BIRDWATCHING AND BIRD RECORDS IN BRUNEI

BIRDWATCHING 

AND BIRD RECORDS 

IN BRUNEI 

August 2005 – September 2009 

Jeremy Moore 

Downloadable from https://www.bsp.com.bn/PanagaClub/PNHS1/Themes_files/Birds.htm 

PNHS.Brunei@gmail.com

Introduction 

During the last four years I have enjoyed many days searching for, observing and 

occasionally photographing the varied bird species to be found in the country. I have 

used several earlier accounts of bird sightings and locations made by PNHS members 

and others as an invaluable guide to find 

suitable locations and as a guide to the likely 

species to be seen here. The most recent of 

these records is already close to 20 years old 

and a lot has changed in the intervening time. 

While the loss of forest areas around Anduki 

or the Seria bypass is undoubtedly a change 

for the worse, many sites in Andalau and 

Labi remain as they were in the past while 

the Kuala Balai road area is now much more 

White-breasted Waterhen and chick 

accessible and seems to attract many more 

bird species than recorded previously. This 

record of my observations and current access advice to various birding sites will 

hopefully be of use to future birders lucky enough to spend time here as well as any 

future efforts to protect any of the areas from further degradation. 

The locations list concentrates on good places for forest birds since most of the 

important sites for waterbirds have been well documented in the Asian Waterbird 

Census 2008 report by Andrea Bloem (see references section). At Wasan ricefields 

and Mentiri Prawn Farms there have been some changes in the access and layout of 

the sites since this report was written so I have included more details on these areas at 

the end of the section. 

The majority of the sightings are my own, many made in the company of Mark 

Hessels, Andrea Bloem and Hans Vis all of whose company and equal dedication to a 

pastime often requiring 

standing for hours in the forest 

waiting for the birds to show 

themselves I have really 

appreciated over the last few 

years. Thanks also to Graham 

Durrance, Wietse de Werff, 

David Mendes and Shirley 

Hee for also joining in several 

trips as well as the Asian 

Waterbird Census 2009 counts 

from which some records are 

included in this list. My father, 

Derek Moore, spent a fruitful 

Cattle Egrets 

holiday here in 2007 and also photographed many of the species and I have also added 

a few unusual records from the rest of the family to the list. In general I have tried to 

be rigorous in only including species where I am 100% certain of the correct 

identification and there are a few extra species listed at the end which are ‘maybes’ as 

they were not seen clearly enough to confirm their identity. 

Page 2

I have also included a more detailed summary of bird sightings along the Kuala Balai 

Road area just south of the Panaga camp. 

During the period 2007 – 2009 I made over 80 

visits to this area covering all months of the 

year, providing a unique opportunity to 

understand the variation in species occurrences 

over a prolonged period. This summary really 

just scratches the surface of understanding the 

bird population behaviour in this area, but does 

highlight the necessity of multiple visits in 

properly understanding the importance for 

wildlife of any site in Brunei. 

Last, but no least it is not only birds which are 

encountered in the gardens and forests of Brunei and so there is room for some of the 

mammals seen here as well. 

When to Watch Birds 

The key requirement for watching birds in the Brunei rainforest is patience. On many 

occasions it can seem that there are no birds to be seen, only sounds and some vague 

movement in the leaves. It is quite possible to spend a whole morning in the Andalau 

and Labi areas and see only 20 species while on other days the list can be closer to 50 

with many unusual sightings. Only the Kuala Balai Road consistently produces 

between 40 and 50 species on each visit and even more if including those which are 

only heard. What follows are some general observations on what birds can be 

expected through the year and the best time and locations to see them. Even so, there 

will always be those ‘dull days’ with a handful of sightings but as long as you put in 

the time there will also be plenty of good days as well. 

The generally hot and humid weather in Brunei mean that birds and larger animals are 

most active in the coolest parts of the day. In practice this means that for forest bird 

sites such as Kuala Balai Rd, Andalau and Labi it is necessary to make an early start 

and be there at first light (6am in summer, 30 minutes later in winter) when most birds 

start to become active. By 10.00 activity is usually quietening down with only the 

larger birds such as raptors and Hornbills still flying around. On cloudy days this 

might extend for a bit longer but during the middle part of the day there are always far 

fewer birds to be found. Activity does increase 

again in late afternoon (after 4pm) as species 

such as Hornbills, pigeons and parrots gather 

prior to roosting but smaller species such as 

Bulbuls, Sunbirds and Babblers are much less 

visible at this time. Nocturnal birds and animals 

normally become active only in complete 

darkness at least 30mins after sunset. 

Olive-backed Sunbird 

Oriental Pied Hornbill 

Waterbirds remain active all day and will move 

around depending on the state of the tides and gather at roosts just before sunset. At 

sites such as Wasan other species such as Bitterns and Quail can best be seen before 

Page 3

the hottest part of the day and although it is generally more pleasant for the birder to 

be here early as well, the main wader species can be seen at any time of day. 

Given its equatorial position, it is perhaps surprising that there are strong seasonal 

variations in bird species distribution and occurrence just as much as in more 

temperate regions. The fruiting cycle of important food sources and also migration of 

many species form the north for the winter result in significant differences in the 

species which can be 

encountered in different 

months. The most 

noticeable cycle is the 

presence of large numbers 

of Egrets during the winter 

months, with counts 

exceeding 3000 common 

at the Sungai Seria roost 

with numbers dwindling 

from end May to perhaps a 

couple of hundred birds 

before the return migration 

Red-necked Stints 

starts already in late August. Most of the wader species show a similar pattern with 

migration occurring August / September and a return migration generally in smaller 

numbers in March / April. Although many waders do stay in Brunei for the winter, 

other species such as Oriental Pratincole are only passing through on their way to 

northern Australia. Smaller migrants such as flycatchers and Arctic Warblers tend to 

arrive later in the year with peak numbers in November / December and a return 

migration through to April. The Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo is almost unique in 

performing migration in reverse, breeding in Australia in the southern summer and 

spending the ‘winter’ of June to September in Borneo and SE Asia. Other species 

such as Drongo and Oriental Cuckoos as well as Crow-billed Drongos have been 

recorded most frequently during the Spring migration and hardly ever in Autumn. 

Most of the resident forest species such as Bulbuls, Babblers and Sunbirds generally 

breed twice per year with young birds 

appearing in May/June and again in 

Sep/Oct to align with the ripening of 

fruits and berries on trees which in 

turn brings a greater abundance of 

insects. The birds of prey and hornbills 

have a still different cycle, nesting 

from December or early January with 

young birds appearing from March 

into April although again there are 

exceptions with Black-shouldered 

Kites, supposedly a winter visitor, seen 

at the nest with two young at Wasan in 

Wandering Whistling Ducks 

November. I have included more some 

further description of these variations 

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

sightings. 

Page 4

As well as the international migrants there are still more species which make local or 

irregular movements over short distances around northern Borneo. Perhaps the best 

example is the Wandering Whistling Duck which was rarely recorded 20 years ago 

but is now almost permanently present in good numbers at Wasan and in the Seria 

area at J15. Scarce records of Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Storm’s Stork and raptors 

such as Besra, Bat Hawk and Jerdon’s Baza along Kuala Balai Rd also indicate 

species wandering away from their normal habitats while a Sunda Whistling Thrush 

present in our garden in Dec 2007 was an exceptionally long way from its usual 

mountain home. 

So while birding in Brunei can be challenging, with perseverance there are plenty of 

birds to be found in all of the sites and habitats described here and a wide range of 

species, both common and scarce, can be seen at any time of the year 

Page 5

PART 1: Birdwatching Locations 

1. Seria and Panaga Areas 

The Sungai Seria estuary and the surrounding grasslands are an excellent area to start 

birdwatching, especially from late August through to April when many migratory and 

over-wintering Egrets and waders can be seen here. Good places to find these birds 

are on either side of the estuary mouth or in the freshwater lake at the Tattler hide near 

N 

5 

6 

2 

Seria Bypass 

4 

the Billion Barrel Monument (Site 1). Yellow Bitterns and Eye-browed Crakes are 

also common in this area while migrants including Common Kingfisher, Common 

Moorhen, Black-winged Stilts, Arctic Warbler and occasionally Peregrine Falcons 

have also been recorded. 

At the last road bridge over the river, as many as five thousand Cattle, Little, 

Intermediate and Great Egrets roost in the winter months and disperse over the wider 

Seria and Kuala Belait area during the day. In 2009 they seemed to prefer the west 

side of the bridge (Site 2) but previously used the area on the other side and up to the 

BSP Learning Centre. Little Green Herons are also common here at dusk and dawn 

while Black-crowned Night Herons have also roosted in this area during winter. 

Waders including Golden Plover, smaller Plovers species, Stints and Sandpipers can 

be found anywhere along the river back to the second road bridge and can also be 

seen in ditches and wet pools in the grasslands in this area with the fields around the 

OGDC (Site 3) being a particularly good area for Golden Plover and occasionally 

Swinhoe’s Snipe. The newly created pond in the J15 area behind the garrison (Site 4) 

is another location with waders and also White-winged / Whiskered Terns present 

during the autumn migration period. In September 2009 a Painted Snipe was present 

here, a very unusual record for Brunei. This site also appears to have a resident 

population of Wandering Whistling Ducks since late in 2008 and White-browed 

Crakes bred here in large numbers also around Oct 2008. This area was created to aid 

flood control of the Sungai Seria and during 2009 water levels are much higher than 

1 

1km 

3 

Page 6

when it was first created so the Crakes are probably no longer present. The huge 

Lesser Adjutant Stork is another regular visitor to this area with at least a couple of 

birds present per year anywhere between here and Seria Town. 

Other winter migrants to 

this area include Tiger 

and Brown Shrikes as 

well as Yellow Wagtails 

and Eye-browed 

Thrushes. The bushes and 

hedges around the grassy 

area at G11/12 (Site 5) 

are a good area to find 

these species while 

Crested Serpent Eagles, 

Crested Goshwaks and 

some Woodpecker Sungai Seria 

species are also present in 

this area all year round. In Jan 2007 a Schrenck’s Bittern was seen feeding in the ditch 

next to the track and Little Green Herons, Stork-Billed Kingfishers and Pied Trillers 

are also regular. 

The sandy tracks and sparse trees opposite the BSP office and BSRC (Site 6) are also 

a good site for Tiger Shrikes as well as Pink-necked Green Pigeons coming to roost in 

the late afternoon. After dark Large-tailed Nightjars can be heard and sometimes seen 

in the car headlights as they fly low over the paths or perch in the trees. 

Further west from here, the gardens of Panaga are also a very good area to find birds. 

The group of 100+ Oriental Pied Hornbills are the most obvious and famouse 

residents here while others such as Collared Kingfisher, Magpie Robin, Crimson and 

Olive-backed Sunbirds are also present all year 

round. In four years over 50 species were recorded 

in our garden at F2/18 including regular Malaysian 

Tiger Bitterns and Chinese Pond Herons in winter, 

Eye-browed Thrushes from December to February 

and other migrants such as Arctic Warbler, Blueand-White 

Flycatcher and Asian Koel. Forest 

species such as Black-thighed falconets, Crested 

Goshawks, Black-winged Flycatcher Shrikes and 

Black-headed Bulbuls also occasionally pass 

through the garden while the most unusual bird 

was the Sunda Whistling Thrush which is 

considered a non-migratory species from 

mountainous areas further inland. 

Other common residents include the ever- 

Panaga garden F2-18 

expanding troupe of Long-tailed Macaque 

monkeys and the Plantain squirrels while Tree 

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

lawns. 

Page 7

2. Kuala Balai Rd 

N 

Brunei Brunei 

This has been the site of 

most of my birdwatching 

in Brunei, located only a 

10 minute drive from the 

Panaga camp area on the 

southern side of the Seria 

bypass across from the 

Mumong roundabout. 

This roughly 16km drive 

over tarmac, potholed in 

places offers a mix of 

primary and secondary 

forest on peat swamp and 

located next to the Belait 

river which appears to act 

as a funnel for both local 

and longrange migrant 

species. While suffering 

from occasional fires and 

gradual encroachment to 

create cleared areas, 

presumably for growing 

some simple crops, this is 

always an excellent site 

for a wide range of birds 

with over 170 species 

recorded and usually 

between 40 and 55 seen 

during a typical visit 

from 6.30 – 10.00am. 

3 

The best results require a 

mixture of a slow drive 

through open areas 

looking for raptors, 

woodpeckers and 

hornbills mixed with 

4 some time walking up 

and down or standing 

still and listening 

carefully to bird calls in 

the mature forest areas. 

The latter areas have the benefit of providing shade until at least 10.00am making this 

one of the more pleasant birding areas. I have divided the road up into four sections 

roughly alternating between open cleared forest and more mature primary peat forest. 

Sarawak Sarawak 

Kuala Kuala Balai Balai Road Road 

Seria Seria Bypass Bypass 

Belait Belait River River 

1 

2 

3km 

Page 8

A typical trip usually goes as follows – drive through the housing area and past the 

dump and cement factory and make a stop at first light at the point where the ‘good’ 

tarmac ends and the 

potholed road begins, 

an area with several 

dead trees on the left 

and low bushes on 

the right (area 1 on 

the map). This is a 

good place for Whitebellied 

and Banded 

Woodpeckers and 

Kuala Balai Rd Sunrise 

also Hornbills flying 

alongside the river to 

the right – all five Kuala Balai species have been seen from this point. Several eagles 

have also been sitting here early in the morning and Silvered Langur monkeys 

occasionally reside in the trees on the left. 

Drive a bit further past the open area on the left to just before the mature forest area 

begins and there is a small clearing on the right (start of area 2). The dead tree at the 

back is a great place to see all sorts of birds in the early morning including pigeons, 

woodpeckers, hornbills and raptors such as Crested Goshawk and Crested Serpent 

Eagle. Another 200m further, the road crosses a small stream where Copper-throated 

Sunbirds nest in the early part of the year, the only place where I have seen this 

species. This is also a good spot for Stork-Billed and Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers and I 

once saw a small (75cm!) crocodile here. After another 500m there is another small 

clearing on the right and 

a small road sign marks 

an old grassy track. I 

usually park the car here 

and walk slowly up and 

down the next 500m or 

so of forest. This area is 

best between 7 to 9am 

when almost any of the 

recorded species can be 

seen. Hornbills, 

Woodpeckers, Barbets 

many Bulbuls and 

Kingfishers are common 

while Babbler species 

Kuala Balai Rd 

including the rare Rufous-fronted have been seen here. Malkohas, Minivets, Hawks, 

Flowerpeckers and Spiderhunters are less regular while a number of real ‘surprise 

birds’ have been seen here including Jerdon’s Baza, Mountain Imperial Eagle and 

Scarlet-rumped Trogon. Most surprising sighting of all was a Marbled Cat which 

walked slowly across the road one morning, while Short-clawed Otters, Bearded Pig 

and Silvered Langurs have also been seen along this stretch. 

It is easy to spend the whole morning here, but it is worth to drive the rest of the road 

in mid-morning when raptors such as Blyth’s / Wallace’s Hawk Eagles, Changeable 

Page 9

Hawk Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle and Brahminy Kites can often be seen sitting in 

dead trees. Coucals, Black-thighed Falconets, Plaintive Cuckoos and Dollarbirds are 

also abundant in this area (marked 3 on the map) while Shrikes, Bay Banded Cuckoos 

and once Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoos have been seen here in winter months. 

The road eventually passes again into mature forest this time with more open views of 

the canopy before ending at the Belait River. About 1km before the end is an area 

(number 4) with low 

bushes next to the road 

and tall trees behind. 

This seems to be a 

good alternative 

location for the 7-9am 

period, particularly in 

winter when a lot of 

Bulbuls, Flowerpeckers 

and Spiderhunters are 

active beside the road 

and all three Parrot 

Kuala Balai Rd, flooding in Jan 09 

species as well as 

Leafbirds, Fairy 

Bluebirds and 

Malkohas can be seen in the tops of the most leafy trees. This place has also provided 

a good number of unusual species, including Storm’s Storks, Rhinoceros Hornbills, 

Emerald Doves, Bat Hawk, Besra, Blue-and-white Flycatcher and Lesser Cuckoo 

Shrike. Bearded Pigs were especially common here in 2007 when up to five animals 

at a time were seen here as well as large Prevost Squirrels and more Silvered Langurs. 

On one occasion a bright orange Malay Weasel ran across the road here while a 

Bonaparte’s Nightjar was once flushed from the ditch in January. 

This road is also worth a slow drive at night, although make sure to bring insect 

repellent if you step out of the car! The most obvious residents, any time after 7pm are 

Binturongs (Bear Cats) and Buffy Fish Owls both of which hunt up and down the 

tarmac road and grassy edges. Savannah Nightjars appear to be resident in good 

numbers during 2009 at the clearing with the road sign in area 2 while Common 

Porcupines, Malay Civet and Masked Palm Civets have also been seen in the 

headlights or with a spotlight. Other owl species have also been heard calling during 

trips in August 2009 with Reddish Scops Owl and Barred Eagle Owl identified 

confidently and some other calls remaining unidentified. 

Altogether there is always something to see here and time spent waiting patiently will 

almost always be rewarded by good views of many species, and there is always the 

chance of seeing scarce forest residents or migrants along any part of the road. 

Page 10

3. Labi Road Part 1 – Andalau Forest Area 

To Labi 

To Long Mayan 

Bukit Sawat Road 

Andalau Forest 

Walks 

1 

4 

2 

3 

Labi 29km 

Labi 30km 

Labi 36km 

I have split up the Labi road sites into 

two parts, roughly consistent with the 

distinctly different Andalau Forest 

(lower) and Labi Forest (upper) 

environments.. 

Before reaching Andalau, the Liang 

forest park is located just 1km from 

the main junction. Although this place 

gets very busy most weekends, a 

couple of morning visits did produce 

White-rumped Shamas and Green 

Ioras so there are forest birds here, 

they just usually keep out of the way. 

The Andalau forest area starts about 

5km from the main junction and 

continues with some breaks up to the 

Long Mayan turn-off. The forest 

generally consists of tall trees on 

sandy soil and differs from the Labi 

area in that there are very few low 

bushes or shrubs near the ground. 

This makes visibility fairly easy and 

allows good views of Babblers and 

other secretive species. 

There are several tracks and paths 

leading into the forest , created by 

local hunters, birdcatchers or the 

Brunei HASH jungle running group! 

The sites mentioned here have good, 

cleared tracks at the time of writing 

and are easily accessible. I have tried 

some of the other routes but they can 

be hard going with long grass, deep 

mud and many fallen trees / landslides 

blocking the paths completely. 

The two Andalau Forest walks startpoints 

are located about 400m apart 

near the ‘Labi 36km’ road marker. 

Labi 43km 

The first begins at an old forestry 

Sungai Liang 

reserve sign and initially runs a few 

hundred meters through trees to arrive 

in a small clearing with views over the forest. During several trips in May this has 

proven to be a good place to see forest birds early in the morning with over 30 species 

seen in one hour including the scarce Finsch’s Bulbul, Chestnut-winged Babblers, 

Page 11

Fiery Minivets, Grey-chested Jungle Flycatchers and Chestnut-breasted Malkohas. 

Red Langur monkeys also seem to be quite regular here. From this point there are 

paths heading off in three directions. The obvious 

route goes steeply down the landslip at the side of 

the clearing and continues along a dry stream bed 

and can give good opportunity to see Babblers such 

as Scaly-crowned, Rufous-crowned and Sootycapped. 

Walking directly away from the main road 

towards an apparent steep cliff edge, there is actually 

a path heading down which goes quite some distance 

into the forest. This is a very dense area and it is 

difficult to see the birds which always seem to be 

high above you in the trees but presumably it would 

be best in the early morning as well. There is a third 

path about 100m back towards the road – facing the 

road, just head down the lefthand slope until finding 


Entrance at site 1 

of the Great Argus Pheasant can also be heard in this area. 

The second path seems to be the best option for 

walking deeper into the forest as it is fairly straight, 

clearly marked by tape tied to trees and eventually 

ends up on a low ridge which seems to be a focus for 

bird movements early in the morning. Initially the 

path runs downhill and through a swampy area, again 

with Red Langurs common and Jungle Flycatchers 

plus Babblers including Abbott’s, Black-capped and 

Black-throated quite tame next to the path. After the 

path rises steeply uphill, it reaches a long ridge and 

then splits to follow the ridge in both directions. This 

proved to be an excellent site on a few mornings in 

May and June with a large group of Ferruginous 

Babblers mixed with Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, 

Bulbuls (including Finsch’s again) and the only 

sighting of a Rufous-tailed Shama all in one noisy 

group. This walk can take about 40min each way, but 

the path going off to the left, again it runs at least 

1km further with lots of Babblers, Jungle 

Flycatchers and Red Langurs around. The loud calls 


Entrance at site 2 

allow at least an extra hour for looking at birds! A telescope is no use here due to the 

dense cover so no need to carry it up and down the steep slopes. Generally around 20 

species can be seen on a visit, but with several not seen elsewhere. 

The tracks do continue further along the ridge, the lefthand route eventually ending in 

thicker forest and the righthand one ending at the sawmill past the new water tanks. 

The next site is after the Bukit Sawat timber works and starts at a small tarmac road 

on the left near the ‘Labi 30km’ marker and about 1km before the much wider turnoff 

to Long Mayan. I term this route the ‘Bukit Sawat Road’ as it winds for about 5km 

first pass secondary replanted forest, across a short area of wet forest / peat swamp 

and then through more mature forest before ending at an abandoned workshop and 

Page 12

Forest at Bukit Sawat Road 

feeding slowly through the middle and 

upper canopy, all the time making a 

strange collection of squeaking, ringing 

and croaking calls. It is good to see that 

there is at least one site in Brunei where 

this rare Borneo endemic can be found 

regularly. Another scarce species found 

here is the Black-naped Oriole which was 

heard singing in the low wet area on 

several occasions and seen briefly flying 

high in the canopy – again a species 

which I did not record elsewhere in 

Brunei. Add in the pair of Asian Paradise 

Flycatchers and good views of Buffrumped 

Woodpeckers, Hairy-backed 

Bulbul and also Barking Deer seen on a 

few occasions in the ‘dry’ forest and this 

is a place definitely worth visiting even 

with the increased activity along the road. 

In June 2009 there were several species of 

Pitcher plants growing along the path 

which were unfortunately squashed flat by 

the road-widening activity, hopefully they 

will recover in the future. 

lookout tower on top of the hill (=Bukit in 

Malay). When I first visited this site in 

May 2009, the road was worn and falling 

apart with long grass growing in the 

middle however by August it had been 

widened and repaired and a new 

accommodation block and forestry sign 

was installed perhaps indicating the 

restart of logging. 

