flowerpecker.--I
observed one feeding about 50 feet high among epiphytic plants in the
moss forest 5.5 miles north of Tenom.
_=Dicaeum monticolum=_ Sharpe: Black-sided Flowerpecker.--_Specimen_, 1:
5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male] testis 5 x 3 mm., December 17, 1962, MCT 3449.
I saw this flowerpecker once, in the moss forest above Tenom.
Treatment of this species as monotypic follows the revision of
Salomonsen (1961:17).
_=Dicaeum cruentatum=_ (Linnaeus): Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.--Along
the seashore near Tawau this species fed in flowering trees. Males were
pugnacious and persistently chased what appeared to be females.
_=Dicaeum trigonostigma dayakanum=_ Chasen and Kloss: Orange-bellied
Flowerpecker.--_Specimen_, 1: 5.5 mi. SW Tenom: [Male], December 23,
1962, MCT 3507.
This flowerpecker was found only in the moss forest above Tenom,
where it was seen numerous times feeding among the epiphytic
plants.
_=Zosterops everetti tahanensis=_ Ogilvie-Grant: Everett's
White-eye.--_Specimens_, 9: Cocoa Research Station: [Female], August 8,
1962, MCT 2734; [Male] testis 4 x 3 mm., August 8, 1962, MCT 2735;
[Female], 8.6 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2757; [Female], 7.8 gm., August
11, 1962, MCT 2758; [Female] imm., 7.9 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2759;
[Female], 8.2 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2760; [Male], 7.8 gm., August
11, 1962, MCT 2761; [Male] imm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2762; [Male] imm.,
7.8 gm., August 11, 1962, MCT 2764.
At the Cocoa Research Station flocks of 20 to 40 birds were seen
daily, feeding in the cocoa trees. Only once was this species seen
away from the cocoa trees; this was in secondary forest where the
birds were feeding in a tree about 30 feet tall. They move in
flocks and are noisy.
Smythies (1960:485) states that this species occurs from the Poi
Range up to the lower slopes of Kinabalu. This is apparently the
first record from eastern Borneo.
_=Lonchura fuscans=_ (Cassin): Dusky Munia.--_Specimens_, 11. Cocoa
Research Station: [Female], July 6, 1962, MCT 2603; [Female], September
1, 1962, MCT 2847; [Male] testis 7 x 6 mm., September 1, 1962, MCT 2848;
[Male] testis enlarged, September 24, 1962, MCT 2943. Tenom: [Female],
January 6, 1962, MCT 3584; [Female], January 6, 1963, MCT 3585; [Male]
testis enlarged, January 6, 1963, MCT 3586; [Female] several collapsed
follicles, old brood patch, January 6, 1963, MCT 3587; [Female] imm.,
January 6, 1963, MCT 3588; [Female], January 6, 1963, MCT 3590; [Male]
testis enlarged, January 6, 1963, MCT 3591.
In contrast to _L. malacca_, this species was commonly found in
secondary forest away from cultivated fields. It was common at
Quoin Hill and Kalabakan. On July 18, 1962, a pair was observed
building a nest near Kalabakan, in a native kampong under the eave
of a house. There the birds were fastening the nest to the palm
thatching about 20 feet up and nearly over the door. Another pair
was nesting, close to the same house, about eight feet up in a
citrus tree. In Kalabakan proper, I saw a pair with fledgling young
in a croton bush about six feet from the door of a house, on
November 15, 1962. This nest was about seven feet up.
_=Lonchura malacca=_ (Linnaeus): Chestnut Munia.--_Specimens_, 6:
Tawau: [Female] imm., September 2, 1962, MCT 2862. Tenom: [Male],
January 6, 1963, MCT 3589. Tuaran: [Female], January 12, 1963, MCT 3594;
[Female], January 12, 1963, MCT 3595; hermaphrodite, testis 8 x 5 mm.,
largest ovum of ovary 2 mm., January 12, 1963, MCT 3596; [Female],
January 12, 1963, MCT 3597.
This was a common bird in the lowlands away from forest. I observed
it feeding on lawns in Tawau. A pair was building a nest on July
19, 1962, in an ironwood tree about 10 feet above the ground. The
nest was typically ball-shaped with a side entrance. This species
appears to stay in age groups when it flocks, as evidenced by the
large flocks of young in first-year plumage.
The hermaphroditic specimen was of some interest, since the ovary
and testis both seemed to be enlarged.