Parking the car after the wet forest area 

and then walking along the road in either 

direction in the early mornings generally 

produces at least 30 species again 

including Babblers (seven species 

recorded including Brown Fulvettas, 

Rufous-crowned and Scaly-crowned), 

Flowerpeckers and Bulbuls. The highlight 

though is the group of at least five Borneo 

Bristleheads which were seen here on 

three out of five visits during July and 

August 2009. These birds were seen 

Pitcher Plant at Bukit Sawat Road 

As well as the Barking Deer, Red and Silvered Langurs as well as Bearded Pigs have 

been seen crossing the road here and on one occasion the whir of Pheasant wings was 

heard without the bird actually showing itself! 

Page 13

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

tarmac road runs for about 

10km through several villages 

and eventually becomes sandy, 

muddy then boggy as it ends in 

a logging track inaccessible to 

any vehicle but trucks and 

serious offroad 4x4s. About 

1km back there is a tarmac 

track to the left, again pointing 

to Long Mayan and the village 

Water Buffalo and Cattle Egret 

Road to Long Mayan 

itself is encountered after 

another few km. There are 

many forest areas along this 

road which are worth a stop in the evening and presumably also early mornings. Birds 

recorded here include the scarce Dusky Broadbills, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Green Iora 

and Crested Serpent Eagles. Back on the main road closer to Labi Stork-billed 

Kingfishers occur at the two main river crossings. After the turnoff the road continues 

on sand then back again to tarmac to arrive at Lake Tasek Merimbun about 25min 

altogether from Labi Road. 

4. Labi Road Part 2 – Labi Forest Area 

Continuing along Labi Road, 

the first site encountered is the 

Luagan Lalak Park area. A 

path starting at the carpark 

leads down to a series of 

wooden walkways alongside 

the lake area and also out 

across a bridge to a small 

shaded picnic hut on stilts in 

the middle of the water. Back 

in 2005/6 this was a pleasant 

site for an early morning walk 

or a lunchtime picnic however 

the walkways quickly Luagan Lalak 

deteriorated due to flooding, fires then termites and the whole place was closed. In 

2009 repairs were in progress so hopefully access will be restored soon. The lake 

never produces too many birds although Purple Heron and Oriental Darter are 

sometimes seen. The forest edges are good for Sunbids and Bulbuls and the 

uncommon Large Woodshrike was seen here on one occasion. 

After Luagan Lalak, the road starts to wind uphill and about 14 1/2km from Labi is 

the first of several left turns leading into denser forest. The tarmac road to the ‘Rumah 

Panjang Malayan’ village starts at a series of old market stalls and runs for about 

10km towards the east, passing through many different types of habitat on the way 

(site 2). The first few km are dense mature forest and good for an early morning start. 

Page 14

Park the car about 2km in and walk up and down the road. Birds tend to be high up in 

the canopy but include many species of Woodpeckers, Fairy Bluebirds while Indian 

Cuckoos and Black-bellied Malkoha have also been seen here. 

Labi Ridge Track 

'Seismic Track' 

2 

'Rumah Panjang 

Malayan' Road 

1 

Teraja 

3 

6 

5 

LABI 

4 

Labi 14km 

Labi 15km 

Teraja 3km 

Labi 2km 

Labi 3km 

Labi 12km 

Continuing on, the road enters 

into an area of rice padi and 

cleared forest replanted with 

sugarcane. There is a small pond 

which harboured nesting Black 

and Red broadbills, in a nest 

suspended above the water, as 

well as Blue-eared Kingfishers 

while Dark-necked Tailorbirds are 

also common in this area. The 

road continues past more 

cultivated land, eventually 

entering an area of wet primary 

forest and then ending at the side 

of the river. This last section of a 

few km has been especially 

productive both during early 

morning and afternoons. The ‘star 

birds’ were two Crested Fireback 

Pheasants which walked across 

the road in front of the car one 

afternoon and this is also the only 

place where Mangrove Whistler 

was seen. Dusky Broadbills, Blueand-White 

Flycatchers, Oriental 

Dwarf Kingfishers and Buffnecked 

Woodpeckers have also 

been recorded here as well as the 

usual selection of Bulbuls, 

Flowerpeckers and Sunbirds. 

Luagan Lalak Labi 20km 

It is worth noting that the road is 

in absolutely terrible condition 

To Sungai Liang 

and the 10km takes at least 30min 

to drive. There are potholes, deep 

mud, occasional fallen trees and at least two places where mudslides have destroyed 

the road completely and a temporary detour has been created through the grass / forest 

Page 15

edge. When encountering these obstacles, parking the car and walking on can be just 

as good for seeing birds. 

Site 3. Back towards Labi and a few km further at the ‘Labi 12km’ sign just past a 

large metal rubbish container there 

is another gravel track leading off 

to the left. In 2005 this was a 

muddy track in poor condition best 

accessed on foot however during 

2009 it was the main access for the 

seismic survey acquired in the area. 

The road was widened and covered 

with concrete for at least 3km 

offering excellent access to 

‘Seismic track’, 12km before Labi 

primary mature forest. As the 

seismic survey ends in Sep 2009 

road maintenance will cease and it is quite likely to soon become inaccessible again as 

stream crossings are washed out by monsoon rains. I have called this area the ‘seismic 

track’ and there in fact two routes. The main concrete road ends at an equipment 

storage site just past a small lake, and then continues as a muddy track. About 200m 

from the beginning there is a side track, also concrete for 500m then becoming grassy 

and impassable. This route can be walked for a further 3km+ where it rejoins the first 

track. The birds seen seem to be similar at both sites however the second track runs 

along a ridge where it is easier to see birds in the treetops and is also much quieter. It 

is also the only place where I have seen Bornean Gibbons crossing through the trees. 

The calls of this animal are a regular feature of early mornings around Labi, but they 

are rarely seen as they stay high up in the canopy. Red Langurs also seem to be very 

common here, both crossing the tracks 

and moving noisily through the canopy. 

Birds recorded here during four visits in 

August 2009 include the six Barbet 

species seen regularly in Brunei, Blacknaped 

Monarchs, the rare Chestnutwinged 

Philentoma and Dark-throated 

Orioles. The sounds of Green Broadbills, 

Great Argus and Garnet Pittas can be 

heard frequently although these species 

Bee’s nest, near Labi 

have so far not been seen here. Sootycapped, 

Black-throated and Rufous-crowned Babblers also seem to be common while 

mixed flocks of Bulbuls including Spectacled, Buff-vented, Cream-vented and Puffbacked 

are present at many places along both routes. 

This is clearly a place worth visiting more often as access is much easier than at Labi 

Ridge and the forest itself is more pristine. As well as all the records mentioned 

above, this is also a good area for butterflies while a 6inch long stick insect and a 

strange green flying lizard were also seen. 

Page 16

‘Seismic track’, 12km 

before Labi 

About 2 1/2 km before Labi village, there is a small red temple on the corner of a 

junction with a sandy 

track. This is the 

entrance to the Labi 

Ridge walk which is 

one of the best known 

access routes to the 

forest in the Labi area, 

although a solid fourwheel 

drive vehicle is 

essential. The track 

first crosses a small 

clearing (exit at the 

far righthand side) and 

View from Labi Ridge 

then climbs very 

steeply for just over a 

km where there is a 

smaller track on the lefthand side. This is the best birdwatching route and can be 

driven with care unless the route is affected by rain. An alternative is to walk this 

route, parking directly opposite the entrance or about 200m further up the main route 

in a clearing at the top of the hill. This area can be very busy with logging trucks and 

in 2009 also with vehicles for the seismic survey so care is needed when driving and 

walking as these large vehicles cannot 

always stop easily on loose slopes. The side 

track is drivable for about 3km and a 

walking path continues further. Birdwatching 

is good at almost any point along the path 

and generally birds seen are similar to the 

‘seismic track’ area although slightly easier 

to see due to the higher elevation of the path. 

Specialties seen here include Streaked 

Bulbul, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Darkthroated 

Oriole, Brown Fulvetta, Verditer 

Flycatcher, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Asian 

Paradise Flycatcher and Yellow-breasted 

Flowerpecker. Rhinoceros and Bushycrested 

Hornbills are fairly common here too while Wreathed, White-crowned and 

Helmeted (only heard) have been recorded once each. Birds seem to be most active 

here in May and June when mixed flocks of feeding birds can be so large and active 

that it is impossible for one observer to look at everything. 

Hopefully this area will quieten down again after the seismic survey finishes and 

remain a good site to see forest birds. The sound of Bornean Gibbons is always 

present in the mornings and Red Langurs have also been seen crossing the path. 

Back on the tarmac the main road continues on to Labi and then a further 11km to end 

at Teraja just short of the Sarawak border. Along the last 5km the forest rises up into 

an almost vertical wall on the left side of the road and it is worth stopping and 

birdwatching anywhere here during mornings or afternoons. 

Page 17

The ‘Teraja 3km” mark is a good spot to park and due to the hills the road stays 

shaded here until 11am and the birds are therefore also active much longer than other 

sites. It can be very rewarding to come here 

from 10am after an early morning start 

elsewhere in Labi as many of the best birds 

have been seen even into the early 

afternoon. Standing next to this wall of 

trees, you can get the feeling that almost 

any bird on the Borneo list could appear as 

there is so much activity. Three Babbler 

species were seen only at this location – 

Grey-headed, Grey-breasted and Whitechested 

while Wreathed Hornbill, Drongo 

Cuckoo, Blue-winged Leafbird and 

Scarlet-rumped Trogon are other scarce 

species only recorded here. The 

commonest Sunbirds are Plain and Rubythroated 

which are scarce elsewhere while 

animals include Barking Deer seen 

crossing the road early one morning, a 

family of Bearded Pigs in the cleared 

bushes on the lower side of the road and 

Short-tailed Mongooses have also been seen. Yellow-bellied and Finsch’s Bubuls as 

well as Yellow-bellied Warblers, Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker and Scarlet Minivet 

are yet more specialties for this site while Green Broadbills and Garnet Pitta are also 

commonly heard from the road, the latter seen briefly on one occasion at the edge of 

the forest when attracted by mimicing its monotonous call for 30mins. 

On weekend mornings the road is very quiet with only the few vehicles from the 

longhouse at Teraja driving past and as already mentioned it is actually possible to 

birdwatch here for 

several hours in the 

morning and still be 

seeing additional 

species. 

The road eventually 

stops at the Teraja 

longhouse where the 

walk to the Teraja 

waterfall begins. This 

is a walk of about 1hr 

across quite rough 

terrain and including 

walking in the stream 

for the last few 

Teraja Longhouse 

hundred meters. I 

have only walked this in mid-morning when the main bird activity has already 

stopped and very few species were seen. Olive-backed Woodpecker was the most 

unusual record while Bushy-crested Hornbills seem to be common here as are Bulbul 

Page 18

and Spiderhunter species but the road section described above is probably better 

overall as inside the forest it is very difficult to see many of the birds which are again 

high up in the canopy. 

5. Lamunin Area 

The reference point for sites in this area is the small roundabout in the centre of 

Lamunin. This can be reached in two ways. The fastest route from KB is to follow the 

main highway until 4km 

To Lake Benutan 

before Tutong and then U- 

4 

turn to take the road 

signposted Lamunin and 

Tasek Merimbun. The 

To Tasek Merimbum 

roundabout is reached after 

14km. The alternative is to 

take Labi Road and then the 

side turn to Long Mayan on 

(+Labi Rd) to Tasek Merimbun itself. It 

1 

Lamunin 

3 

is again about another 14km 

to Lamunin although this 

route takes much longer. 

To Bandar 

Route 1. The best birding 

location in this area is the 

Lamunin pumping station 

reached along a short turnoff 

about 5km in the direction 

towards Bandar Seri 

To Tanjong Maya 

(Main Highway) 

2 

Begawan. I found this site in 

August 2009 by following 

precisely the instructions in 

Jim Burrell’s book from 

20years ago and can therefore 

best repeat the directions 

here: “When the Bandar 40km sign is reached, look for a narrow black-tarred road on 

the right [now just before a car workshop]. If you reach the 39km sign you have 

missed it! Proceed along the road…up a hill to the gates of a pumping station. By the 

left hand corner of the perimeter fence there is a bank to 

scramble up, and then follow the narrow path round the 

fence. About halfway round is a lookout point…About 

two thirds of the way round scramble over some wellpreserved 

machinery [still there, not so well-preserved 

now] – turn left along a grass path through a belt of 

trees and after about 80yards reach a wider earth trail.” 

All of this still works well, with the short path from the 

pumping station quite grassy but still easy to find. After 

this point the path runs along the edge of a precipice 

about 40m above the forest below, offering an excellent 

lookout in three directions. 

Page 19

I found the best birds are generally seen from here or from the lookout point at the 

pumping station itself. Unusual birds such as Bat Hawk, Large Green Pigeon, Dusky 

Broadbill and Grey-rumped Tree Swift as well as Wrinkled, Black and Rhinoceros 

Hornbills have all been seen from 

this vantage point. The star bird 

though was an adult Black Eagle 

sitting in a dead tree in the late 

afternoon. From here the path 

heads down a gully, through a 

wet grassy area and then back up 

another gully before passing 

through open forest areas and 

finally ending in a small clearing 

View from Lamunin Pumping Station 

about 1km from the car. All of 

this section is steep, muddy with 

long grass in places and very hard going. I made a couple of visits and saw plenty of 

Babblers, Bulbuls and other common forest birds but would not really recommend it 

except that on my first visit there was a Helmeted Hornbill sitting in a tree in the 

clearing, my only sighting of the largest Hornbill in Borneo! About 100m before the 

end a side track on the left does actually continue through the forest behind a mound 

of earth, but after 5mins it is completely wiped out by a fairly recent landslip and not 

accessible, at least for now. 

In general I would recommend staying at the lookout with a telescope, particularly in 

the late afternoon when the sun is behind you. From this point you can see at least 

5km out across the forest and there also good birds in the bushes and small trees in 

front of the lookout. Bronzed Drongo, Chestnut-bellied Malkoha and Black-and-Red 

Broadbill were seen here and the song and calls plus a fleeting glimpse of the rare 

Chestnut-capped Thrush. A Red Giant Flying-Squirrel was also visible at the very top 

of a dead tree one afternoon and Silvered Langurs are present in the treetops directly 

in front of the lookout. 

Continuing along the main road to Bandar, just over 10km from Lamunin is a large 

sign indicating a left turn to Tutong 

via Bekiau. Taking this road one 

afternoon, I was surprised that it 

quickly turned to a gravel road and 

then abruptly disappeared in the 

waters of a peat swamp. The visit 

produced Blue-eared and Stork-billed 

Kingfishers, Banded Woodpecker, 

Osprey and also a Swinhoe’s Snipe 

which flew up from beside the track. 

This appears to be a site worth visiting 

occasionally, and it also has a good 

lookout point over the peatswamp. 

The road to Tutong is back near the main road, off to the right but not signposted! It 

runs past a school playing field where some Golden Plover were present in 

waterlogged grass. 

Page 20

It is possible to follow the main road from Lamunin all the way to Bandar, or take any 

of the turnoffs to the right which go through to Wasan ricefields. 

Route 2. Taking the road back to the highway, about 6 1/2km from Lamunin the road 

crosses over the main river. Immediately before the bridge is a turnoff to the right, 

which runs about 3km into peat swamp. I spent one morning here in November and 

saw a fairly usual mix of Babblers and Bulbuls however there was one surprise – a 

pair of Mangrove Blue Flycatchers, a scarce 

resident in Brunei. Another stop, in the 

afternoon in August 2009 also produced a 

surprise – small groups of Cinnamon-headed 

Pigeons sitting on the dead trees along the first 

1km of the road. Apart from a pair at Badas this 

is the only sighting I had in 4 years, and given 

the numbers present this is presumably a 

common resident of the area. Black and Red 

Broadbill and Osprey were also recorded here. 

Route 3. This is the route back to Labi Road 

which passes past some wet fields and forest 

before reaching Tasek Merimbun after a right 

turn. From here the road rises slightly and gives 

a good vantage point over the forest on the left. 

A Black-shouldered Kite was sitting on wires 

beside the road here in August 2009. 

Route 4. This dead end road leads to the reservoir at Lake Benutan after about 7km. 

The lake itself is closed off by a barrier. There is some primary forest just before this 

point, however my only visit was in mid-afternoon so not many birds recorded. 

6. Wasan Ricefields 

Lake Tasek Merimbun 

The Wasan ricefields area has changed beyond all recognition in the last 2 years and 

particularly during 

2009 with the launch 

of a governmentbacked 

program to 

massively increase 

rice production in 

Brunei. After a long 

pause farming 

restarted as recently as 

2007/8 when only 

about half of thearea 

south of the river was 

used for rice growing. 

Now the entire area 

from the main road 

Wasan Ricefields 

Page 21

down to the southern road will soon be planted with crops for harvesting twice a year 

(Aug/Sep and again in Feb/Mar). This has resulted in a wide area of land being 

irrigated which provides muddy pools at all times of the year and this can only be 

good for birds in the future. The access roads have been upgraded with a ‘figure of 

eight’ wide gravel road system and an additional three entrance points to the 

complex, as well as new worker’s buildings, mechanical harvesters and even a marble 

toilet block!. 

The most straightforward route to Wasan is to take the coastal highway to Jerudong 

and take the turnoff to ‘Sengkurong’ and ‘Kualah Lurah’. Head inland until reaching 

the Lamunin – Bandar road and then turn left. After 1km turn right at the next traffic 

lights and follow this road towards Kualah Lurah for about 12km until the ricefields 

are visible on the right. The main entrance road runs parallel to a large water pipeline 

in the centre of the area. 

Jerudong 

River 

N 

Gravel road 

Main 

Entrance 

Minor Entrance 

Bushes 

Kualah Lurah 

1km 

A much shorter route is to access the ricefields via Lamunin. First head to the 

Lamunin roundabout as described above then turn towards Bandar. After 9km take the 

right turn signposted ‘Kuala Lurah’, turn left at the T—junction and also turn left at 

the next major junction which is again signposted ‘Kualah Lurah’ and also ‘Kampong 

Wasan’. The road crosses a few low hills and as the flat area of the ricefields comes 

into view take a small tarmac road to the left. This brings you to the small entrance to 

Wasan marked at the lower right of the map, a total of only 20km from the Lamunin 

roundabout. In the early morning this route can take up to 15mins off the travel time. 

One downside of all the recent development is that the hedges and trees around and 

between the fields have been removed so that the Black-shouldered Kites which 

nested here in 2007 will not be able to return. On the plus side the entrance gateway, 

once hidden and easily missed is now replaced by a 1km stretch of rice padi visible 

from some distance. The changes also mean a greatly increased area for waterbirds 

which could see a return to the bird records of the 1980’s when large numbers of 

waders and other winter visitors such as Garganey and Red-necked Phalaropes were 

Page 22

commonly seen. In recent years the list of migrant and winter waders is already fairly 

impressive with Oriental Pratincoles, Marsh Sandpipers, Little Ringed and Kentish 

Plovers, Red-necked and Long-toed Stints as well as very large numbers of Wood 

Sandpipers being recorded here. The resident population of around 100 Wandering 

Whistling Ducks are also very visible flying around this area. It can often be useful to 

park the car and walk along some of the grassy areas where birds can be flushed from 

the ditches or grass edges, usually including Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns and up to 

three species of Snipe (Swinhoe’s, Common and Pintail). A specialty of the area are 

Blue-breasted Quail which can be found in the area marked with ‘bushes’ on the map. 

This is also an a place where warblers such as Middendorff’s, Pallas’ Grasshopper 

and also Striated Grassbirds have been seen. 

One enduring feature of Wasan is the creative and extensive network of bird-scaring 

devices above the ricefields. Devices employed include flags, kites, tin foil, tin cans, 

old CDs and even clothing all attached to long ropes which allow the workers to pull 

on them and attempt to scare away the large flocks of Munias (including Scalybreasted) 

and Java Sparrows from their shelters at the edge of the fields. The latter 

species was presumably introduced or escaped into the area as it is not naturally 

occurring on Borneo but has been recorded for at least 20years indicating that the 

birds do not take too much notice of the bird-scaring efforts. 

The gravel road to the west of the ricefields (on the lower edge of the map) passes 

next to some secondary forest and cultivated land where forest birds such as Brown 

Barbet, Red-crowned Barbet, Black Hornbill and Banded Woodpecker have been seen 

as well as a good selection of Sunbirds and Bulbuls. 

7. Mentiri Prawn Farms 

To To Bandar Bandar 

1 

To To Muara Muara 

6 

2 

3 

4 

N 

Brunei Bay 

5 

1km 

Page 23

The Mentiri Prawn farms are another excellent area for waders with similar species 

recorded as at Wasan but generally in a different mix and more concentrated into the 

small number of prawn ponds which are drained at any one time. Access is from the 

roundabout (point 1) on the Muara – Bandar road, continue past the large green 

mosque and then take the second 

prominent right turn. Take the next left and 

then again a right. The main site can be 

accessed either via a short sandy track or a 

tarmac road just before reaching Brunei 

Bay. In either case it is best to park the car 

and walk along the grass paths between the 

ponds to get a good vantage point of those 

that are drained or shallow. The workers 

are fairly used to birders as the site has 

been part of the AWC count for the last 

three years and do not mind people 

walking around the main paths. 

Good numbers of Marsh Sandpipers, 

Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Little Ringed 

and Kentish Plovers, Red-necked Stints as 

well as Whiskered / White-winged Black 

and even Gull-billed Terns were all seen 

here in winter months with the total 

number of birds exceeding 500 during 

Mentiri jetty 

AWC counts in winter 2007/8. Passage 

migrants such as Curlew Sandpiper and Broad-billed Sandpiper have also been 

recorded. There are plenty of Egrets here and White-bellied Sea Eagles are also 

common in the trees around the ponds. Next to the Prawn Farm area the road 

continues to the edge of Brunei Bay (‘5’) where a number of wooden posts stick out 

of the water. These seem to be popular perches with Egrets and larger waders such as 

Whimbrel while Stork-billed Kingfishers are also present. 

Going back towards the main road there are gates on the opposite side of the road 

(‘4’) which lead to more ponds and even if the gates are closed the first ponds, when 

drained will also hold waders and Egrets. Back at the junction there is a gate to some 

sewage ponds (‘2’) which can hold up to 20 Oriental Darters, more White-bellied Sea 

Eagles and other wader species. On one visit Velvet Nuthatches were present in the 

tall trees next to the gate. 

Before the first turnoff the road continues round in a loop and there is a turnoff to yet 

another set of ponds (‘6’). The gates here seem to be locked but the access road 

already provides good views across much of the area, so this is presumably also worth 

checking for similar species as at the first site. 

8. Other Sites 

Any list of birdwatching sites is inevitably restricted by the author’s experience. Even 

in my last few weeks in Brunei I have still been finding new paths and walks which 

Page 24

provide excellent views of new or unusual species and there are bound to be more 

places as yet undiscovered by birders. I include here a few sites visited on only a 

couple of occasions but which are probably worth more time. 

Wasan Reservoir. I found this site by accident and have only visited it once. To get 

there follow the 

route to Wasan 

from Lamunin as 

described above. 

After taking the 

turnoff to Kuala 

Lurah from the 

Lamunin - Bandar 

Road, continue to 

the T-junction and 

turn left. After 

about 2km there is 

a small road on the 

left (not the one to 

Wasan reservoir 

the abattoir – a bit 

further!) which 

runs beside a water pipeline for about 10km parallel to the main road. This is an area 

of mostly partly cleared or secondary forest and the road arrives at the reservoir after 

about 7km and via a side road through an old gate. There is a very large area of water 

with mature forest on the other side and this looks like a place to visit more often. My 

best sighting here was a group of at least 25 Large Green Pigeons in trees beside the 

road, while Little Swifts and Edible Nest Swiftlets seem to nest under the concrete 

bridge here. Other birds seen include Bat Hawks, Black-crowned Night heron, Little 

Green Heron, Barbets, Black and Pied Hornbills, Banded and Sunda Woodpeckers, 

and Asian Black Magpies. 

Badas Road. This tarmac road is located across the manin Seria bypass almost 

opposite the Anduki turn-off and runs for about 10km to the Badas freshwater 

pumping station on the Belait River. The forest next to the road has mostly been 

cleared or has burnt down in the past and the best area for birds is the last 500m where 

the forest is closer by and the 

river attracts migrating birds. The 

dead trees on the left host a roost 

of up to 40 Long-tailed Parakeets 

which can be seen from 5pm 

most evenings. Raptors such as 

Black-thighed Falconets, Whitebellied 

Sea-eagles and Brahminy 

Kites can also be seen here and 

Lesser Fish eagle has nested in a 

tall tree behind the parakeet roost. 

In the bushes and scrub next to 

the small electricity station, 

Plaintive Cuckoos seem to be 

Page 25

exceptionally common while migrants including shrikes and Large Hawk Cuckoo 

have also been seen here. 

Large groups of Flying Foxes have been seen here in April and May in 2007 and 

2008, just before darkness and in general this does seem to be a site which is best in 

the evenings. 

Tutong Sewage Works. These concrete-sided drainage ponds are located between the 

two sets of traffic lights at Tutong and accessed by a small road just after passing the 

ponds on the highway. This is always a good site for Egrets and as many as 25 

Oriental Darters seem to be resident in the trees around the ponds. Grey and Purple 

Herons are also recorded here fairly frequently while waders such as Redshank, 

Common and Wood Sanpipers plus Whiskered and White-winged Black Terns are 

common visitors in the autumn. This is also a good site for raptors with White-Bellied 

Sea Eagles, Grey-headed Fish Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Osprey all regular. The 

ponds also host some of the largest Monitor Lizards I have ever seen, up to 2m long! 

Sunset at Kampong Ayer 

Brunei Bay. In addition to Mentiri there 

are many other access sites to the Bay, 

although many such as Serasa and Muara 

beaches near the end of the highway can 

be very crowded at weekends. The best 

way to to see the Bay is to take a boat 

from the landing opposite Kampong Ayer 

in the early morning and go into the bay at 

low tide when the mud is exposed. The 

mud at the sides of the main channel is 

also a good site birds when the tide is low, 

with a Rufous-crowned Night Heron 

recorded here once and Bearded Pigs and 

Long-tailed Macaques also seen feeding 

by the shore. The Bay itself can give good 

views of large numbers of waders as well 

as Terns, White-bellied Sea Eagles, 

Kingfishers and on one occasion a Lesser 

Adjutant Stork. 

Pelong Rocks. These small 

rocky islands are about 3km from 

Muara Beach and are the nesting 

site for Bridled Terns, Blacknaped 

Terns, Roseate Terns and 

Pied Imperial Pigeons. A visit 

requires an arrangement with a 

boat to be taken from the 

Kampong Ayer location or to be 

picked up from somewhere 

closer such as Serasa or Muara. 

Pelong Rocks 

Again, finding a suitable 

boatman requires asking around or perhaps enquiring at the Brunei Museum. 

Page 26

PART 2: Bird records in Brunei Aug 2005 – Sep 2009 

1. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas. This species probably 

approaches the Brunei coastline fairly frequently during the winter months, however 

the only record is of one found freshly dead on Panaga beach after NE storms, 8 th Feb 

2008. 

2. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster. 

This unusual water bird is encountered in a 

surprisingly wide range of locations across 

Brunei. Highest counts were at Tutong sewage 

works (20+ on several occasions around the 

year), Mentiri (20 birds in August 2009) and 

Tasek Merimbun (up to 10 birds during June 

2007). Singles have also been seen frequently in 

the Seria / Panaga area, on small ponds, rivers 

and wet ricefields along Labi Rd and also in 

ditches along Kuala Balai Rd. 

3. Oriental Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Supposedly a winter visitor, when peak 

numbers occur (5+ at Tutong sewerage works in Nov) but actually observed in 

virtually every month of the year at this and other locations including Seria estuary, 

Wasan ricefields and Brunei Bay. 

4. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 

Regularly seen around the country with highest 

numbers at Tasek Merimbun (5+ in June 2007) 

where this species breeds. Birds have also been 

seen at Wasan and Labi ricefields, Sungai Seria 

and ditches along Badas and Kuala Balai Roads. 

5. Great Egret Ardea alba. A winter 

visitor in good numbers around Seria estuary (max around 50 in Nov-Feb period) but 

a small number of birds can be seen in every month of the year particularly here or at 

Cattle Egret, Seria 

Jeremy Moore 2009 

Oriental Darter, Labi Road 

Saskia Moore 2009 

Purple Heron, Kuala Balai Road 


Tutong sewerage works. More coastal than other 

Egrets, but also seen in Wasan, Mentiri and 

occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd. 

6. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Peak numbers 

in winter (3000+ at Seria estuary roost) but present 

at least in all months with 100’s in breeding 

plumage seen in early May in 2009. Also seen at 

most inland ‘wet’ localities along Labi Rd and 

Wasan. 

7. Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Also regular 

throughout the year with peak numbers in winter of 

c200 in Seria area. Prefers ditches and more 

sheltered parts of the estuary than other Egrets and 

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

Page 27

Little Egret, Seria 


8. Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra. Both dark and light phase birds are 

observed during the winter months (Sep – April), generally along the coastal beaches 

or Seria estuary. Usually a solitary feeder with a maximum 2-3 birds seen at any one 

locality. Also observed at Pelong rocks, Tutong sewerage works and Sungai Tujoh. 

Light phase birds can be distinguished from Great and Intermediate Egrets by the very 

heavy yellow bill, thick neck and habit of feeding in shallow seas. 

Chinese Egret, Sungai Seria Beach 

Derek Moore 2007 

9. Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes. A 

scarce winter visitor in very small numbers with 

one or two present Oct – April in Sungai Seria area 

and singles also seen at Wasan and Brunei Bay. 

Distinguished from other Egrets by grey-green legs 

and yellow bill. 

10. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia. 

Very common and second in numbers only to 

Cattle Egret in the coastal area, with maximum of 

c2000 birds present in winter. Also seen in all other 

suitable wet localities including Wasan and Labi Rd 

with small numbers present throughout the summer 

months. 

11. Striated Heron Butorides striatus. These 

small dark herons are common in most estuary 

settings, having been observed in Brunei Bay, 

Mentiri, Wasan, Belait river, ditches around Kuala 

Belait and Sungai Seria. Most active at dusk and dawn 

with peak numbers of 10+ seen in Brunei Bay during 

AWC count in Feb 2007 and 2008. 

Pacific Reef Heron, Pelong Rocks 


Intermediate Egret, Seria 


12. Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus. An occasional bird in the Seria and 

Panaga grasslands area with an estimated 5-10 birds present each winter. Also 

recorded at Wasan and (once) along Kuala Balai Rd. Two birds were present in F2-18 

garden in Nov/Dec 2007, feeding in drainage ditches and flying up into dense trees 

when disturbed. 

13. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Active during night time 

these birds hide away in dense bushes during daytime and are occasionally observed 

flying around at twilight or given away by their harsh croaking calls. They have been 

Page 28

observed most often in the river channels around Brunei Bay (in Feb and April 2007, 

max 15 birds) with one bird also seen at Sungai Seria on April 22 nd 2007. It is 

possible that this species is an erratic winter visitor as none were observed in winters 

2007/8 and 2008/9. One was seen sitting in trees at Wasan reservoir on 7 th Oct 2009. 

14. Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus. One bird standing on the open 

mud near Brunei Museum, Bandar Seri Begawan on 10 th Feb 2008. 

15. Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius 

melanolophus – A single bird has faithfully 

returned to our garden (F2-18 Panaga) 

every winter from 2005 to 2008 arriving 

late October and seen almost every day 

until as late as the first week of April. It is 

active at dusk / dawn and during cloudy 

days, feeding in ditches or along hedges 

and sometimes perching up high in the 

middle of surrounding trees. Two birds 

were seen together on a couple of 

occasions in Feb 2007. Other birdwatchers also saw this species in their gardens 

around F1 and G5 areas, but there are no other sightings. 

16. Schrenck’s Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus. A single bird was watched at a 

distance of 5m in good light for several minutes in a ditch at the back of G11/12 in 

Jan 2007. 

17. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis. A secretive species 

most commonly seen early morning, typically at Sungai Seria 

and Wasan. Maximum numbers are 8 and 11 respectively 

during winter months although they can be seen at most times 

of the year. Singles were also seen at Kuala Balai Rd, ditches 

near Kuala Belait teapot roundabout and H14 pond. 

18. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus. Probably 

overlooked due to its very secretive habits. One was seen in wet fields around Billion 

Barrel monument near Seria from Oct – Dec 2007 and also flying across the road to 

Kuala Belait near the teapot roundabout on a couple of evenings. Probably a handful 

of birds seen flying around at Wasan on 16 th Dec 2007 and 2 there on 12 th August 

2009. 

19. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis. Only one record of a male standing in an 

open ditch along Kuala Balai Rd on 6 th April 2008. 

Storm’s Stork, Kuala Balai Rd 


tall dead tree before flying off low towards the river. 

Malayan Night Heron, F2/18 Panaga 


Yellow Bittern, Wasan 

Jeremy Moore 

2007 

20. Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi. A scarce bird of 

inland areas. Small groups have been seen on two 

occasions along Kuala Balai Rd, circling up high and 

apparently following the Belait river (4 flying landwards 

on 21 st Oct 2007 and (3 heading seaward on 12 th Apr 

2009). On the latter date one perched briefly on top of a 

Page 29

21. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. The Largest bird regularly recorded in 

Brunei, unmistakable with its bald head and large bill. Most sightings refer to singles 

with occasional records of two birds together. Most common in winter months (Nov – 

Mar) they have been seen most frequently in the grassfields and estuary mud near 

Seria, generally staying for several weeks at a time, even seen asleep in darkness near 

the Billion barrel monument in March 2008. Away from this area a single bird was 

present on mud in Brunei Bay on 10 th Feb 2008. 

22. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata. This is the only duck 

species which regularly occurs in Brunei. 

Most frequently seen at Wasan rice fields 

where at least 80 were present during August 

2009 and 2-10 birds were present throughout 

winter 2007/8. From Sep 2008 a large group 

was present on the newly made pond at J15 

behind the garrison flats with maximum count 

of 67 on 19 th Oct including 4 ducklings 

indicating breeding of at least one pair. 

Numbers decreased in the new year but 3 

were still present on 3 rd April 2009 and were back up to 30 by mid-August. Away 

from these locations a single bird flew across the Lumut bypass on 24 th May 2008. 

23. Northern Pintail Anas acuta. The only other duck species I recorded, one was 

seen on the freshwater lake near the Billion Barrel monument several times in Jan 

2007. 

24. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Recorded regularly along the Brunei coastline 

from Kuala Belait to Jerudong and Muara and observed from Sep through to May. On 

Apr 19 th 2007 a pair were seen together at Seria along the bypass, one of which was 

carrying sticks back into the forest although breeding has not been confirmed in 

Brunei. Away from the coast one was seen near Lamunin on 4th Nov 2008 while two 

were at Tasek Merimbun on 11 th Apr 2009. 

25. Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni. Rarely seen although easily confused with 

Crested Goshawk unless seen perched when the upright crest and buff barring on the 

breast can clearly be seen. There are two records, both 

from Kuala Balai Rd - one sitting in a bare tree on 3 rd 

Feb 2008 and an adult eating a bright green snake on 3 rd 

Oriental Honey Buzzard, Teraja 

May 2009. 

26. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus. 

Regularly seen along the Kuala Balai Rd at any time of 

year with pairs seen on a couple of occasions in March. 

In Nov 2005 4 or more very vocal juveniles were 

hunting crabs and frogs along the roadside ditches and 

being chased aggressively by several other species 

including Pied Hornbills and Racket-tailed Drongos. 

Elsewhere recurded at teraja and often seen in winter in 

coastal trees around Seria. 

Wandering Whistling Ducks, J15 Pond 



Page 30

27. Bat Hawk Machaeramphus alcinus. This species is a resident of hills where 

bats nest and is seen infrequently in Brunei. Two adults were seen sitting on opposite 

sides of the valley from the Lamunin pumping station lookout on 15 th August 2009, so 

possibly they were not part of the same pair. There are three other sightings, one at 

Wasan reservoir on 7 th Oct 2009 and two at the end of Kuala Balai Rd and of birds 

following the Belait river inland. One flying low on 20 th Mar 2008 and one on 1 st Feb 

2009. The flat level flight and pointed wings are very obvious and make this species 

hard to confuse with any other raptor. 

Black-shouldered Kite, Lamunin 


28. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus 

caeruleus. A pair was present at Wasan 

ricefields in Nov 2007 and had built a nest in 

the single bare tree in the middle of the 

ricefields. Two large young were visible in the 

nest and three adults were seen there on 16 th 

Dec 2007 and two in September 2009. 

Elsewhere two birds were seen flying across the 

road near Sungai Tujoh checkpoint past Rasau 

on 30 th Aug 2008 and one was sitting on wires 

near Lamunin on 29 th Aug 2009. 

29. Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus. One 

of the commonest birds of prey in Brunei this 

species has been observed at many locations 

along the coast and also inland at Tasek 

Merimbun. It presumably nests in all districts 

and young birds have been seen along Kuala 

Balai Rd in May 2009. Highest count was five 

above the road near Tutong sewerage works 

several times in early 2009 while birds have 

been seen catching crabs and frogs in ditches 

along Kuala Balai Rd and once in our garden at F2-18 Panaga. 

30. White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. Fairly common along the 

Brunei coastline with large nests in bare trees seen at Sungai Tujoh and near Tutong. 

Nesting takes place Dec-Jan and judging by the different plumages seen the immature 

birds take 3yrs to reach adult colouration – the brown immatures can be distinguished 

by their white tails. A total of seven birds were seen around Brunei Bay during AWC 

count by boat on 10 th Feb 2008. 

Lesser Fish Eagle at nest, Badas Road 


Adult Brahminy Kite, Tutong 


31. Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga 

humilis. The rarest of the fish eagles in 

Brunei this species was seen at only one 

locality. One adult was seen several times in 

April 2007 at a nest with one chick on the left 

side of Badas tarmac road about 200m before 

the pumping station. An adult was also seen 

on the same nest during May 2008 but was 

absent during a visit in 2009. 

Page 31

32. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus. Similar in size to the 

White-bellied Fish eagle this species is also fairly common in coastal areas such as 

Tutong Sewage works, Sungai Seria and the Sungai Tujoh area (nesting seen in winter 

of 2006/7) and is also occasionally seen perched in trees along the Kuala Balai Rd. 

33. Besra Accipter virgatus. This species was only positively identified on one 

occasion, perched in a bare tree at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 2 nd Sep 2008 

when the small size, three tail bars and lack of a crest could be confirmed when 

observed with a telescope at a distance of 20m. Due to similarity with Crested 

Goshawk it might possibly be frequently overlooked. 

34. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus. The commonest small hawk in 

Brunei, this species was most frequently observed along the Kuala Balai road where it 

has been seen on over half of my visits. Most sightings were of single birds except in 

September 2007 when a group of three juveniles were seen together. It can be 

distinguished from other hawks by the rear and downward pointing crest when 

observed perched. Both males and females are commonly observed performing a 

strange display flight, where the bird glides along fast and straight while ‘fluttering’ 

the wing tips very quickly like a butterfly. Elsewhere sightings in the Panaga and 

Seria area are fairly common, especially in winter months including a male perched in 

a tree in F2-18 garden in June 2007 where it was chased aggressively by a pair of 

Crimson Sunbirds. It seems to be scarce in primary forest areas, being seen only once 

along Labi Rd and once at Lamunin pumping station. 

35. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela. A very common species in Labi and 

also Kuala Balai areas where three different pairs 

were observed displaying along a 5km road section 

in early 2008. Adults and juveniles are usually very 

noisy both in flight and when perched in bare trees. 

In Jan 2009 pair bonding behaviour was observed 

near Teraja (end of Labi road) - one adult caught a 

1m green snake and sat in a tree with it held under 

one foot, calling loudly. After about 30 minutes a 

second adult arrived and the first bird presented the 

snake to it with much calling and head bobbing. 

After passing it back and forth a couple of times the 

second bird then ate the food and both birds flew off 

together. Adults are identified by the obvious black 

and white edges to the wings and tail while all 

plumages have yellow eyes and bill. 

Crested Serpent Eagle 



36. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis. During a late afternoon visit to Lamunin 

pumping station on 9 th August 2009, one adult was seen sitting in a dead tree to the 

west of the lookout point. Distinguishing features including the long tail and wings, 

all dark plumage, square back of head (no crest) and heavy yellow beak could all 

clearly be seen. 

37. Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus bartelsi. Most birds seen in Brunei have a 

similar coloration, with a ‘scruffy’ pale head and brown upperparts and pale feather 

Page 32

Changeable Hawk Eagle, 



edges. Birds are often seen perched in bare trees in 

open areas, particularly along Kuala Balai Rd, Sungai 

Tujoh and Badas Rd. Not recorded further inland. 

38. Blyth’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus alboniger. 

Only immatures have been observed, mainly along 

Kuala Balai road (six sightings scattered throughout 

the year) and once at Labi ridge on 4 th May 2008. This 

species and the following one can be distinguished 

from other birds of prey by the vertical crest feathers combined with brownish 

upperparts and light coloured or buff coloured underparts. In this plumage Blyth’s and 

Wallace’s Hawk Eagles can be virtually indistinguishable from each other except for 

size – Blyth’s has the shape and flight of a larger raptor such as Crested Serpent Eagle 

while Wallace’s is closer to Crested Goshawk size. 

39. Wallace’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nanus. Two adults, presumably a pair were 

seen along Kuala Balai Rd from 23 rd August 2009 with one bird remaining into 

October. Other sightings were of juveniles, see comments under Blyth’s Hawk Eagle. 

Conclusively identified on three other occasions scattered through the year. 

40. Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius. The smallest falcon in the 

world, this bird is about the same size as a swift and is likely often overlooked in 

flight. Most sightings are of pairs together perched high in bare trees and they have 

been seen along Kuala Balai road, Labi road, Tasek Merimbun and once in F2-18 

garden Panaga in Sep 2007. The birds hunt dragonflies and other larger insects during 

rapid swooping flights, returning to the same perch over and over again. Also seen 

regularly at Badas Road and Lamunin. 

41. Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus. This 

species appears to be a fairly common winter visitor 

to coastal areas of Brunei. During the winter of 

2007/8 single birds were seen several times between 

October and March around Sungai Seria and the 

Seria grasslands. One was seen at Kuala Balai Rd on 

22 nd Sep 2009 while one was hunting over the mud 

in Brunei Bay in January. Single birds were seen on 

only a couple of occasions in other years, perhaps 

Peregrine Falcon, 


due to less frequent visits. One was hunting swifts from the telecom tower outside 

BSP head office on 16-17 th April 2009. 

42. Blue-breasted Quail Coturnix chinensi. Favours long grassland and very 

secretive. The only sighting was of three at Wasan on 16 th Dec 2007 which flew up 

from a distance of 1m when walking through grass during the AWC count. 

43. Crested Fireback Lophura ignita. One of those special sightings, two females 

walked slowly across the road just in front of the car at trhe far end of the ‘Rumah 

Pajang Malayan’ Road near Labi road in the late afternoon of May 24 th 2008. 

44. Great Argus. Argusianus argus. The loud calls of this species are very 

common in the mornings anywhere along Labi Road. They can sound quite similar to 

Page 33

Gibbons, however the calls are slower and less variable. In Sep 2008 on a guided walk 

near Tasek Merimbun, we were shown a Great Argus ‘display ground’ where the 

birds had cleared leaves and debris to 

make a small clearing where they would 

display in the early morning. 

45. White-browed Crake Porzana 

cinerea. The only member of the very 

secretive Crake family that I have seen 

in Brunei, the best chance of seeing this 

species is either in the grass around the 

pond at the Tattler Hide or amongst the 

lily pads on the J15 pond. At both sites 

birds can be seen at any time of day but 

are most active early in the morning. Maximum counts were around 12 adults at both 

sites in the winter of 2008 / 9 and breeding was proven by four young at the J15 pond 

in October 2008. 

46. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicicurus. One of the best known 

White – breasted Waterhen, Panaga 


and seems to be an alarm and communication call. 

birds in the Panaga area and 

common everywhere in suitable 

habitat, typically short grass and 

low bushes close to ditches and 

boggy areas. Long legged fluffy 

black chicks can be a comical site, 

chasing purposefully after their 

parents though the Panaga gardens. 

When hidden in long grass or 

bushes these birds make a very 

peculiar harsh burbling sound which 

sounds more like frogs than birds 

47. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Regularly seen at Sungai Seria and also J15 

pond where maximum counts were at least ten birds during period Sep – Apr. Some 

very young birds have been observed at both localities, suggesting that this species 

does breed in Brunei. Three at Wasan ricefields on 11 th Nov 2007 were the only birds 

seen elsewhere. 

48. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. The only records for the Seria area were 

one on 22 nd Oct 2007 and two on 27 th Oct in 

flooded fields. A flock of 47 in Brunei Bay on 

10 th Feb 2008 and 12 at Mentiri on 20 th Jan 

2008 indicate this species is more common in 

the Bandar area. 

49. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva. 

A flock of up to 60 birds is present in the Seria 

area on grasslands each year from Aug through 

into May, when birds can often be seen in 

White – browed Crake, Sungai Seria 


Pacific Golden Plover, Sungai Seria 


Page 34

summer plumage. Winter flocks of 50+ have also been seen at Wasan ricefields, 

Mentiri Prawn Farm and in Brunei Bay while smaller numbers were seen at Bekiau 

inland from Tutong in Nov 2008. 

50. Little Ringed Plover 

Charadrius dubius. Commonly seen 

on flooded grasslands and on Sungai 

Seria around Panaga during winter 

months with a maximum of 15 seen 

during January 2007. Small numbers 

were also seen in Brunei Bay and at 

Wasan while the peak count of a 

larger group at Mentiri Prawn farms 

was of 129 on 20 th Jan 2008. 

51. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. This species is usually seen in 

mixed groups with Little Ringed Plovers, requiring a telescope to tell them apart 

unless seen from close by. Peak numbers were 51 in Brunei Bay on 10 th Feb 2008 

while counts of 20+ birds are common at Mentiri and Sungai Seria in winter. 

52. Mongolian Plover Charidrius mongolus. Less common than the previous two 

species, a small number of birds can often be seen in a mixed flock of plovers at the 

mouth of Sungai Seria in winter months with a maximum of 10 on 22 nd Oct 2007. 

Singles have also been seen at Mentiri during August 2009. 

53. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultia. Usually seen in small 

numbers at the mouth of Sungai Sera, however a count of 20 on 22 nd Oct 2007 was 

unusually high. Also recorded at Mentiri. 

Whimbrel, Sungai Seria 

Jeremy Moore, 2009 

Little Ringed Plover, Sungai Seria 


54. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. 

Seen in small numbers (max five) at 

Sungai Seria and along Panaga beach from 

Sep to Apr. This species seems to be more 

common in the Bandar area with counts of 

20 at Mentiri prawn Farm on 20 th Jan 2008 

and 25 in Brunei Bay on 10 th Feb 2008. 

55. Far-eastern Curlew Numenius 

madagascariensis. Two birds were seen 

feeding in grass beside the road at Sungai 

Seria bridge from 22 nd to 27 th Oct 2007 

with one observed alone up to 10 th Nov. This species can be distinguished from other 

curlews by the extremely long curved bill and dark rump. 

56. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. The only sighting was of a single bird at 

Mentiri prawn farm on 2 nd Nov 2007. 

57. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. 12 birds were seen together at Mentiri 

on 12 th August, otherwise sightings were of single birds seen occasionally in the 

Sungai Seria and Seria grasslands area during the winter of 2007/8. 

Page 35

Grey-tailed Tattler, Sungai Seria 


58. Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa 

brevipes. Small numbers of this species 

were seen at Single Sungai Seria between 

September and April with a maximum of 

three together there on April 27 th 2007 and 

also on 15 th Sep 2009. During AWC count 

13 were seen in Brunei Bay on 10 th Feb 

2008. 

59. Redshank Tringa totanus. Small 

numbers present along the Sungai Seria 

from August to April, maximum of five in April 2007. Higher numbers seen at 

Mentiri with maximum of ten on 8 th Nov 2008 

and at least 20 on 5 th September 2009. 

60. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. 

Apart from one at Wasan at 11 th Nov 2007 all 

sightings were at Mentiri with a maximum of 

26 on 20 th Jan 2008 in a group with 

Greenshank and Redshank. Five were present 

on 5 th September 2009. 

61. Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Also seen in small numbers along Sungai 

Seria from September through to April. Highest numbers recorded were at Mentiri on 

20 th Jan 2008 when 20 were present 

while 10 were seen there on 12 th 

August 2009. Also seen at Wasan and 

in Brunei Bay during the winter 

months. 

Wood Sandpiper, Wasan 


Wasan, 130 at Mentiri and about 

50 on Seria Grasslands have been 

counted during the AWC counts 

Dec to Jan. Individuals have also 

been seen in Labi ricefields and 

even on the flooded Kuala Balai 

Rd in Feb 2009. 

63. Terek Sandpiper Tringa 

cinereus. This species was 

occasionally recorded during the 

autumn at Sungai Seria with an 

exceptional count of 22 birds on 

Common Redshank, Mentiri 


62. Wood Sandpiper Tringa 

glareola. Probably the commonest 

wader which can be found on any 

suitable habitat and in every month of 

the year ( eg 100 present at Wasan on 

12 th Aug 2009). Numbers are difficult 

to estimate but peaks of at least 300 at 

Terek Sandpiper, Sungai Seria 


Page 36

the beach at the estuary mouth on 22 nd Sep 2009. Two were present during Oct 2007 

and one ws also seen at Mentiri on 19 th Sep 2009. The long upturned bill and yellow 

legs make it very easy to distinguish from the other small sandpipers. 

64. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos. As with Wood Sandpiper this 

species is very common in all suitable habitats and is seen in every month of the year. 

Numbers are generally smaller than Wood Sandpiper with counts of 96 at Mentiri on 

20 th Jan 2008 being exceptional. Maximum counts at Wasan and Seria Grasslands are 

Common Sandpiper, Mentiri 


around 30 birds and this species has also been 

seen at Tasek Merimbun, Kuala Balai Rd and 

in the ditches and gardens around Panaga 

when flooded. 

65. Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura. Two 

flew up from the wet ditch along Kuala Balai 

road on 27 th Mar 2007, identified from small 

size and ‘squeaky’ call. One was seen in 

grasslands near Seria on 20 th Nov 2007 while a single bird was in the mixed flock of 

Snipe seen at Wasan on 9 th Nov 2008, again distinguished based on small size and 

call. 

66. Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis. A male was seen standing 

on an open area of mud, together with Wood Sandpipers at the J15 pond on 6 th 

September 2009. 

67. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala. Two at Wasan on 9 th Nov 2008, seen 

together in flight and at close range on several occasions mixed with Pintail and 

Common Snipe and distinguished by higher-pitched call and lack of white in wings. 

One was seen in peat swamp near Lamunin also on 9 th Nov 2008. 

68. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. At least five of this species were present 

together with Swinhoe’s and Pintail Snipe in a mixed flock at Wasan on 9 th Nov 2008. 

Observed at close range in flight and identified by call and white trailing edge to 

wings. One present in grasslands near Sungai Seria early October 2009. 

Red-necked Stints, Mentiri 


69. Red-necked Stint Calidris 

ruficollis. The commonest small wader in 

suitable areas of Brunei, seen from August 

through to May. Peak numbers at Mentiri 

were around 300 on 19 th Sep 2009 and 200 

on 2 nd Nov 2007 into September, while 

birds seen in Aug still have a reddish tinge 

to the throat and neck. In 2008 only ten 

were present on 10 th Nov. Around 40 were 

flying down the river at Bandar (near 

Kampong Ayer towards the Istana Palace) 

on 22 nd April 2007. Generally smaller 

numbers were seen at Wasan with around 20 in Oct 2007 and 30 on 12 th August 2009. 

Elsewhere small numbers were present on muddy islands in the J15 pond and near the 

Tattler Hide at Sungai Seria, also during August 2009. 

Page 37

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

with the previous one and can be distinguished 

by the yellow legs compared to black legs of 

the Red-necked Stint as well as the shorter, 

thinner bill. It can also be seen from August 

through to late Spring, generally in smaller 

numbers than Red-necked. Peak counts were 

Long-toed Stints, Sungai Seria 


around 40 on grassland next to the Panaga 

clinic through September 2007, also 40 at 

Mentiri on 20 th Jan 2008 and again on 19 th Sep 

2009 while 15 were seen at Wasan on 11 th Nov 2007 and also on 12 th August 2009. 

71. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. Five birds were present at Mentiri 

Prawn farms on 5 th September 2009. The birds remained together at the edge of the 

main flock of Stints. The photo shows three 

birds with a Red-necked Stint (third from left) 

and a Redshank on the right. One was seen at 

Sungai Seria on 22 nd Sep 2009. 

72. Sanderling Calidris alba. Seen as 

singles or in small numbers along the Panaga- 

Seria beach or occasionally along Sungai 

Seria. Records are from October to February 

with a maximum of five in Jan 2009. 

Broad-billed Sandpiper, Mentiri 


74. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus 

himantopus. Unmistakable with its very long 

legs, this species is present in small numbers 

during the winter months (Oct – Feb) with 

maximum of eight at Mentiri on 22 nd Nov 

2007 and 5 th Sep 2009. Four were present at 

Wasan on 22 nd Aug 2009 and one immature 

at Sungai Seria during Jan 2008. 

75. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus 

lobatus. One was seen swimming in the water 

at Tutong Sewage Ponds on 7 th Oct 2009. 

Curlew Sandpipers, Mentiri 


73. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola 

falcinellus. A single bird seen at Mentiri on 5 th Sep 

2009 associating with the group of Curlew 

Sandpipers, and again on 7 th Oct. One was also 

present at Sungai Seria, also with a Curlew 

Sandpiper on 22 nd Sep 2009. 

Black-winged Stilt, Wasan 


76. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum. This unmistakable species, a 

wader but shaped like a small tern with long brown pointed wings and upright 

posture, was seen at Wasan on 11 th Nov 2007 when 15 were present and also on 7 th 

Oct 2009 (11 birds). Also one on grasslands next to Panaga Clinic on 8 th Oct 2009. 

Page 38

77. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus. This and the next species only occur in 

Brunei in non-breeding plumage when they can be almost impossible to separate, 

certainly when only seen at a distance or from below. Generally Whiskered Terns 

have blacker crown and greyer rump while the White-winged Black Terns have a 

greyer crown, complete white neck-ring and whiter rump. Immature birds have 

browner feathers and are completely indistinguishable. For this reason, although seen 

at all suitable locations from Sep through to Apr most records are labelled as ‘either 

or’. Whiskered Terns were conclusively seen at Tutong Sewage plant (three) on 29 th 

September 2007 when sitting side by side with White-winged, and also at the J15 

pond with a maximum of 15 during October 2008. 20 birds at Kampong Ayer on 22 nd 

April 2007 were also most probably Whiskered Terns. 

78. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias 

leucopterus. See the comments on Whiskered Tern 

above. 10 were seen at Tutong Sewage plant on 29 th 

September (with Whiskered Terns) 2007 while groups 

of 10+ birds have been seen at Wasan, Mentiri and 

Sungai Seria. The photograph is of a White-winged 

based on the pale grey crown. 

Gull-billed Terns, Sungai Seria 


79. Gull-billed Tern Sterna 

nilotica. This is the largest tern 

regularly seen in Brunei, turning up 

occasionally in mixed flocks where 

it dwarfs the other species. Five 

were seen at the mouth of Sungai 

Seria on 7 th Oct 2007 with around 25 

Little terns and one during 

September 2009. Two were seen at 

Mentiri with White-winged Black 

terns on Nov 8 th 2008. On 22 nd Sep 

2009 a large group of Terns at 

Sungai Seria included 9 Gull-billed in winter plumage – see photo, note the Common 

tern second from the right. 

80. Common Tern Sterna hirundo. 

At least four birds were present on the 

beach at Sungai Seria with Little and 

Gull-billed Terns on 22 nd Sep 2009. 

Two birds were in summer plumage 

while two others appeared to be 

immatures. Distinguished from Roseate 

Terns by smaller size (Roseate is same 

size as Gull-billed, Common is slightly 

smaller). Two at Mentiri on 7 th Oct 

2009 with White-winged Terns. 

White-winged Black Tern, Mentiri 

Copyright Jeremy Moore 2007 

Common Tern, Sungai Seria 


81. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana. About six on Pelong Rocks, 13 th July 

2008 – no eggs or chicks seen although at least one pair was apparent. In August and 

September 2009, several birds were seen fishing in the main channel or sitting on 

Page 39

wooden poles in the water around Serasa beach. During AWC counts in Brunei Bay in 

Feb 2007 and 2008 several terns were seen in flight and if also of these species would 

indicate as many as 20 birds present. 

Black-naped Terns, Pelong Rocks 


an unsuccessful breeding season 

possibly due to stormy seas in 

June which may have washed 

away the nests. 

83. Little Tern Sterna 

albifrons. Tthe commonest Tern 

species in Brunei and the only 

one which breeds on the 

mainland. It has been seen along 

Panaga beach, at the mouth of the 

Sungai Seria estuary, at Tutong 

82. Bridled Tern Sterna 

anaethetus. I only recorded this 

species during the visit to Pelong 

Rocks on 13 th July 2008. About 15 

birds were present, flying around 

calling much more actively than the 

previous species. No eggs or chicks 

seen and it is suspected that together 

with the Black-naped Terns this was 

Bridled Tern, Pelong Rocks 


Sewage Works, in Brunei Bay and even on wet puddles alongside the main road at 

Telisai. Groups normally number 5-10 with more present in winter, maximum count 

was 150 on Sep 22 nd 2009 at Sungai Seria mixed with Gull-billed and Common Terns. 

Little Terns, Sungai Seria 


84. Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura. Easily mistaken for Little 

Green Pigeon, both species are actually quite common in the Kuala Balai Rd forest 

area and also in Andalau forest. Although slightly larger than the Little Green, the 

best way of distinguishing this species (with a telescope) is the broad pale green 

eyering and red patch at the base of the bill. Maximum count at Kuala Balai Rd was 

nine on 31 st May 2009 while at least 15 were seen with Large Green Pigeons at 

Wasan reservoir on 5 th Sep 2009. 

Page 40

85. Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Treron fulvicollis. This species appears to 

be abundant in the Lamunin peat swamp area with at least 15 birds sitting in trees at 

dusk in August 2009. The only other sighting was a pair sitting in a dead tree amongst 

the Long-tailed Parakeet roost at the end of the Badas tarmac road on 27 th Mar 2008. 

86. Little Green Pigeon Treron olax. Regularly seen along Kuala Balai Road this 

pigeon is most often seen in flight where it can be distinguished with difficulty from 

Thick-billed Pigeon by the shorter wings and more rapid flight. A count of 50 on 12 th 

July 2008 was exceptional, otherwise 5-10 birds are seen on most visits. Small 

numbers have also seen in the Labi Rd area, mostly in the lower lying forests. 

Pink-necked Green Pigeons, Panaga 


87. Pink-necked Green 

Pigeon Treron vernans. The only 

one of the small green pigeons to 

be present on the coast, this 

species can often be seen in large 

flocks of 100+ birds around the 

golf course, Panaga club and 

BSRC club areas. It feeds on 

berries and fruits at the very tops 

of trees and never comes to the 

ground. Away from the coast it 

has been seen a few times in small 

numbers along Kuala Balai Rd 

and iat the Lamunin peat swamp. 

88. Large Green Pigeon Treron capellei. This species was not sighted until 

August 2009, with a pair were seen sitting together in a dead tree at the Lamunin 

pumping station lookout on several visits. Both birds are almost uniform dull green in 

colour, with the male having an orange breast patch and the female a lemon yellow 

patch. On 5 th September, near the Wasan reservoir a group of at least 25 birds were 

sitting in bushes, making a collective low growling noise and with several birds 

making head-bobbing displays. 

89. Jambu Fruit Dove Ptilinopus jambu. A very secretive species of the deep 

forest, birds have been seen a few times flying up from the track in Labi area. Wings 

are patterned light and dark green with a tinge unlike any other green pigeons. The 

absence of any pale wingbar is also diagnostic for this species. 

90. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea. The 

largest pigeon regularly seen in Brunei, it is most 

often seen in gardens and cultivated areas where it 

nests in the middle of large dense trees. Rarely 

seen in groups of more than 3-4 birds, it gives a 

loud booming call at all times of the year. Small 

groups are seen occasionally in Badas and Kuala 

Balai Rds, with single birds sometimes seen further 

inland. 

Green Imperial Pigeon, Panaga 


Page 41

91. Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor. Historical records show that this 

species has bred on Pelong rocks, a small rocky islet with a covering of trees about 

3km off Muara since the 1950’s. During a boat trip there in July 2008 at least eight 

birds were seen with at least two flying off towards the mainland. The species was not 

recorded elsewhere. 

92. Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia. A pair along Kuala Balai Rd, 6 th 

July 2008. Distinguished from green Imperial Pigeon by brown – maroon mantle and 

wings, dark brown tail while underparts are pale grey including vent and with a 

prominent white chin. This species presumably occasionally forages away from hills 

in this case was following the Belait River. 

93. Spotted Dove Streptopelia 

chinensis. Together with the 

following species this bird is a very 

common site in the grasslands and 

gardens around the coast. Groups of 

up to twenty birds have been seen at 

any time of year with the highest 

numbers on grass around the OGDC 

in Seria. While also present inland the 

numbers seen are generally smaller 

and it is always most often 

encountered near to habitation. 

94. Zebra Dove Geopelia 

striata – Also known as Peaceful 

Dove, this bird is common in all 

habitats with sparse tree growth 

including gardens, sandy areas and 

even waste ground with large 

numbers (10+) observed near the 

Billion barrel monument in Seria 

and, strangely, in Kuilap shopping 

centre carpark. It is generally found 

Spotted Dove, Panaga 


Zebra Dove, Panaga 


walking around on the ground or sitting low down in trees and can be approached 

very closely. The colour of the crown is very variable, from a chestnut colour as 

shown in most books to alomost completely grey like the bird shown here. 

95. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica. One female was seen sitting on the 

tarmac road along Kuala Balai Rd on 18th Oct 2008. On 23rd Nov three birds were 

seen 500m further along the road near the communications mast, feeding on the 

tarmac and grass edges to the drainage ditches. These are the only sightings of this 

normally very secretive species. 

96. Long-tailed Parrot Pitiful longicauda. The loud calls of this species flying 

high above the treetops is one of the most familiar sounds of the Kuala Balai and 

Badas areas where groups of 5-20 birds are often encountered. A sighting of birds 

sitting still is less common, however a roost of at least 30 assembles each evening in 

dead trees on the left side of the Badas road just before the pump station. This species 

Page 42

has also been seen in the Andalau, Labi, Lamunin and Tasek Merimbun areas as well 

as near Rasau although generally in much smaller numbers. 

97. Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus. Common along Kuala Balai Rd with 

birds seen flying overhead on most visits. Looks quite similar to a small green pigeon 

in flight, but distinguished by the bright red underwing and loud call. Birds have 

occasionally been seen feeding in tree tops, especially during the winter months. 

Elsewhere at least 30 were seen at Tasek Merimbun on 1 st July 2007 and single birds 

have been seen occasionally in Andalau forest. This species is also sought after by 

bird catchers, but less frequently than the Hanging Parrot. 

98. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus. Despite being the regular 

target of bird-catchers, this small parrot is very common in the Kuala Balai Rd area 

Blue-crowned hanging Parrots 

Captured, Kuala Balai Rd 


with sightings on most visits and up to 25 

birds being recorded there. It has also been 

seen in most other forest areas including 

Lamunin and Tasek Merimbun but in smaller 

numbers. As many as 10 bird-catchers can be 

found along Kuala Balai Rd most Sunday 

mornings, with a singing male bird in a cage 

which is suspended high in a tree to attract 

other birds which enter a one way door and 

get trapped, and apparently this is not illegal. 

I have seen as many as 15 birds captured by one person in one morning, to later be 

sold on the market for B$5 each. According to these locals, the birds breed three times 

per year which is why they are a good target – always plenty of birds to be caught. It 

is always sad to see birds captured from the wild in this way, however it is on a fairly 

small scale (no nets are used) and the population does not seem to be diminishing as a 

result. 

99. Large Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides. Only one sighting of any Hawk 

Cuckoo species, an immature sitting in bushes near the electricity substation at the 

end of Badas Road on 27 th Mar 2008. Head and tail markings could be clearly seen 

and together with size clearly identified it as this species. 

100. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus Micropterus. See comments below on Oriental 

Cuckoo. One was present in the same tree at the start of the Kuala Balai Rd for about 

a month from March 2007 and birds were also heard in Badas and Labi Rd area at this 

time. Since then sightings have been few, with one near Sungai Tujoh on 26 th April 

2008. 

101. Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus. This species is fairly similar to Indian 

Cuckoo and is therefore hard to distinguish in flight. When sitting the yellow eye ring 

and much broader black barring on the breast are diagnostic. The only certain 

sightings were along Kuala Balai road on 17 th Jan and 28 th Mar 2009. 

102. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea. A fairly common winter visitor that is 

mostly seen only fleetingly as it swoops low through gardens into dense cover. As 

well as the Panaga and Seria area, birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd and in 

forest near Labi up to mid-April. 

Page 43

103. Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii. Possibly overlooked due to the 

similarity with Plaintive Cuckoo, this species has a prominent white eystripe and a 

different song. It has only been seen twice, both times along Kuala Balai Rd with two 

in Jan 2008 and a single bird Feb 2009. 

104. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus. The commonest Cuckoo species in 

Brunei which can be heard singing almost anywhere in secondary forest or clearings. 

Sometimes difficult to see except for juveniles which seem to prefer sitting on posts 

or small bushes close to the road. At least 15 were present in March 2008 at the end of 

Badas road, almost deafening when they were all singing. A hepatic female was seen 

on 28 th Mar 2009 along Kuala Balai Rd. This species is rarely seen near the coast, 

with one immature in F2-18 garden July 2009 and one heard near Seria the only 

records. 

105. Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus. This species was first 

identified on 5 th Jan 2008 when five were seen sitting together in a bush beside the 

road. However, once familiar with the loud ‘key vit’ call and its habit of flying very 

high above the treetops with a swooping flight it seems that it is actually fairly 

common and one or two birds are seen on most visits to forest in Labi, Andalau, 

Lamunin and Kuala Balai areas. 

106. Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis. This is one of the few 

species to migrate ‘backwards’, nesting in Australia and Papua New Guinea and 

migrating northwards to SE Asia for the winter months of Jun to Sep. The only 

sighting was of two sitting together in a dead tree along Kuala Balai Rd on 12 th July 

2008. 

107. Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris. In flight this bird looks like a large 

Violet Cuckoo, although the sheen is green rather than purple when seen in good 

light. Even when sitting and observed with a telescope, the white spots under the tail 

are very hard to see and it then resembles a Drongo except for the much more slender 

beak. The song, a loud ‘pii pii pii’ repeated seemingly forever is also diagnostic. One 

bird was seen and heard singing along Kuala Balai Rd from 21 st March to 5 th April 

2009 otherwise the only sighting was one (also singing) at Teraja on 1 st June 2008. 

108. Black bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus diardi. The smallest of the ‘green’ 

malkohas and also the quietest. It has been seen a few times along Kuala Balai Rd, 

Labi area and once on mangroves in Brunei Bay. All sightings were of single birds. 

109. Chestnut-bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus sumatranus. Rarely seen with 

only three records. One Kuala Balai Rd 21 st June 2008, one probably this species seen 

in Andalau forest on 9 th May 2009 and one at the Lamunin pumping station lookout 

on 15 th August 2009. 

110. Red-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus javanicus. Seems to be increasingly 

common with only a couple of records in 2006-8 and suddenly in 2009 it is seen on 

almost every trip to Kuala Balai Rd and also Labi ridge area where three were seen 

together in June 2009. Seems to favour sitting on exposed branches more than other 

Malkohas. 

Page 44

111. Raffle’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlorophaes. Certainly the commonest 

Malkoha, recorded on most visits anywhere in Kuala Balai Rd, Labi area, Andalau or 

Lamunin. Birds can be very secretive but keep up an almost constant ‘mewing’ sound 

which reveals their presence. Groups of up to five birds together have been seen at 

Kuala Balai Rd and near Lamunin. 

112. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris. The largest 

Malkoha and a common bird of most jungle areas and also the only Malkoha recorded 

in coastal and garden habitats, having been seen in April 2007 and 2008 around the 

Sungai Seria area and also a family group around F2 in 2007. It is recorded frequently 

in Andalau and Labi forests and less commonly along Kuala Balai Rd. As with 

Raffles’ Malkoha birds are generally very noisy and are usually heard well before 

they are seen. 

113. Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectungis. Very difficult to distinguish from the 

next species. Known to be present towards the end of Kuala Balai Rd, where seen 

occasionally flying across the road – the short tail giving the appearance of a small 

eagle in flight rather than a Coucal. Possibly also present in Labi forest areas. 

114. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis. A very common resident of most habitats 

including forests, mangroves and gardens and 

seen at all times of year usually as singles or 

pairs. Seems to regularly predate eggs and 

young birds of smaller species, having been 

seen raiding nests of sunbirds and fantails 

around Sungai Seria in 2008. 

Lesser Coucal, Panaga 


115. Lesser Coucal Centropus 

bengalensis. Very common in the Wasan 

ricefields where several are seen on each visit 

and also seen fairly regularly along Kuala 

Balai Rd in grassy and secondary forest areas. 

In April 2007 seen in F2-18 garden. Apart 

from the obvious smaller size, distinguished 

from Greater Coucal by the paler tips to feathers on the wings and neck. Juveniles 

have this streaking all over, which then slowly diminishes with age. 

116. Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius. In January 2008, Morris opened the 

curtains and was surprised to see a medium-sized owl sitting in a tree directly outside 

the dining room window of F2-18. From the fieldguide he identified it as this species. 

117. Barred Eagle Owl Bubo sumatranus. One calling repeatedly along Kuala 

Balai Rd on a couple of occasions in August 2009. Call has more ‘character’ and is 

louder than the monotonous Reddish Scops Owl call. 

118. Buffy Fish Owl Ketupu ketupu. This owl was observed on a number of 

occasions along Kuala Balai Rd after dark with up to four different birds present and 

being seen flying from hunting perches either on the ground or in small bushes next to 

the drainage ditches along the road. Birds have also been seen there in daylight during 

Page 45

the early morning. In early 2008 a pair nested in a tall 

tree in the F1/20 area of Panaga camp. A single 

young bird was raised and was unfortunately reported 

to have died after being hit by a car. 

119. Reddish Scops Owl Otus rufescens. At least 

three different birds calling along Kuala Balai Rd on 

the evening of 13 th August. A loud even whistle at 

regularly spaced intervals, unlike the more variable 

call of Collared Scops owl and softer than the Barred 

Eagle Owl call. 

Buffy Fish Owl, Panaga 


120. Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus 

temminckii. One bird was found dead on Kuala Balai 

Rd in March 2007. A large Nightjar flapping lazily 

across the Panaga road at twilight near the golf course in May 2009 was probably of 

this species, as it is much larger than the more common Large-tailed Nightjar. 

121. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimiulgus macrurus. The commonest nightjar in 

Brunei, this species can almost always be observed along the sandy tracks in between 

the trees opposite the BSP Head Office and BSRC. The birds make a peculiar dull 

popping call which can be heard from some distance and fly after insects a few meters 

above the ground. Two were also seen along Kuala Balai road on April 24 th 2007. 

122. Savannah Nightjar Caprimulgus concretus. During an evening drive down 

Kuala Balai Rd on 13 th August 2009, first heard the peculiar squeaking call of this 

species and then with a torch was able to see at least three birds flying up and down 

the road, still calling loudly and occasionally sitting briefly on branches. 

123. Bonaparte’s Nightjar Caprimulgus concretus. One at the end of Kuala Balai 

Rd on 24 th Jan 2009. A small brown nightjar with white spots on the tail flew up from 

alongside the ditch and was observed from above while flying low at a distance of 2m 

in good light. Distinguished from Large-tailed by small size and from Savannah by 

lack of white in the wing. 

124. Giant Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas. Some larger swiftlets circling high over 

Kuala Balai Rd in April-May 2007 were thought to have been this species, however 

there have been no further sightings from this location. On 16 th August 2009 a group 

of 3-4 birds were seen swooping low over the tarmac road at Badas pump station and 

could be positively identified. Completely black above and chocolate brown below, 

the notch in the tail could also be seen. The birds were calling loudly, making a sound 

quite similar to Silver-rumped Swift but unlike other black swiftlets. 

125. Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocallia fuciphaga. A number of dark swiftlets were 

seen flying low around the Wasan resrevoir on 7 th Oct 2009. One bird had a dull grey 

rump identifying it as this species. 

126. Black-nest Swiftlet Collocalia maxima. Seen in small numbers mixed with 

Glossy Swiftlets over Kuala Balai Rd and also in the Andalau forest area as well as 

Page 46

occasionally in coastal areas. Similar to Glossy Swiftlet in shape but slightly larger 

and with dark underparts. 

Glossy Swiftlet and nest, Teraja 


127. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta. The 

commonest swiftlet species, distinguished by 

small size and dirty white underparts and also by 

the quiet twittering calls. Seen in large numbers 

throughout the country at all times of the year. 

Builds a small mud nest on buildings, or 

underneath bridges such as this. 

128. Silver-rumped Swift Raphidura 

leucopygialis – Very common in areas away from towns, these swifts are often seen 

swooping low over clearings or secondary forest, occasionally also feeding high up. 

Flocks of up to 200, often mixed with Glossy Swiftlets can be seen along Kuala Balai 

Rd, Badas and around Lamunin while smaller numbers are seen almost anywhere. 

129. Little Swift Apus affinis. A dark swift with a bright white rump above a black 

tail, this species nests above the front entrance of the BSP Head Office in Seria and is 

otherwise seen occasionally near water, having been seen at Tasek Merimbun, around 

the Rasau toll bridge, at Wasan reservoir and occasionally along Kuala Balai Road. 

Also seen at road bridges in Bandar and around the airport terminal in March 2007. 

130. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis. At least five birds were present at 

mentiri on 19 th Sep 2009, swooping low over the grassy banks. The chocolate brown 

colour and forked tail were clearly visible. 

131. Grey-rumped Tree Swift Hemiprogne longipennisi. Seems to prefer more 

open habitats than the following species, 

this swift has been recorded at Badas, near 

the Sungai Tujoh border post and at 

Tutong Sewage Works as well as 

occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd. At 

least three birds have also been seen at 

Lamunin pumping station on each visit. 

Whiskered Tree Swift, Labi Ridge 


132. Whiskered Tree Swift 

Hemiprogne comata. This species is seen 

occasionally in forested areas, particularly 

Labi Ridge and at the far end of Kuala 

Balai Rd where it often sits on bare twigs 

at the top of tall trees. 

133. Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duvaucelli. Seen occasionally in wet 

forest areas with male and female seen on different occasional at Teraja, a singing 

male on Labi Ridge in June 2009 and a male with a very young juvenile at Kuala 

Balai Rd on 12 th July 2009. 

134. Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting. This kingfisher is similar in general 

appearance to Common Kingfisher but with much deeper blue upperparts and more 

Page 47

orange on the breast. It is seen occasionally in wet forest areas with a total of four 

records each from Labi area and Kuala Balai Rd. One was also seen at Sungai Seria 

behind BSRC on 7 th July 2007. 

135. Common Kingfisher Alcedo Atthis. A fairly common winter visitor to coastal 

wet areas with records from Sungai Seria, Kuala Balai Rd, Tutong Sewage Works and 

Wasan ricefields. At least three birds were present at Sungai Seria in the winter of 

2007/8 while a bird there on 23 rd August is unusually early. 

136. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus. Despite its small size this species 

is seen very often, flying low and fast along ditches or over small streams while 

giving a very loud and high-pitched single whistle. Two pairs were seen at different 

locations along Kuala Balai Rd in Dec 2007 and it has also been recorded at Teraja, 

Labi forest areas and Lamunin. Birds typical of rufous-backed kingfisher have been 

seen although most appear to be intermediate with black-backed kingfisher. 

Stork-billed Kingfisher, Kuala Balai Rd 


coromanda. At least three birds flying around 

the Freme lodge, Temburong in Jan 2006. 

139. Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon 

pilaeta. Only one record of one sitting on a 

fence near Bangar, Temburong Jan 2006. 

137. Stork-billed Kingfisher 

Pelargopsis capensis. This large 

kingfisher is most common in Brunei 

Bay where up to 10 have been seen 

around the Mentiri area. Up to four 

birds are seen on most visits to Kuala 

Balai Rd and it has also been recorded 

at Tasek Merimbun, Labi and 

frequently at Sungai Seria. Food items 

include lizards, dragonflies and frogs 

as well as fish. 

138. Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon 

140. Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus 

chloris. A very common resident of all wet 

and 

cleare 

d forest areas near the coast, but not present 

in mature forest areas. Nests in trees in 

gardens and fields and can be present in large 

numbers with up to 30 birds estimated at 

Sungai Seria during winter months. 

Blue-throated Bee-eater, 



Collared Kingfisher, Seria 


141. Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops 

viridis. Seen regularly in most areas, flying 

high above the treetops or perched on dead 

branches. At least 10 pairs nest each year in 

Page 48

the grassy area beside the main Kuala Balai – Seria Road just after the bridge behind 

F4, no other breeding colonies have been seen. Occasionally flocks of up to 200 birds 

have been seen gathering to roost in trees at Sungai Seria and also along the coast near 

Panaga golf course just before dusk. 

142. Red-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis amictus. A very scarce forest species that 

has been recorded twice. One along the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near Labi on 

26 th April 2007 and one seen at the Tasek Merimbun car park on 23 rd Sep 2007. 

Dollarbird, Kuala Balai Rd, 


144. Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus 

galeritus. The most common Hornbill species 

at Labi Ridge and Teraja, also seen regularly 

along Labi Rd and recorded a few times along 

Kuala Balai Rd. Most records are of small 

groups of 3-8 birds flying noisily through the 

canopy. 

145. White Crowned Hornbill Aceros 

comatus. The most secretive Hornbill species 

which prefers dense forests and is rarely heard. 

The only sighting was of a pair flying across 

the track up to Labi ridge in June 2006. 

143. Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis. A 

very common species encountered at all 

times of year in clearings, secondary forest 

and coastal areas. They seem to be 

particularly common along the Badas Rd 

where as many as twelve birds have been 

seen during April / May perched on 

electricity wires. In May in Andalau forest 

two birds were seen entering an old 

Woodpecker hole in a dead tree, although it 

was not clear whether this was for nesting or 

simply looking for food. 

Bushy-crested Hornbill, Labi Rd 


146. Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus. This is the commonest Hornbill 

species along Kuala Balai Rd and has also bee seen at Badas, around Labi / Teraja and 

at Lamunin. Pairs and small family groups can be seen on most visits flying across the 

road or sitting in the tops of tall green trees. Occasionally birds join together into 

larger groups, with 35 together in April 2009 the highest count. 

147. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus. One male seen from close by sitting in 

dead tree beside Labi Rd, near Teraja on Oct12th 2008, seen again on Nov 8 th 2008 

and Jan 18 th 2009. On 8 th August 2009 a male was seen again at the same site, and a 

second bird was seen about 10km away on Labi Ridge. 

148. Asian Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus. The harsh, almost evil calls 

of this species are a regular feature of most forest areas in Brunei. The smallest of the 

Hornbill species occurring here, the male is all black with white bill, while the female 

Page 49

is the only Hornbill with a completely black head. Most sightings are of pairs 

although small groups of up 6 birds 

together have been seen along Kuala 

Balai Rd. One pair seems to regularly 

nest in the F2 area of Panaga, with a 

just-fledged chick seen in May 2008. 

Black Hornbill, Kuala Balai Rd 


149. Oriental Pied Hornbill 

Anthracoceros albirostris. The Pied 

Hornbills of Panaga are becoming 

famous as a result of their apparent 

content with living in close proximity 

to people. As many as one hundred 

birds are present in the F1-F9 housing 

area and, almost always noisy, they can be seen in pairs or larger groups feeding or 

flying to roost. A few pairs nest in Panaga either in natural holes in trees or recently in 

nest boxes set up by Panaga Natural 

History Society (PNHS) and young 

birds have been seen with the larger 

flock in most years. Since most birds do 

not breed, it is suspected that many of 

the birds resident here are second and 

possibly third year birds which are too 

young to breed. Certainly many birds 

move outwards towards Kuala Belait or 

Seria during the day time so would 

easily be able to find suitable nest sites 

if so desired. It therefore seems that 

Panaga is a favoured site, for whatever 

reasons. Pied Hornbills have been seen 

eating a wide range of food items 

including lizards, frogs and large beetles so it cannot be just due to food sources. 

Perhaps safety from predators is a reason, but it may just be that the habitat is right 

Rhinoceros Hornbill, Kuala Balai Rd 


Oriental Pied Hornbill, Panaga 


since Pied Hornbills are seen widely in secondary 

forest or garden environments in Brunei, and are not 

encountered in primary forest. 

150. Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros. 

Seldom seen but actually a fairly common species 

which is heard on most visits to Kuala Balai Rd or 

Labi areas. It is not a sociable species like many other 

Hornbills and all sightings are of a pair or single birds 

other than two pairs seen Jan 2008 at the far end of 

Kuala Balai Rd. Also recorded at Badas and 

Lamunin. 

151. Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil. One 

calling loudly from a thick treetop along Labi Ridge 

on 7 th June 2009. Listened to this call and even 

imitated it, without knowing if it was a bird or gibbon 

Page 50

– it sounded a bit like both and ended in a laughing sound like a Kookaburra! After 

receiving a copy of the Birds of Asia bird calls DVD, this sound definitely belongs to 

this species. I though this would be the only record for my 4yrs in Brunei, however 

during my first visit to Lamunin pumping station on the afternoon of 9 th August 2009 

almost the first bird I saw was a male flying over the forest and sitting in a tall tree. A 

second bird (presumably the female?) could be heard calling from nearby. On 7 th Sep 

the ‘Kookaburra’ call was heard again, this time along the ‘seismic track’ just before 

Labi. 

152. Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrysopogon. The least common of the 

Barbet species in Brunei, heard occasionally in the Labi area and also at Lamunin. 

The only sighting was of a pair at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 5 th Jan 2008, 

where it has also been heard a few times. 

153. Red-crowned Barbet Megalaima rafflesii. Commonly heard in all forest 

areas and occasionally seen singing from the green tops of very tall trees. Especially 

common at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd and along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi. 

154. Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystacophanos. Almost as commonly 

heard as the previous species, but only seen on three occasions, at Labi in May 2008 

and August 2009 and at Kuala Balai Rd in Sep 2008. 

155. Yellow-crowned Barbet Megalaima henricii . The distinctive call is heard on 

most visits to the Labi and Lamunin areas, although birds have been only seen at Labi 

Ridge, on visits in April and May 2007. 

156. Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis. The smallest barbet and also the 

most common, present in all forest areas and also widespread in Panaga gardens. 

While the adults have brightly coloured heads, juveniles have been seen which are 

almost completely green. 

157. Brown Barbet Calorhamphus 

fuliginosus. Unlike other Barbets, Brown 

Barbets are usually silent and also differ in that 

they prefer the middle canopy of mature forest 

areas rather than treetops. This is generally a 

fairly common bird, seen fairly frequently 

around Labi, Kuala Balai Rd and also in forest 

near Wasan. At Lamunin a family group of at 

least six birds were seen on 22 nd August 2009, 

unusual in that the juveniles were calling loudly 

with a thin short repeated whistle. 

Brown Barbet, Lamunin 


158. Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis. A tiny woodpecker, similar in size to 

Flowerpeckers but with green upperparts and bright rufous underparts. It has been 

seen on three occasions along Kuala Balai Rd in July 2007, Sep 2008 and then in Nov 

2008 walking slowly up thick grass stems in a clearing. 

159. Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus. A fairly common bird of forest 

areas, recorded at Teraja, Labi ridge and frequently along Kuala Balai Rd. Groups of 

Page 51

5+ birds mostly feed low down in very dense forest, often in mixed flocks with 

Babblers and are only seen when flying fast across the road. 

160. Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium rafflesii. One record of a single bird 

along Kuala Balai Rd on 24 th April 2007 and then two together in small trees behind 

the Teraja longhouse on 30 th August 2009. 

161. Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tristis. A group of six birds was seen 

feeding in dense forest with Rufous Woodpeckers on 8 th Sep 2007 along Kuala Balai 

Rd and three birds were seen in the same place on 18 th Sep 2008. Otherwise the only 

record is of one along the Bukit Sawat Rd in July 2009. 

162. Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tukki. Another species which feeds low 

down in dense forest areas, groups of 5-6 birds have been seen in the middle of each 

year along Kuala Balai Rd. At Teraja two birds were seen feeding while walking 

backwards down a tree trunk. Also recorded at Labi Ridge and Bukit Sawat Road. 

White-bellied Woodpecker, 

Kuala Balai Rd, 


165. Banded Woodpecker Picus miniacus. 

This species is one of the more common 

woodpeckers, particularly along Kuala Balai Rd. 

Pairs are seen during the first half of the year 

while family groups and juveniles are recorded 

from August onwards. It has also seen in peat 

swamp forest near Lamunin and also at Teraja 

while a bird next to Sungai Seria on 24 th August 

2009 was quite far away from its usual habitat. 

Grey-capped Woodpecker, Bandar 


163. White-bellied Woodpecker Drycopus 

javensis. The largest woodpecker, heard and seen 

frequently in open forest areas along Kuala Balai Rd 

and at Badas and Bukit Sawat. Recorded in all 

months of the year with most records being of pairs. 

164. Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus 

puniceus. Seen twice along Kuala Balai Rd, on 20 th 

Mar 2008 and July 2009. Similar to the following 

species so possibly overlooked, especially as many 

woodpecker sightings are early in the morning in 

dull light. 

Banded Woodpecker, Kuala Balai Rd, 


166. Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopus 

canicapillus. Seen only on two occasions with one at 

Luagan Lalak on 21 st April 2007 and one in wet 

forest near Kampong Ayer seen while looking for 

Proboscis Monkeys in Nov 2008. 

167. Sunda Woodpecker Picoides moluccensis. 

Much more common than the similar previous 

species with birds often seen in trees around the 

Seria area including in trees in the BSP head Office 

Page 52

carpark and even on the single tree in the centre of the Panaga School playground. 

Two birds were also seen in trees by the carpark opposite Kampong Ayer in Bandar. 

168. Grey and Buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus. The only small 

woodpecker with a crest, this species is common in forest areas where pairs or small 

groups can be seen flying around treetops or on small dead branches, usually while 

calling incessantly. Along Kuala Balai Rd birds have frequently been seen entering 

small holes in dead trees and presumably nest there in the first half of the year. 

169. Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubiginosus. One was seen flying across 

Kuala Balai Rd on 3 rd May 2009, the pale yellow bill clearly visible. Based on the 

calls heard from this bird, it is probably present more often in the same area. At least 

one was present at Lamunin pumping station on 6 th Sep 2009. 

170. Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus. Seen fairly often along 

the Kuala Balai Rd in pairs or small groups and also in the Badas and Labi areas. The 

loud calls of this species are usually heard first as the birds fly high over the forest 

before stopping in tall dead trees. 

171. Orange-backed Woodpecker Reinwardtipicus validus. A pair seen 

occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd, mostly in the first half of the year. A juvenile was 

recorded in Mar 2009, almost completely green in colour except for the white back. 

One bird seen along the ‘seismic track’ near Labi in Aug 2009 is the only other 

record. 

Dusky Broadbill, Labi 


173. Black & Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus 

macrorhynchos. Generally a bird of wet mangroves 

and forest or the edges of larger lakes, this species 

makes a very 

peculiar harsh 

snarling call, often 

from deep within 

thick bushes. It 

seems to be most 

visible around 

Tasek Merimbun 

where birds were 

Black and Red Broadbill, Lamunin 


172. Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus. Quite 

different from other Broadbill species, this is a much 

larger bird similar in size and flight to a Hill Myna. It is 

usually seen in groups of 4-10 birds moving noisily in 

forest clearings or sitting on dead trees. Commonest in 

the Tasek Merimbun – Long Mayan area where groups 

were seen on most visits, it has also been seen at 

Lamunin, the ‘Rumah Pajang Malayan’ Rd wet forest 

area and twice along the Kuala Balai Rd. 

seen several times 

during 2008 

Black and Red Broadbill, Labi Rd 


although the calls can be heard on almost every 

Page 53

visit to Kuala Balai Rd as well as at Lamunin and wet areas in the Labi forest. In all 

these areas groups of at least five birds have been recorded. This species makes a 

hanging nest of dried leaves, often suspended over water as protection from predators. 

The nest photographed here was suspended about 1m above the water from a small 

tree growing in the middle of a 100 x 50m sized pond along the ‘Rumah Panjang 

Malayan” road. 

Black & Yellow Broadbill, Kuala Balai Rd 


174. Black & Yellow Broadbill 

Eurylaimus ochromalus. Heard on almost 

every visit to forest areas, like some of the 

other Broadbill species this colourful bird 

can be very difficult to see. Noisy groups 

seem to sometimes occur out of the breeding 

season with up to ten birds together. The 

birds can then become quite approachable – 

the photograph was taken with an 80mm 

lens! 

175. Green Broadbill Calyptomena 

viridis. Probably the most frustrating bird in 

Brunei, almost always heard calling in the Labi area but even more difficult to see 

than Babblers! A few naked – eye views of birds moving high in the canopy are very 

unsatisfactory, however the calls and song are very diagnostic. 

176. Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina. After noticing this bird on some older PNHS 

sightings list, I checked the song on the audio DVD. The song consists of a long rising 

whistle, given repeatedly for over an hour. On my next visit to Labi Road (8 th August 

2009), birds were heard calling at Teraja and also along the ‘seismic road’ before Labi 

village. On 7 th Sep at Teraja, a bird was tempted to within 2m of the road by mimicing 

the call repeatedly for over 30mins and was eventualy seen hopping about in dead 

leaves. One was also heard at Lamunin pumping station on 9 th August. 

177. Sand Martin Riparia riparia. One was seen together with Barn Swallows 

feeding low over Wasan ricefields on 9 th Nov 2008. 

178. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. This migrant and winter visitor is seen in 

good numbers throughout 

Brunei at any time of the 

year except June and early 

July. Particularly 

numerous at Badas and 

along the Kuala Balai Rd 

where flocks of 200+ 

birds have been seen 

during most months. At 

these sites birds 

frequently have the habit 

Barn Swallows, Badas 


of sitting on the tarmac roads during the latter part of the morning. 

Page 54

179. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica. A common resident throughout Brunei, 

also seen nesting on buildings in Panaga and Lamunin. The species is distinguished 

from the generally more numerous Barn 

Swallow by the all pinkish-orange face and 

throat without a blue breast band. Generally 

seen in small numbers, most evident in 

Jun/July when Barn Swallows are absent. 

180. Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike 

Hemipus hirundinaceus. A common species 

in most forest areas where small groups are 

frequently seen feeding high up in the 

canopy, often in mixed groups with Green 

Ioras and Sunbirds. Also recorded in F2-18 

garden on a couple of occasions. 

181. Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis. An uncommon species which may 

be overlooked as it tends to sit still in the top of the canopy and also does not make 

much noise. One was seen at Luagan Lalak on 21 st April 2007 while singles were also 

seen at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd in Jan and March 2008. 

182. Lesser Cuckoo Shrike Coracina fimbriata. Quite similar in size and flight to 

the much more common Asian Fairy Bluebird this species might have been 

overlooked on occasions. It is known only from the far end of Kuala Balai Rd where a 

pair were seen on 1 st Feb 2009, again in the same tree on 12 th April and later a group 

of four birds in the same area during July. A group of at least four was also seen in 

August, aggressively chasing a pair of Wallace’s Hawk Eagles. 

Pied Triller, Seria 


Pacific Swallows, Bukit Sawat 


183. Pied Triller Lalarge nigra. This 

species is common in grassland and garden 

areas around Panaga and Seria as well as along 

the Badas road. It has a loud call quite similar 

to White-breasted Wood Swallow which it 

gives while flying high up in bare trees. Several 

pairs breed in the area around Sungai Seria and 

sometimes family groups including immatures 

with brownish plumage are seen. 

184. Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus. This colourful bird is fairly common in 

areas of tall primary forest, having been seen at many locations along Labi Rd, around 

Teraja, in Andalau forest and occasionally also along Kuala Balai Rd. Most records 

are of mixed family groups of up to ten birds with most sightings in the summer 

months. 

185. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus. One male was seen sitting high in a 

tree near Teraja on 18 th Jan 2009. With telescope the double red wingpatch could 

clearly be seen and the bird was also clearly much larger than Fiery Minivet. On 30 th 

Aug 2009 two females were seen at the same site, distinguished by the extent of 

yellow to the face, rump and tail. 

Page 55

186. Green Iora Aegithina viridissima. A very common species in mature forest 

areas where it abruptly replaces the following species. In fact it is possible to hear 

both species singing from the same spot near the forest edge, although they are never 

seen together. Easily distinguished by the green underparts, groups of as many as 12 

birds move noisily together through the upper story, sometimes quite difficult to find 

amongst the similar coloured leaves. Observed in all forest areas around Labi, 

Andalau, Lamunin and Kuala Balai forest in any month but seemingly much more 

abundant in 2009 then previous years when sightings were less frequent and generally 

of 2-3 birds. 

Common Iora, Panaga 


187. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia. Replaces 

Green Iora in mangrove and wet or secondary 

forest areas anywhere including Labi Road stream 

edges and Wasan ricefields. Distinguished by the 

bright yellow underparts and also by the piercing 

whistle given as alarm call or part of the song. In 

Jan 2008 an estimated 25 males were all singing at 

the same time along the Sungai Seria edges, 

drowning out the noise of other birds and even the 

nearby traffic. At Luagan Lalak on April 21 st 2007 

a very strange display behaviour was observed. A 

male formed his wings and tail into an oval shape 

and glided / parachuted from high branches to 

land and then begin singing. When first observed 

it looked more like some kind of butterfly until it emerged as a bird when perching. 

188. Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons. This and the following 

species can be quite difficult to separate despite the size differences. Greater females 

have a yellow eye ring, while the Lesser females are plain green. Males have a yellow 

rim to the black throat patch, although this can be difficult to see in the field. The song 

is distinctive, consisting of long and varied musical phrases. Observed regularly in 

most primary forest areas including Kuala Balai Rd, Badas Rd, Lamunin and all 

Andalau and Labi areas. 

189. Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanpogon. See comments above on 

separating the two similar Leafbird species. This species has mainly been seen along 

the Kuala Balai Rd primary forest areas, often identified by the distinctive song of 2-3 

note phrases often repeated. Elsewhere observed on one occasion along Labi Rd. 

190. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis. This species is seen 

frequently in the Teraja and Labi ridge areas., and occasionally also in Andalau forest 

and along Kuala Balai Rd. It is distinguished from the other two Leafbirds by the dark 

blue-green wings and tail as well as more yellow on the head. The proportions can 

vary from a yellow patch at the front of the forehead to a completely yellow head, as 

seen on one male at Kuala Balai Rd in Jul 2009. 

191. Black and White Bulbul Pucnonotus melanoleucos. An occasional species 

recorded in most forest areas but never numerous. Sightings are generally of pairs or 

single birds and concentrated in March – June. Maximum count was five along Kuala 

Balai Rd in May 2007. 

Page 56

192. Black-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps. One of the commonest Bulbuls in 

both primary and secondary forest and unlike other species, often very visible as it 

flies high over the forest or sits on bare branches or treetops. It also makes a loud and 

distinctive call, often continuously while in flight. Peak numbers seem to also be in 

March – June when up to 30 birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd, but it is 

recorded in every month of the year. 

193. Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnonotus eutilotus. This species can be overlooked as 

its tuneful calls and song are very unlike the rather plain calls of other brown Bulbuls. 

It has brown upperparts contrasting with very white underparts which distinguish it 

from other brown species. It tends to feed inside dense trees and is mostly seen in 

flight while calling loudly. It has been recorded in most forest areas and is particularly 

numerous in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat Rd where it is seen on most visits in pairs 

or small groups. 

194. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus 

goiavier. Surely the commonest bird in 

Brunei, sometimes there seem to be so many 

of these birds in the garden that it is difficult 

to hear any other species at all. Nesting in 

small bushes seems to happen twice a year, 

first in April / May and then again in October 

at which times adults can often be seen 

feeding insects to young juveniles. This 

species is also quite common in less habited 

areas where it is mostly seen in pairs or smaller groups, although a flock of 30 birds 

along the Bukit Sawat Rd in August 2009 was unusual in this habitat. 

Olive-winged Bulbul, Panaga 


Yellow-vented Bulbul, 

Panaga 

195. Olive-winged Bulbul Pycnonotus 

plumosusi. This species is distinguished from the 

brown Bulbuls by the olive wash to the wings and 

vent as well as larger size and an obvious white 

chin when seen in the right light. It is usually seen 

as singles or in pairs and prefers more open 

clearings or grassy areas than other Bulbul species. 

It has been recorded occasionally in many areas 

including Badas, Kuala Balai Rd, Bukit Sawat, 

Lamunin, Labi and also Seria grasslands and even 

one sighting in F2-18 garden on 8 th Mar 2008. 

196. Cream-vented Bulbul Pyconotus simplex. This species can only be 

distinguished with great difficulty from Red-eyed Bulbuls. The underparts are paler 

and in the right light the white chin / throat can clearly be seen. This species is 

probably frequently overlooked although it has occasionally been seen in large 

numbers along Labi Ridge (20+ in March 2007) and Andalau forest (c.15 in June 

2009). Elsewhere small numbers have occasionally been seen along Kuala Balai Rd 

and other Labi forest areas. 

Page 57

197. Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus brunneus. The commonest brown Bubul, seen 

in good numbers at any time of the year and in every forest area as well as Panaga 

gardens. It is the only Bulbul with uniform grey brown coloration over the entire head 

and underparts. It is regularly seen ‘flycaching’ insects high up in the treetops but is 

equally at home in secondary forest and low bushes. 

198. Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythropthalmus. Probably overlooked due to 

similarity with the previous species, distinguished by the pale eyering which can be 

white, buff or pinkish-orange. Seen occasionally in Labi forest areas, Andalau and 

Kuala Balai Rd and often mixed with other brown Bulbul species. A female was seen 

sitting on a small nest about 1m above the ground next to the Labi ridge track in 

November 2008. 

199. Finsch’s Bulbul Criniger finschii. An uncommon species which has been seen 

on three occasions in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat area with groups of 5-6 birds 

feeding noisily in treetops. Also recorded near Teraja on 1 st June 2008 and the 

‘seismic track’ near Labi on 7 th Sep 2009. 

200. Yellow-bellied Bulbul Alophoixus phaseocephalus. Another uncommon 

species which has been seen only three times, twice in the upper canopy of mature 

forest near Teraja with one seen 25 th May 2008 and two 12 th Oct 2008 and one bird at 

the ‘seismic track’ on 7 th Sep 2009. 

201. Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes criniger. This species is fairly common in 

the Bukit Sawat forest area, where it has been seen on most visits and has also been 

seen in the Labi forests, as well as along Kuala Balai Rd, generally in late summer 

months. Small groups of 2-5 birds can generally be found feeding in the lower and 

middle canopy and can be quite approachable. 

202. Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea. Despite the overall paler and buff-brown 

underparts, this species is very similar to Red-eyed Bulbul in the field and can best be 

distinguished by the white eye colour – the iris, not an eye ring like Spectacled. 

Understandably it is probably often overlooked and may be quite common. It has been 

seen most frequently in Andalau forest / Bukit Sawat in mixed Bulbul flocks and also 

occasionally in the Labi forests and along Kuala Balai Rd. Most sightings are of 

single birds and occasionally pairs. 

203. Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis. With its longer tail and harsh call, this 

species can look more like a small Cuckoo than a Bulbul especially as it is most often 

seen perched high up in tall trees in the Labi 

Crow-billed Drongo, 

Kuala Balai Rd, 


area. It has been observed on most visits to Labi 

ridge and occasionally around Andalau forest 

and Kuala Balai Rd (two on 6 th Sep 2008). 

204. Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus 

annectans. This species is a winter visitor to 

Borneo and appears to be an irregular migrant 

in Brunei. In April 2007 this species was one of 

the regular features of Kuala Balai road with at 

least three different singing males present. 

Page 58

Birds were also seen next to the Seria bypass during the same period. Otherwise the 

only sighting was of one in F2-18 garden in October 2005, one of the first ‘garden 

birds’ after moving in. 

205. Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus. One male was singing loudly along Kuala 

Balai Rd during May 2007 and there were up to three birds present altogether. The 

only other sighting was of one near the gates to Lamunin pumping station on 15 th Aug 

2009. 

206. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus. A very common bird in 

most forest areas and particularly common along Kuala Balai Rd where it is seen on 

most visits. In early mornings it is seen flying high across forest clearings or sitting in 

dead trees, giving a wide range of noisy whistling, croaking and popping calls. In the 

hotter part of the day, birds often sit in thick dense trees and sing a very different loud 

but quite tuneful song. From June to August birds moult the diagnostic long outer tail 

feathers and can then best be distinguished from the other less common Drongo 

species by the tail shape and familiar calls. 

207. Dark-throated Oriole Oriolus xanthonotus. A very scarce species in primary 

rainforest areas. A male was heard singing and seen sitting high up in a dead tree at 

Labi Ridge on 21 st Sep 2008 and a solitary female was seen on 9 th August 2009 along 

the ‘seismic road’ near Labi. This species has also occasionally been heard singing in 

these two areas. 

208. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis. Although this species is thought to be 

very scarce in Borneo, it has been heard singing on several occasions along the Bukit 

Sawat Road from June through August. The three-note song is very distinctive and is 

not to be confused with that of the previous species. On one occasion a bird was seen 

in silhouette flying high through the tree tops, clearly much larger than the Darkthroated 

Oriole. 

209. Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella. Very common along Labi Ridge and also 

seen in Andalau forest, Lamunin and at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd. Most sightings 

are of pairs, usually quite high up in the canopy. 

210. Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus. Seen and heard occasionally along 

Kuala Balai Rd and also at Badas, Wasan reservoir and Labi Rd. Normally first 

revealed by the loud whistled or squeaky bell 

like calls, birds can be quite secretive while 

creeping around the trunks of dense trees like 

Raffles Malkohas. 

Slender-billed Crow, 



211. Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca. Seen 

almost anywhere, generally in pairs or groups of 

up to ten birds, except for an exceptional flock of 

30 along Kuala Balai Rd on 8 th June 2008. 

212. Bornean Bristlehead Pityriasis 

gymnocephala. Two seen together flying across 

Page 59

the end of Badas Rd April 20 th and 25 th 2007. A group of at least three and possibly 

as many as five seen and heard along Bukit Sawat Road during July and August 2009. 

213. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis. An occasional but scattered species 

of forest areas, seen a few occasions along Kuala Balai Rd and also in the Labi area 

and in the tall trees next to the Mentiri prawn farm. Generally seen high up in the 

canopy and in flight looks similar to smaller Woodpecker species, but can be 

distinguished by a squeaky chattering call. 

214. Black-capped Babbler Pellorneum capistratum. Several birds calling 

continuously in Andalau Forest on 16 th May 2009. One was seen flying low out of a 

bush after being attracted by whistling. 

215. White-chested Babbler Trichastoma rostratum. A single bird of this species 

was seen feeding in a dead tree next to the road just before Teraja on 25 th May 2008. 

This individual moved much more slowly than other Babblers and was observed in 

the same place for around 15mins. 

216. Ferruginous Babbler Trichastoma bicolor. A noisy and active group of at 

least eight birds were seen deep in Andalau forest on16 th May 2009. The very rufous 

upperparts and cream underparts make this species easy to distinguish from the other 

tree babblers. The group was active some 5-10m above the ground which also made 

them easy to locate. At least two birds were present with Sooty-capped Babblers 

along the ‘seismic track’ road on 7 th Sep 2009 also quite high above the ground. 

217. Abbott’s Babbler Malacocincla abbotti. Two immatures in Andalau forest on 

16 th May 2009 approached within 1m, although they kept moving very quickly 

amongst dead branches on the ground. 

218. Sooty-capped Babbler Malacopteron affine. A very noisy group of Babblers 

was encountered in wet forest along the “Rumah Panjang Malayan” road east of Labi 

Rd on May 24 th 2008. At least two of this species were seen and it is possible that as 

many as ten were present. A noisy group of up to ten birds have been seen along the 

‘seismic track’ on all visits during August and September 2009. These birds were 

occasionally seen sitting fairly still on the top of small bushes, allowing them to be 

observed through the telescope. 

219. Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron cinereum. At least two together 

alongside the track at Andalau forest on 2 nd May 2009. Also two in a mixed flock of 

Babblers at Kuala Balai Rd on 12 th July 2009 but probably fairly common based on 

calls. 

220. Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron magnum. A very noisy group of at 

least six birds along Kuala Balai Rd on 2 nd Nov 2008. Calls of this and the previous 

species are quite similar and have been heard along Kuala Balai Rd and the Bukit 

Sawat road in June and July. 

221. Grey-breasted Babbler Malacopteron albogulare. A group of four birds 

were observed briefly in dense forest next to the road about 3km before Teraja at the 

end of Labi Road on 25 th May 2008. 

Page 60

222. Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifrons. Two birds together at Kuala 

Balai Rd in a mixed flock of Babblers on 12 th July 2009. One of the birds appeared to 

be a juvenile. The adult was identified based on small size, chestnut cap contrasting 

with grey cheeks and thin black streaks on the chin. Distinguished from Pin-striped 

Babbler by the greyish brown upperparts, smaller black streaks and lack of yellow on 

breast. 

223. Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris erythroptera. Probably the commonest 

babbler of primary forest areas and also present in peatswamps and secondary forest. 

It is easiest to see in the sparser forest of Andalau and Bukit Sawat area but can be 

heard almost anywhere along Labi Rd and Kuala Balai Rd as well as at the lamunin 

peat swamp. 

224. Grey-headed Babbler Stachyris poliocephala. Two birds singing incessantly 

were observed near Teraja on 8 th August 2009, allowing identification using the audio 

guide. After some time they were seen in flight a few times crossing the road, also 

being chased by Black-throated Babblers. 

225. Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris maculate – Numerous along Badas and 

Kuala Balai roads but difficult to see as it prefers dense bushes and forest at almost 

ground level. Seen most clearly along Kuala Balai Rd in May 2007 and July 2009 but 

probably present on many other occasions based on calls. Probably also present in 

Labi area. 

226. Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigricollis. Similar habits to the previous 

species so likely frequently overlooked. Small numbers have been observed along the 

Labi ridge track on almost every visit and it can be heard calling almost anywhere in 

the Labi and Andalau forest areas. One was seen singing in a fern tree along Kuala 

Balai Rd on April 25 th 2009 and based on calls it is probably also present at several 

locations along the road. 

227. Striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis. The commonest Babbler species in 

mangrove and peat swamp areas, it is easily distinguished from other species by the 

yellow underparts heavily streaked with black. Heard on almost every visit to the 

Tattler Hide at Sungai Seria and also very common in the ditches along Kuala Balai 

Rd. 

228. Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler Macronous ptilosus. This species prefers slightly 

drier areas where it typically moves very actively around tree trunks and branches. 

Has been seen along Kuala Balai Rd and most areas along Labi Rd but seems to be 

commonest in the Andalau forest area where several are observed on most visits. 

229. Brown Fulvetta Alcippe pyyrhoptera. These small brownish grey babblers 

have been encountered in noisy groups of 4-5 birds on Labi ridge (2008) and in 

Andalau forest (2009), both times in May. Two birds were also seen at Labi Ridge on 

1 st Nov 2008. Unlike other Babblers they seem to move around the middle and upper 

story of drier forest areas, preferring more open areas. 

Page 61

230. White-bellied Yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca. A noisy group of at least three 

birds seen at the end of the Labi ridge track on 21 st Sep 2008. 

231. Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis. One 

of the first birds any visitor to Brunei will 

encounter, this is a common resident in gardens 

and cultivated areas where it breeds very 

successfully. Away from the coast it is not so 

common although it has been seen a couple of 

times along Labi ridge track and also fairly 

often in cleared areas along Kuala Balai Rd. 

232. White-rumped Shama Copsychus 

malabaricus. The song of this species is one of 

the loudest and most tuneful of the Brunei 

jungle and can be heard most commonly in the 

forest along Labi Rd but also in Kuala Balai and Andalau areas. In addition to the 

wide range of song phrases, a clicking call similar to Jungle Flycatchers has also been 

heard occasionally, sometimes from a bird in flight. Sightings are much rarer; the far 

end of Kuala Balai Rd is one area where birds have been see a few times and once 

two birds were seen sitting on the path in the Sungai Liang park early in the morning. 

233. Rufous-tailed Shama Trichixos pyrrhopygus. A very secretive species, 

probably more common than the single sighting indicates. One male was seen 

together with a group of Ferruginous Babblers in Andalau forest on 16 th May 2009. 

234. Sunda Whistling Thrush Myiophoneus glaucinus. One of the most surprising 

sightings of 4years birdwatching in Brunei. This species is normally a resident of 

mountain foothills however a single bird was observed from close by in F2-18 garden 

on Dec 5 th 2007. The bird had the appearance of being completely black including 

feet, bill and eye which through binoculars could be seen to actually be more of a 

glossy bluish colour. The bird was hopping about on the grass before being chased 

away by two Magpie Robins and it could be seen to be quite a lot larger than this 

species. 

Eye-browed Thrush, Panaga 


Magpie Robin, Panaga 


235. Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus 

obscurus. This winter visitor appears to be 

quite common in the Panaga and Seria area 

in December and January, with groups of 

10+ birds present every winter in F2-18 

garden as well as in the G10 and Panaga 

Padang areas. In December 2008 a group of 

30 birds was unusual while a single bird in 

March 2008 was later than most sightings. 

236. Chestnut-capped Thrush Zoothera interpres. One very unsatisfactory view 

of this very scarce and secretive species, heard and seen fleetingly at the edge of the 

Lamunin pumping station lookout on 12 August 2009. A bird was alternating harsh 

clicking alarm calls with a loud melodious song at a distance of only 5m in a dense 

thicket just below the lookout point. After continuing for around 20minutes I had a 

Page 62

ief view of a black bird with white wing patches and a shortish black tail, too small 

for Magpie Robin or Shama species. The calls and song match exactly with the audio 

guide examples for this species. 

237. Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea. Only one record of a single 

bird seen feeding in the middle canopy at Labi Ridge on 24 th May 2008. 

238. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris. A scarce species in 

mature rainforest areas with a single bird seen at Labi ridge on 21 st Sep 2008, at least 

3 birds near Teraja on 12 th Oct 2008 and one in bamboo at Rampayoh (Labi) on 4 th 

April 2009. 

239. Mountain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus trivirgatus. Two birds of this species 

in a mixed flock including Leafbirds, Flycatchers and Bulbuls were seen sitting in a 

low bush next to the Labi Ridge track from a distance of 2m on 21 st April 2007. 

240. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler. A bird was seen flying short distances in 

reeds beside the main river channel at Wasan ricefields on 9 th Nov 2008. Overall 

colouration was very rufous and based on the calls the bird was assumed to be this 

species. 

241. Middendorff’s Warbler Locustella ochotensis. Only two sightings of this 

species. One was seen in small bushes near Tattler Hide, Sungai Seria on May 14 th 

2008. It was approachable within 2m, flying a short distance when flushed. Prominent 

eyestripe and white outer feathers on graduated tail, no streaking on underparts. 

Another bird was seen on 15 th August 2009 at Wasan, sitting on a low bush beside 

rice padi, again with clean white underparts and a strong white eystripe. These dates 

are, respectively, later and earlier by one month than reported in earlier records. 

Striated Grassbird, Labi 


242. Striated Grassbird Megalurus 

palustris. I first recorded this species in 

January 2008 when two were seen 

together near Seria. There were no more 

sightings until 2009 when suddenly they 

appear to be common. One was seen 

singing from a fencepost at the start of 

the Kuala Balai Rd in March and again 

in May. At least one bird was also 

present singing from telephone wires at 

Labi on several occasions from April to 

May and one was seen at Wasan in 

August. Yet another was singing from a 

dead tree near the J15 pond in Sep 2009 with at least four birds present by October. 

243. Eastern Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis. This migrant species is 

regularly seen and heard near the Tattler Hide at Seria estuary from August through to 

March. 

244. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. This species was very common in 

gardens and around the Seria area during the winter of 2007/8 with at least ten 

Page 63

different birds seen often in mixed groups with sunbirds. One seen along Kuala Balai 

Rd on 27 th April 2008 was quite late with most records being from Nov to Feb. 

245. Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus 

atrogularis . A group of 3 birds were seen 

along the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near 

Labi on 8 th August 2009 while one bird was 

seen in the same place on 8 th Nov 2008. Single 

birds have also been seen occasionally at Labi 

ridge and Teraja areas. 

246. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps. 

A very common bird in all forest habitats as well as in mangroves and gardens where 

it can be very tame and will nest in small bushes next to houses. Noisy family groups 

of up to five birds have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd in May – July. 

247. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotonus sericeus. A fairly common resident of 

mangroves and wet areas near the coast, especially around Sungai Seria. Also heard 

and occasionally seen along Kuala Balai Rd and around Mentiri. Appears to be 

uncommon or not present away from the coast. 

248. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia 

flaviventris. A very common bird found along 

the edges of any body of water, including 

ditches, ricefields and ponds throughout 

Brunei and seen at any time of the year. The 

coloration of this species appears to be very 

variable with upperparts varying from buff 

brown to grey and underparts white, cream or 

even yellow. 

249. Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias olivacea. Several Jungle 

Flycatchers were calling in Andalau forest on 23 rd May 2009 and one seen with rufous 

wash to tail and rump was likely this species as was one seen at teraja waterfall path 

in August 2009. 

250. Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias umbratilis. A group of three 

birds were seen together near Teraja on 1 st June 2008. At least one was seen in 

Andalau Forest on 23 rd May 2009 and several other 

birds were calling in the area. One was also seen 

and heard along Kuala Balai Rd on 12 th July 2009. 

Asian Brown Flycatcher, Labi 


Ashy Tailorbird, Kuala Balai Rd 


Yellow-bellied Prinia, Seria 


251. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa 

daurica. A migratory species to Brunei, common 

during the winter of 2007/8 along Labi Rd and 

Kuala Balai Rd where a group of six were seen on 

Sep 13 th 2007. The next observations were in the 

Labi area in September 2009 with single birds at 

Teraja and the entrance to the ‘seismic track’ road. 

Page 64

252. Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina. One record of a male singing at the 

start of the Labi ridge track during Jun 2006. 

253. Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki. A migrant species only seen once, 

a single bird observed from close by along Kuala Balai Rd on Dec 2 nd 2007. 

254. Grey-headed Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis. On 9 th Feb 2008 a pair were 

seen together near the waterfall at the end of the path to Belait-4 well along Labi Rd. 

One bird was seen feeding the other with an insect, although both appeared to be 

adults. 

255. Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana. Another migratory 

species. For one week in November 2008 this seemed to be one of the commonest 

birds in the forest with pairs or larger groups including immatures seen at many 

different sites along Labi Rd, also at Kuala Balai Rd and even one immature in F2-18 

garden. Otherwise the only other record was a male along Kuala Balai Rd on 29 th Mar 

2008. 

256. Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra. A pair seen at close range in 

peat swamp near Lamunin on 16 th Nov 2008. Both birds had similar colouring – dull 

blue upperparts and orange washed breast grading into white belly. 

257. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea. A brightly coloured species with 

habits similar to fantails, seen occasionally in mature forest areas. One female and one 

male were seen at different locations, Labi Ridge in May 2008 and a male was seen in 

Andalau Forest on 23 rd May 2009. On 9 th August 2009, a noisy group of at least three 

birds were observed for some time along the ‘seismic road’ before Labi, aggressively 

chasing away a male Rufous-winged Philentoma. Birds were also seen along Labi Rd, 

at Bukit Sawat and Lamunin in August 2009. 

258. Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhopterum. Only seen on one 

occasion, in primary rainforest. As mentioned above, a male of this species was seen 

being chased by a group of Monarchs. The bright rufous wings and tail were clearly 

visible compared to the dull brown / grey colouration of the female Monarchs. The 

loud, harsh churring calls were also very different to the softer calls of the commoner 

species. 

259. Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica. A common bird in gardens, mangroves and 

any forest habitat, calling noisily as it flies low between bushes or chases any other 

birds approaching too close such as Sunbirds, Babblers and even Councils. 

260. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpisphone paradisi. One of the very special 

birds of Brunei forests with its 20cm tale making it a startling site. My first sighting 

was male flying across the path at the end of Labi ridge April 2007, a better view was 

of a pair in Andalau Forest in June 2009. 

261. Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala grisola. One bird was seen in swampy 

forest at the end of the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road near Labi on 4 th April 2009. 

The very thick bill was very conspicuous. 

Page 65

White-breasted Woodswallow 



263. Tiger Shrike Lanius Tigrinus. This is a 

regular visitor from September to April, 

preferring to hunt from low bushes or dead trees 

next to open areas. Most common around the 

Seria grasslands including coastal trees around 

Sungai Seria and also seen along Kuala Balai Rd 

and Badas Rd. Both adults and immatures are 

seen in fairly equal numbers. 

264. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus. Similar 

to the previous species, this is a regular visitor 

from September through into early May and also 

found in similar habitat and locations. 

262. White-breasted Woodswallow 

Artamus leucorhynchus. A common 

species which can be found in gardens or 

areas of secondary growth although it 

seems to prefer manmade structures, 

being most common around Panaga club 

and camp areas as well as sitting on 

electricity wires. Several birds will often 

be seen huddling together, taking short 

swooping flights to catch insects. Also 

common along Kuala Balai and Badas 

roads while agroup of at least 20 birds is 

regularly present around the Panaga club 

building. 

265. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Seen occasionally along Kuala Balai and 

Badas Rds, usually feeding along the edge of the road in puddles or wet ditches. 

Extreme dates are 2 nd Sep 2008 and 24 th May 2008, the latter at Sungai Mau near 

Bukit Sawat. 

266. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. A very common migrant and winter visitor 

to grasslands and ricefields anywhere in Brunei with peak numbers counted in April 

(40 at Panaga in 2007) and September (30 in a puddle on waste ground near Seria in 

2008) and also very common at Wasan. 

Richard’s Pipit, Seria 


Brown Shrike, Badas 


267. Richard’s / Common Pipit Anthus 

richardi. Mostly found on the Seria grasslands, this 

species is most numerous in winter but can be seen 

at any time of year. Maximum counts are of 15-20 

birds around the garrison and OGDC grassland 

areas. 

268. Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis. 

Very common in coastal and secondary forest areas 

including around Labi, small groups feed on berries 

Page 66

and nuts in the tops of tall trees. Flocks of 1000+ birds can be seen in winter in the 

Seria area and a much larger roost is present in the trees around the airport in Bandar. 

Juveniles are very variable in colour, with streaked or striped underparts and 

upperparts which can be dark grey to an almost white colour. 

269. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. An introduced species first recorded in 

the 1970’s, it appears to have survived up until present although without expanding 

it’s range. Up to two individuals were seen around the roof of the Berakas Stadium in 

Jan and May 2008. 

270. Hill Myna Gracula religosa . Fairly common in most forest areas and also 

seen frequently in the Panaga gardens. Normally seen flying with loud whirring wings 

across clearings or high up above the canopy, birds have also been seen entering old 

Woodpecker holes in dead trees although it is not clear whether this is for nesting or 

simply looking for food. Maximum count was 16 birds along Kuala Balai Rd in July 

2008. 

271. Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex. Seen occasionally near Teraja, along Labi 

Ridge and in June 2009 also along Kuala Balai Rd. Probably frequently overlooked 

due to the similarity with females of other Sunbird species, it can best be 

distinguished by the very white underparts and red eye. 

272. Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis. A common bird along Kuala 

Balai Rd and also in the Panaga gardens and also been seen occasionally in more 

mature forest areas at Labi and Andalau. Females can be distinguished from other 

sunbirds by a yellow eye-ring. 

273. Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodolaema. Not as common as the 

previous species, from which it can be distinguished by the bright red rather than dull 

brown throat. Seen occasionally along Kuala Balai Rd and also in mangroves beside 

Sungai Seria. 

274. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthrepetes singalensis. This species seems to be 

most common in the Teraja area of Labi Rd where family groups of 4-5 birds have 

been seen on several occasions. Pairs or small groups have also been seen a few times 

along Kuala Balai Rd. This species generally stays higher up in the canopy than other 

sunbirds. 

275. Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hypogrammicum. Seen occasionally 

along Kuala Balai Rd but appears to be more common along the ‘seismic track’ near 

Labi where observed on several occasions in August 2009. An adult was observed 

feeding a very young juvenile on 25 th July 2009 at Kuala Balai Rd. 

276. Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarina sperata. A fairly common species in 

peatswamp and secondary forest area. Unlike other sunbird species it often remains 

still for quite some time and sings noisily from a perch on an exposed branch or very 

top of a bare tree. 

277. Copper-throated Sunbird Nectarina calcostethata . This large, dark sunbird 

is known from only one locality. At least one and possibly two pairs have bred next to 

Page 67

the small bridge at the start of the Kuala Balai forested area in every year, being 

present from October through to April. 

Olive-backed Sunbird, Seria 


278. Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarina 

jugularis. One of the common species in 

Panaga gardens, this species can often be 

found nesting in very small bushes or trees as 

low as 50cm above the ground. The males 

are very aggressive and will chase other 

species of sunbirds and tailorbirds which 

approach the nest. It has even been seen 

attacking its own reflection in car wing 

mirrors on a number of occasions, including in SupaSave carpark! Away from 

habitation this species seems to be commonest in mangroves and secondary forest 

areas such as Badas Rd and has not been seen in primary forest. 

279. Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja. Also very common in gardens, this 

species can also be found in almost all habitats including gardens, mangroves, 

secondary and primary forest. Unlike the previous species it is generally seen feeding 

higher up in more mature trees although it will 

also feed on flowering plants and approach 

close to people. It can also be quite aggressive 

towards other species and has even been seen 

chasing Racket-tailed Drongos and a Crested 

Goshawk! 

Crimson Sunbird, Panaga 


280. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera 

longirostra. The commonest Spiderhunter and 

the only species with a white face and throat. It 

is regularly heard and seen in all forested areas and generally feeds quite low down in 

bushes or flowers along the roadside. 

281. Thick-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera crassirostris. Together with the 

following species, this is a bird which is likely more common than the two records 

indicates. However most views of Spiderhunters are of birds in flight, and these 

records are generally assigned to the more common Yellow-eared Spiderhunter. The 

single sightings were on the same day! - a bird feeding on flowers on 8 th August 2009 

on the ‘Rumah Panjang Malayan’ road before Labi and two together on the ‘seismic 

track’ a few km away. 

282. Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta. As with the above species, 

probably overlooked. Confirmed sightings were of one along Kuala Balai Rd on 22 nd 

March 2009 and also on 17 th May 2009 as well as at least one along the ‘seismic 

track’ near Labi on 15 th August 2009 and again in September. 

283. Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster. The largest Spiderhunter 

species, generally seen flying high up in the canopy and occasionally perching on the 

top of tall leafy trees. It has been recorded regularly along Kuala Balai Rd and also in 

Andalau forest as well as the Labi area. 

Page 68

284. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys. The commonest 

medium-sized Spiderhunter and recorded on most visits to Kuala Balai Rd, Labi area 

and also Lamunin. Generally feeding high up in leafy trees with berries and 

sometimes seen in groups of three or more birds. 

285. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum. The commonest 

Flowerpecker species, present in all forest areas and also in Panaga gardens. Females 

and juveniles of this species are brown coloured and can be confused with Plain and 

Brown-sided Flowerpeckers unless the red feathers around the vent can be seen. 

286. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus maculatus. Seen only twice, 

one at Labi Ridge on 24 th May 2008 and one near Teraja on 8 th Nov 2008. 

287. Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochilus xanthopygius. Also a fairly 

common species, although more abundant in the primary forests around Labi and 

Andalau and scarcer along Kuala Balai Rd. Also recorded at Lamunin and Andalau 

forest. 

288. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum. Only one record, a 

single bird perched on top of a dead tree at the far end of Kuala Balai Rd on 20 th Mar 

2008. 

Java Sparrows, Wasan 


289. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker 

Dicaeum trigonostigma. A common species 

in forest areas, especially along Kuala Balai 

Rd and also seen in Labi and Andalau forest 

areas. At Wasan birds were seen in low 

bushes along the edge of the rice fields in 

August 2009. 

290. Oriental White-eye Zosterops 

palpebrosus. An occasional bird in primary 

forest areas, recorded near Teraja and also 

on Labi Ridge on the 8 th Nov 2008. The only 

other record was one along Kuala Balai Rd 

on 6 th April 2008. 

291. Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora. A population of at least 200 birds can be 

found feeding with Munias at 

Wasan, presumably established 

from originally escaped birds. 

Several birds were also seen 

around the Wasan reservoir, 

about 3km away, on 5 th 

September 2009. 

292. Dusky Munia Lonchura 

fuscans. Common in ricefields, 

grasslands and clearings along 

Badas and Kuala Balai Rds and 

Dusky Munia, Seria 


Page 69

the only Munia to be found in primary forest where pairs or small groups frequent the 

edges of tracks. Flocks rarely exceed 10 birds, unlike the much larger groups of 

Black-headed Munias. Occasionally seen feeding at the tops of trees on seeds, as well 

as on grasslands and paths where it is more usually seen. 

293. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata. 3-6 birds were seen at Wasan 

with other Munias in visits from 2007 through to 2009. These are thought to originate 

from escaped birds. 

294. White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra. This nomadic species was 

apparently very common in Brunei 20 years ago, often seen together with other 

Munias in many localities. My only record was of two adults at the edge of the Kuala 

Balai Rd just before the main primary forest area begins on 11 th October 2009. The 

overall coloration was dark brown, with the clean white belly and underparts clearly 

visible in both birds. 

295. Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca. The largest flocks of this species 

have been seen at Wasan ricefields where a flock of 200+ birds mixed with Java 

Sparrows is present all year round. Also very common in grasslands around Seria and 

also along the edges of Badas and 

Kuala Balai Rd where flocks of 50+ 

birds can be seen. Juveniles of this 

species are a pale sandy brown 

colour without any black and can 

form flocks without any adults. 

Black-headed Munia, Seria 


296. Eurasian Tree Sparrow 

Passer montanus. Originally 

introduced several decades ago, this 

species occupies the role filled by 

House Sparrows back in Europe. It is 

found around buildings and cultivated fields and never recorded in forests which is the 

original habitat for the species! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

A few additional species were reported by other observers. As well as additional 

records of species already mentioned in the main list, three additional species were 

recorded. 

Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel. A group of five birds seen by Graham Durrance 

flying low over Seria during a rain storm in Jan 2009. 

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Two birds seen at Sungai Seria by Hans Vis 

on 13 th September 2009, also one present on 2 nd Oct. 

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris. Two seen together at Sungai Seria on 14 th 

September 2009 by Hans Vis, one still present on the following day. 

Great-crested Tern Sterna bergii. One seen briefly sitting on the beach at Sungai 

Seria in the large flock of Little Terns on 23 rd September 2009. 

Page 70

Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis. One juvenile seen and 

photographed by John Maunders in his garden in Kuala Belait during October 2008. 

Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis. Regularly seen by Graham Durrance in his 

garden in G5 area during winter months. 

Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius. One seen on the se wall at Sungai Seria by 

Hans Vis on 23 rd September 2009. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Finally, I have included the ‘maybe’ species which I either saw poorly or for a short 

period of time making their identification impossible to confirm. 

Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus. A scarce winter visitor to Brunei. A mediumsized 

raptor seen around Seria in Jan 2008 was thought to have been this species. It 

was seen with binoculars but far away and confusion with Oriental Honey Buzzard 

which was present in the same area at that time is possible. A raptor present for 

several weeks in the F2 area of Panaga in late 2006 may also have been this species. 

Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipter gularis. One bird seen displaying high above the 

Panaga camp area during May 2007 was too small to have been a Crested Goshawk. 

While Besra has been recorded it is uncommon while this Sparrowhawk is regarded as 

a common winter visitor to Borneo. 

Common Kestrel Falco Tinnunculus. A falcon was flying high acros the Kuala Balai 

Rd early in the morning during Nov 2007. The bird was too slender to be a Peregrine 

but also too large for a Falconet. While Comon Kestrel is regarded as a common 

winter visitor to Borneo, Spotted Kestrel and Oriental Hobby have also been 

recorded. As the bird was only seen with the naked eye I was unable to see any 

distinguishing features. 

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea. A large brown bird was seen swimming and in flight at 

the pond by the Tattler hide on 12 th Nov 2007. It was watched with binoculars in dull 

light but was very far away. Juvenile Moorhens are very brown and similar in overall 

appearance although smaller. This species appears to have been fairly common in the 

past especially at Wasan. 

Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica. A single bird was seen sitting in grass 

alongside the Kuala Balai Rd on Mar 29 th 2007. At the time my impression was that it 

was dark brown and without ear tufts and therefore likely to have been this species. 

On many other occasions I have seen Buffy Fish Owls at the same location and I have 

also never heard this species calling although it is documented as a fairly common 

resident in Brunei. 

Page 71

PART 3: Details of birds seen at Kuala Balai Rd 

This section contains some analysis of the 176 species sightings made along the Kuala 

Balai Rd section in 87 visits, mainly in the period April 2007 up to early August 2009. 

The area consists of approximately 10km of primary and secondary forest plus the 

cultivated land and gardens of the first 6km and given this large area the birds 

recorded depend heavily on how many individuals 

of a particular species are present, the observer 

being in the right place at the right time and also 

the habits of that particular bird. As an example a 

single Crested Serpent Eagle circling overhead and 

calling loudly has a good chance of being 

‘observed’ on a given day, as do the dozens of 

Barn Swallows present along the road in most 

Crested Serpent Eagle, 


months while the Rufous-fronted Babbler which 

skulks silently in the undergrowth may have been 

present on every visit but was only seen once. 

So clearly this analysis should be treated as illustrative rather than a detailed scientific 

study, also bearing in mind that my visits were restricted in duration to 2-5 times per 

month between the hours of 6 and 10am. The data does however clearly indicate the 

rewards of birdwatching a single forest location in Brunei as well as indicating that 

any serious scientific 

Kuala Balai Rd: Monthly Species List 

study needs to be 

140 

14 carried out over a 

120 

12 considerable period of 

100 

80 

10 

8 

time in order to 

capture a full picture 

of the birds present. 

# Species 

60 

40 

20 

0 

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

Figure 1 

Date 

variability in the total 

number of visits 

made per month and 

this definitely 

appears to have some 

relation to the 

number of species 

seen during those 

periods. Figure 2 

shows a cumulative 

species sighting list 

for all 87 visits over 

a 2 1/2year period 

from early 2007, 

# Species 

200 

180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Figure 2 

With holidays and bad 

weather limiting my 

visits at certain times, 

Figure 1 shows that 

there is quite some 

showing that new species are still being sighted almost every month and starting to 

6 

4 

2 

0 

# Visits 

Kuala Balai Rd: Cumulative Species List 

JAN 

MAR 

MAY 

JULY 

SEP 

NOV 

JAN 

MAR 

MAY 

JULY 

SEP 

NOV 

JAN 

MAR 

MAY 

JUL 

Date 

Page 72

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

permanent residents. 

Number of Species 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Figure 3 

or in only one 

month of the year 

(the migrants, 

wanderers or the 

uncommon but local 

residents). Figure 4 

shows that in fact 

almost half the 

species have been 

observed on less 

than 10% of visits 

(or fewer than eight 

times) and in fact 

only one species, 

the Red-eyed 

Bulbul, has been 

observed on every visit. 

Kuala Balai Rd - Species Frequency 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Number of Months Observed 

Number of Species 

Figures 3 and 4 

show the 

frequency of 

occurrence of the 

176 species, on 

monthly basis and 

as a percentage of 

the total number of 

visits. Figure 4 

indicates that the 

majority of species 

have either been 

seen in every 

month (the 

common residents) 

On the basis of these observations, as well as the general habits of the bird species it is 

possible to make some observations on the abundance of many of the species 

occurring in this area, divided into 

four different categories. 

The common residents ( C ) – 68 

species. Includes many which are 

present in large numbers 

throughout the year such as Redeyed, 

Yellow-vented and Blackheaded 

Bulbuls, as well as others 

which are easily observed despite 

being present in lower numbers, 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Figure 4 

Kuala Balai Rd - Species Frequency 

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

Percentage of Visits Observed 

Oriental Pied Hornbills, 


Page 73

such as Crested Serpent Eagle and the three commoner Hornbill species (Pied, Black 

and Wrinkled). Birds such as Blue-eared Barbet, Pin-striped Babbler and Black-and- 

Yellow Broadbill are not seen too often, but are heard on almost every visit and are 

therefore also included here, as are Barn Swallows which are strictly a migrant but 

can be seen in large numbers in most months of the year. 

The scarce or hard to find ( S ) – 46 species. Secretive species including most of the 

Babblers and other small birds such as Rufous Piculet and Yellow-vented 

Flowerpecker which are present in small numbers and not as visible as those covered 

under the previous section. Other such as some of the Woodpecker species (Buffnecked, 

Buff-rumped), Lesser Cuckoo-Shrike and Bulbuls such as Black-and-White 

are more visible when present but probably only occur in small numbers in the area. 

Some species which have only been observed once, eg Red-throated Barbet, are 

included here as they have been heard more often. 

Local Wanderers ( W ) – 47 species. Includes species resident in Brunei but not 

normally occurring in the Kuala Balai area. Larger 

birds such as Bat Hawk, Bushy-crested Hornbill, 

Storm’s Stork and Blyth’s Hawk Eagles are certainly 

passing through and using the Belait river as a 

flightpath while smaller species such as Bronzed 

Drongos, Asian Fairy Bluebird and Brown Barbets are 

more typical of primary rainforest areas and may 

occasionally wander into the Kuala Balai area looking 

for food or nesting sites. 

Visitors ( V ) – 15 species. True migrants which either pass through the area on their 

way to wintering grounds or which may spend the 

winter in the coastal area of Brunei. This includes some 

quite common species such as Oriental Cuckoo, Tiger 

and Brown Shrikes and Asian Brown Flycatchers as 

well as scarce species such as Black Bittern, Peregrine 

and other flycatchers (Mugimaki, Blue-and-White) and 

cuckoos (Drongo, Horsfield’s). 

Peregrine Falcon, 


Brown Barbet, 


My 2 ½ years of birdwatching in the Kuala Balai Rd 

area highlight the complexities of bird occurrence and abundance in this small area. 

Individual visits or sightings over a short period of time cannot begin to understand 

the true value of such an area for bird species and any real scientific assessment would 

require extensive observations over a period of several years to be certain of 

identifying ‘real’ trends and fluctuations in populations. And this is even before trying 

to understand what is impacting these changes, i.e. climate, weather or changes in 

habitat, either natural or manmade. Hopefully this brief summary can provide at least 

a starting point for understanding bird diversity in this area. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Footnote: after completing the graphical analysis in early August, I have further 

revised the total list for the Kuala Balai Rd to 181 species. Birds added were Chinese 

Pond Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Barred Eagle Owl, Reddish Scops Owl, Savannah 

Nightjar, Yellow-crowned Barbet and White-bellied Munia while Brown Wood Owl 

and Hair Crested Drongo have been removed. 

Page 74

SUMMARY TABLE OF KUALA BALAI ROAD SIGHTINGS 

ALL 

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Number of months Number of Visits 

1 V Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

2 C Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 0 2 2 3 2 11 92% 28 32% 

3 C Asian Black Hornbill Anthracoceros mal 3 4 6 4 3 5 4 16 7 4 4 5 12 100% 71 82% 

4 V Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dau 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 3 25% 4 5% 

5 W Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 7 58% 10 11% 

6 C Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayens 100 50 50 20 20 25 100 4 22 15 120 40 12 100% 80 92% 

7 V Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 42% 9 10% 

8 W Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonne 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

9 S Banded Woodpecker Picus miniacus 0 1 2 4 1 2 1 0 3 0 1 1 9 75% 19 22% 

10 C Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 50 100 200 50 25 10 50 0 50 50 30 30 11 92% 59 68% 

11 W Bat Hawk Machaeramphus alcinus 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

12 W Besra Accipter virgatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

13 S Black & Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus m 0 0 3 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 2 5 42% 7 8% 

14 C Black & Yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus och 1 1 1 1 5 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 8 67% 14 16% 

15 S Black and White Bulbul Pucnonotus me 0 2 3 3 3 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 7 58% 15 17% 

16 S Black bellied Malkoha Phaenicophaeus 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

17 V Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

18 S Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus 0 1 2 1 5 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 8 67% 17 20% 

19 C Black-headed Bulbul Pyconotus atriceps 20 30 20 10 10 20 10 0 2 15 10 10 11 92% 71 82% 

20 C Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca 8 6 12 10 30 10 6 10 40 12 2 10 12 100% 61 70% 

21 S Black-nest Swiftlet Collocalia maxima 2 2 1 0 10 10 25 0 20 5 0 3 9 75% 21 24% 

22 S Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fring 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 3 1 0 8 67% 22 25% 

23 S Black-throated Babbler Stachyris nigrico 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 5 6% 

24 C Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipu 3 0 3 2 2 3 3 0 1 2 3 3 10 83% 46 53% 

25 V Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila c 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 17% 2 2% 

26 C Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus 20 10 12 15 20 25 20 5 6 10 10 30 12 100% 69 79% 

27 C Blue-eared Barbet Megalaima australis 12 10 10 10 10 10 5 4 3 5 3 12 12 100% 85 98% 

28 W Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

29 C Blue-rumped Parrott Psittinus cyanurus 10 10 10 15 10 6 20 0 12 6 4 8 11 92% 56 64% 

30 C Blue-throated Bee-eater Merops viridis 5 6 10 5 10 15 10 8 10 6 6 6 12 100% 83 95% 

31 S Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochin 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 5 42% 7 8% 

32 W Blyth's Hawk Eagle Spizaetus alboniger 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 42% 6 7% 

33 V Bonaparte's Nightjar Caprimulgus concr 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

34 W Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 67% 21 24% 

35 W Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 8 9% 

36 W Brown Barbet Calorhamphus fuliginosus 3 0 2 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 7 58% 13 15% 

37 V Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 1 1% 

39 S Buff-necked Woodpecker Meiglyptes tu 0 0 0 0 5 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 4 5% 

40 S Buff-rumped Woodpecker Meiglyptes tri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 1 8% 2 2% 

41 S Buff-vented Bulbul Iole olivacea 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

42 C Buffy Fish Owl Ketupu ketupu 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 33% 8 9% 

43 W Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galer 0 0 4 0 8 1 0 0 0 3 6 0 5 42% 5 6% 

44 C Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 2 3 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 7 58% 23 26% 

45 C Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus bart 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 11 92% 20 23% 

46 S Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicoph 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 3 25% 4 5% 

47 S Chestnut-rumped Babbler Stachyris ma 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 5 42% 8 9% 

48 S Chestnut-winged Babbler Stachyris eryt 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 4 33% 5 6% 

49 C Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chlor 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 9 75% 31 36% 

50 C Common Iora Aegithina tiphia 2 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 5 1 3 3 11 92% 25 29% 

51 V Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

52 W Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 33% 5 6% 

53 S Copper-throated Sunbird Nectarina calc 0 2 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 42% 11 13% 

54 S Cream-vented Bulbul Pyconotus simplex 0 1 2 2 3 2 3 0 3 0 1 0 8 67% 14 16% 

55 C Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 3 2 1 1 11 92% 43 49% 

56 S Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyn 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 8 67% 18 21% 

57 C Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela 5 1 3 3 2 2 1 0 2 3 3 2 11 92% 52 60% 

58 C Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja 5 5 6 5 10 3 5 3 5 5 6 4 12 100% 82 94% 

59 S Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus pun 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

60 W Crow-billed Drongo Dicrurus annectans 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 42% 8 9% 

61 C Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 4 3 7 6 5 4 4 1 3 5 2 3 12 100% 77 89% 

62 W Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

63 W Dusky Broadbill Corydon sumatranus 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 17% 2 2% 

64 C Dusky Munia Lonchura fuscans 50 50 50 50 10 5 20 5 15 7 15 10 12 100% 75 86% 

65 W Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica indic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 17% 2 2% 

66 C Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanu 2 0 10 10 1 4 4 0 10 0 3 0 8 67% 21 24% 

67 S Fiery Minivet Pericrocotus igneus 0 0 4 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 4 4 33% 7 8% 

68 S Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler Macronous pt 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 3 1 0 5 42% 7 8% 

69 W Giant Swiftlet Hydrochous gigas 0 0 0 0 50 10 0 0 20 0 0 0 3 25% 9 10% 

70 C Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta 20 30 50 100 50 50 50 10 50 40 10 30 12 100% 78 90% 

71 W Gold-whiskered Barbet Megalaima chrys 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

72 W Great Egret Ardea alba 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 25% 6 7% 

73 C Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pu 3 2 4 1 3 3 2 0 1 3 0 0 9 75% 18 21% 

74 C Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis 2 2 3 2 6 3 8 2 2 2 2 2 12 100% 55 63% 

75 C Greater Green Leafbird Chloropsis aurif 3 4 2 1 2 1 1 0 6 4 4 1 11 92% 45 52% 

76 C Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus 2 3 8 7 5 12 8 5 6 4 3 6 12 100% 67 77% 

77 C Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea 5 6 5 5 5 3 5 0 1 10 0 6 10 83% 49 56% 

78 C Green Iora Aegithina viridissima 5 12 6 5 4 3 5 0 0 2 10 6 10 83% 33 38% 

79 C Grey and Buff Woodpecker Hemicircus 2 1 3 2 3 2 6 3 2 3 4 1 12 100% 39 45% 

80 W Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

81 W Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinom 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

82 W Grey-headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga i 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6 50% 6 7% 

83 S Grey-rumped Tree Swift Hemiprogne lo 3 1 2 0 1 2 3 0 3 4 2 2 10 83% 20 23% 

84 V Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 25% 1 1% 

86 W Hairy-backed Bulbul Tricholestes crinige 0 4 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

87 C Hill Myna Gracula religosa 12 10 6 8 14 4 16 4 9 6 11 5 12 100% 79 91% 

88 V Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcy 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

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

Page 75

ALL 

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Number of months Number of Visits 

89 V Indian Cuckoo Cuculus Micropterus 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 7 58% 11 13% 

90 C Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 0 5 2 2 3 11 92% 30 34% 

91 W Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

92 W Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimiulgus macr 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

93 S Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

94 C Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis 2 0 2 2 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 1 10 83% 17 20% 

95 S Lesser Cuckoo Shrike Coracina fimbriat 0 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

96 C Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanp 4 10 2 3 3 3 3 10 3 2 1 5 12 100% 39 45% 

97 W Little Egret Egretta garzetta 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 58% 14 16% 

98 C Little Green Pigeon Treron olax 20 12 15 10 12 12 50 5 20 10 6 6 12 100% 69 79% 

99 C Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longiro 5 3 10 2 12 10 10 0 3 2 3 5 11 92% 41 47% 

100 W Little Swift Apus affinis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 2 17% 4 5% 

101 S Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera r 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

102 C Long-tailed Parrot Psitticula longicauda 20 12 12 15 25 9 15 5 11 3 3 2 12 100% 63 72% 

103 C Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis 2 3 3 4 3 4 6 3 11 2 3 3 12 100% 73 84% 

104 W Malaysian Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

105 W Maroon Woodpecker Blythipicus rubigin 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

106 W Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

107 V Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 8% 1 1% 

108 C Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarina jugulari 5 5 5 5 10 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 9 75% 27 31% 

109 W Olive-backed Woodpecker Dinopium ra 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

110 S Olive-winged Bulbul Pyconotus plumosu 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 4 33% 6 7% 

111 S Orange-backed W oodpecker Reinwardt 1 0 2 1 2 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 50% 9 10% 

112 C Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum t 2 1 1 2 2 4 6 1 8 1 2 0 11 92% 34 39% 

113 V Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 3 3% 

114 W Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 25% 5 6% 

115 C Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros alb 5 3 5 6 4 5 9 20 10 4 2 5 12 100% 83 95% 

116 W Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebros 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

117 C Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica 100 100 100 100 20 25 50 30 50 50 5 1 12 100% 54 62% 

118 C Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 10 83% 31 36% 

119 C Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica 5 3 5 5 5 3 4 2 3 3 2 2 12 100% 72 83% 

120 W Pied Triller Lalarge nigra 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 50% 9 10% 

121 W Pink-headed Green Pigeon Treron vern 0 0 0 0 10 1 1 0 0 6 0 0 4 33% 6 7% 

122 V Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

123 C Plain-throated Sunbird Anthreptes mala 4 3 5 5 3 3 4 0 3 2 2 0 10 83% 40 46% 

124 C Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus 3 2 5 2 2 4 6 0 4 3 3 1 11 92% 61 70% 

125 S Puff-backed Bulbul Pycnontus eutilotus 4 6 3 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 2 3 8 67% 18 21% 

126 W Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 33% 9 10% 

127 S Purple-naped Sunbird Hypogramma hyp 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 3 25% 4 5% 

128 C Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarinia sper 0 1 4 4 3 4 5 0 4 0 0 4 8 67% 27 31% 

129 C Raffle’s Malkoha Phaenicophaeus chlor 3 0 4 3 1 2 2 1 4 0 1 2 10 83% 29 33% 

130 S Red-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus jav 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 33% 6 7% 

131 C Red-crowned Barbet Megalaima rafflesi 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 12 100% 29 33% 

132 C Red-eyed Bulbul Pyconotus brunneus 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 5 6 6 4 10 12 100% 87 100% 

133 S Red-throated Sunbird Anthreptes rhodo 1 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 6 50% 12 14% 

134 S Red-throated Barbet Megalaima mystac 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

135 C Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros 4 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 0 9 75% 17 20% 

136 S Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthrepetes sing 0 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 2 0 2 2 6 50% 12 14% 

137 S Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus 0 3 0 1 4 2 1 0 4 0 2 0 7 58% 11 13% 

138 S Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacu 3 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 8 67% 18 21% 

139 S Rufous-crowned Babbler Malacopteron 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 2 17% 4 5% 

140 W Rufous-fronted Babbler Stachyris rufifro 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

141 S Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotonus seri 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 33% 6 7% 

142 S Rufous Piculet Sasia abnormis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 25% 3 3% 

143 S Scaly-crowned Babbler Malacopteron ci 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

144 C Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker Dicaeum 2 2 5 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 5 5 11 92% 55 63% 

145 W Scarlet-rumped Trogon Harpactes duva 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

146 W Short-toed Coucal Centropus rectungis 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

147 C Silver-rumped Swift Raphidura leucopyg 100 25 25 50 100 100 50 50 25 10 25 5 12 100% 65 75% 

148 C Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca 9 5 8 5 5 30 8 5 10 9 15 5 12 100% 83 95% 

149 S Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus erythroph 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 6 50% 7 8% 

150 S Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 6 50% 13 15% 

151 C Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 6 12 12 5 2 12 100% 67 77% 

152 C Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis cape 2 2 4 4 2 4 4 3 4 2 2 1 12 100% 68 78% 

153 W Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

154 W Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

155 W Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 17% 2 2% 

156 W Striated Heron Butorides striatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 8% 2 2% 

157 C Striped Tit Babbler Macronous gularis b 1 0 0 1 3 5 6 0 6 2 2 0 8 67% 16 18% 

158 C Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron sphen 3 6 1 3 9 2 4 0 3 0 3 5 10 83% 23 26% 

159 V Tiger Shrike Lanius Tigrinus 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 33% 4 5% 

160 S Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 3 25% 4 5% 

161 C Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthothyn 5 2 1 2 2 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 11 92% 27 31% 

162 W Wallace's Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nanus 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 33% 4 5% 

163 C Whiskered Tree Swift Hemiprogne com 0 0 4 2 3 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 8 67% 26 30% 

164 W White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leuc 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 42% 6 7% 

165 C White-bellied Woodpecker Drycopus jav 2 2 3 2 3 3 2 0 2 1 4 1 11 92% 41 47% 

166 C White-breasted W aterhen Amaurornis p 2 1 5 3 3 5 6 0 5 4 2 3 11 92% 53 61% 

167 C White-breasted W oodswallow Artamus 8 5 6 5 10 8 12 10 13 12 7 8 12 100% 78 90% 

168 S White-rumped Sharma Copsychus mala 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 5 42% 7 8% 

169 W Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

170 C Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus 16 6 10 35 9 5 15 0 6 26 9 7 11 92% 68 78% 

171 W Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

172 C Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 3 5 3 2 2 12 100% 83 95% 

173 S Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnother 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 1 2 2 0 0 6 50% 13 15% 

174 S Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker Prionochil 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 2 7 58% 11 13% 

175 C Yellow-vented Bulbul Pyconotus goiavie 10 10 10 10 10 20 5 6 20 5 8 5 12 100% 85 98% 

176 S Yellow-vented Flowerpecker Dicaeum c 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8% 1 1% 

TOTAL SPECIES 93 96 107 103 108 102 118 39 102 84 86 78 12 100% 

TOTAL SPECIES = cumulative total number of species seen in a particular month 

over the period 2007 to 2009. 

Page 76

PART 4: Mammals and Other Sightings Aug 2005 – Sep 2009 

This list includes some of the unusual and distinctive mammals seen during my 

birdwatching trips. In addition, a number of smaller squirrels and tree shrews have 

been seen, but I was unable to identify them further. The records listed here rely 

heavily on ‘A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo’ by Junaidi Payne and Charles 

M. Francis which is sold in bookshops in Miri and Kota Kinabalu airports. 

Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus. These huge bats with a wingspan of up to 2m 

fly along rivers at dusk and dawn in search of fruiting trees and are therefore seen 

especially in April / May and again in October which are the main fruiting seasons. 

Occasional singles were observed at the end of Kuala Balai Rd and also along Labi 

Rd, however the largest numbers were seen at the end of Badas Rd at dusk in March / 

April 2007 and again in 2008. In 2007 groups of 30 to 40 bats were seen flying 

overhead from about 6pm, with an estimated total of 700 on one occasion. In 2008 

this was surpassed with a continuous stream passing overhead from 6pm and 

continuing until it became too dark to see them anymore. The estimated total was 

5000+ with probably many more continuing after dark. An unusual record was 20 

flying low over the first traffic lights at Tutong at 6am one morning in October 2007! 

Red Leaf Monkey (Red Langur) Presbytis rubicunda. An entirely red monkey with 

a grey face and very long tail which prefers mature forest areas. Seen most commonly 

around Labi and particularly along the ‘seismic track’ where up to three separate 

troupes were seen during August 2009. At dusk the males have the habit of climbing 

to the top of very tall dead trees to keep a lookout and have also been seen in the 

Andalau and Tasek Merimbun areas. 

Silvered Langur Presbytis crispate. Most common in wet forest areas, quite large 

groups of 20+ animals have been seen along Kuala Balai Rd, Andalau forest and 

particularly at the end of the ‘Rumah Panjang 

Malayan’ road. On one occasion a group of 20 

including many young were seen by the side of the 

road between the Rasau bridge and tollbooths. 

Young animals are yellow-orange in colour, but 

not as bright as Red Leaf Monkeys while animals 

are sometimes seen in mixed groups with Longtailed 

Macaques. 

Proboscis Monkey 

Sabah 


strong and the monkeys become more active. 

Proboscis Monkey Nasalis larvatus. One of the 

main attractions in Brunei, groups of 30+ animals 

can be seen in the tributaries leading into Brunei 

Bay and opposite Kampong Ayer. All the boatmen 

in the area know where to find them, so simply 

turn up at the boat quay and wait no more than 

30seconds opposite the Water Village for the 

boatmen to come calling. The best time is late 

afternoon (after 4pm) when the sun is not too 

Page 77

Long-tailed Macaque Macaca 

fascicularis. A common feature of 

any lowland forest area in Brunei 

and almost reaching pest status in 

the Panaga area where several 

successful breeding seasons have 

increased the population of at least 

40 animals in each of two troupes. 

They tend to scour the gardens, 

eating plants, emptying rubbish bins 

and even amusing themselves on our 

trampoline! Along Kuala Balai Rd 

there are several large resident 

groups totalling at least 200 animals 

although they are much more 

Long-tailed Macaque 

Panaga F2 18 


secretive than the garden inhabitants, running for cover at any sign of people. 

Bornean Gibbon Hylobates muelleri. The hooting calls of these animals carry for 

miles in the mature forests of Labi and also around Tasek Merimbun. They normally 

sit at the very top of dense trees and are extremely difficult to see. My best views 

were along the ‘seismic track’’ in August 2009, especially the ridge path which runs 

level with the upper canopy in places. Gibbons can easily be distinguished from other 

monkeys as they have no tails and move quickly along branches with minimal noise, 

unlike the Langurs and Macaques which are much slower and tend to first drop 

vertically through the canopy with lots of crashing noise. 

Giant Squirrel Ratufa affinis. This species is very similar in colour to Prevost’s 

squirrel but is much larger and has dark rather than grey upperparts. They can often be 

seen running along bare branches high in the canopy in Labi, Andalau and 

occasionally Kuala Balai areas. 

Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevosti. This species is also seen in mature trees, 

most commonly along Kuala Balai Rd where animals also occasionally cross the road. 

On one occasion one was seen catching beetles in a dead tree branch from under the 

noses of a Banded Woodpecker and a Paradise Tree Snake which were both carefully 

stalking the same insects. 

Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus. This is the common squirrel of gardens and 

lowland forest areas, often seen running along branches and even across gardens, 

roads and other open areas. I once estimated as many as ten animals living in F2-18 

garden and their calls can certainly be heard almost every day. 

Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista. One was seen at the very top of an 

extremely tall dead tree from the Lamunin pumping station lookout during August 

2009. 

Common Porcupine Hystrix brachyura.. Two animals were seen walking slowly 

down the Kuala Balai Rd after dark during August 2009, looking rather like two balls 

of wool on legs. 

Page 78

Malay Weasel Mustela nudipes. One crossing slowly at the end of Kuala Balai Rd 

during the early morning of 8 th Dec 2008. The bright orange colour was very striking. 

Oriental Small-clawed Otter 

Aonyx cinerea. Pairs and small 

groups of Otters are encountered 

quite often along ditches and 

crossing the Kuala Balai Rd. On 

one occasion a group of eleven 

animals used the wheels of the 

parked car as cover to cross 

between ditches, as one by one 

they emerged from under the car 

to cross the last few meters to 

Oriental Small-clawed Otters 



the ditch opposite. One was also seen by the small lake at the end of the ‘seismic 

track’ near Labi. 

Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga.. One slowly crossing the road in the car headlights 

just before the Bukit Sawat turnoff along Labi Road in September 2008 before dawn. 

The white spot on the end of the tail and the pale face were clearly visible. 

Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata. Two animals were seen walking slowly along 

one of the ditches at the side of Kuala Balai Rd during August 2009. They were not 

afraid of the headlights or spotlight, sitting still for a couple of minutes before walking 

slowly into the long grass where they could be heard making a low purring noise. 

Binturong or Bear Cat Arctictis binturong. Recorded frequently along Kuala Balai 

Rd where it is a common sight on any visit after dark with as many as three different 

animals seen, particularly from May to July. 

Short-tailed Mongoose Herpestes brachyurus. Two noisy animals were seen playing 

together along the edge of the road at Teraja during August 2009 at about 9am in the 

morning. They continued chasing each other up for several minutes, so absorbed in 

play that one actually ran into my foot before noticing my presence and then both ran 

off into the forest with a lot of squeaking calls. Later the same day another animal was 

seen at the start of the Teraja waterfall walk, about 2klm away and may have been a 

different animal. This one also walked to within 1m of me before running away so 

perhaps they have poor eyesight? 

Marbled Cat Felis marmorata. On the morning of 20 th May 2007, I was standing at 

the small side track about halfway along the Kuala Balai Rd when all the monkeys in 

the area starting making a tremendous noise together including shrill squeals and yells 

which I had not often heard before. After about 45mins sustained calling, the subject 

of their attention crossed a fallen log across the ditch from the Belait River direction 

and paused for about 30seconds on the tarmac before continuing to cross the other 

ditch. The Marbled Cat is smaller than a Clouded Leopard but still the size of a 

labrador dog and fairly intimidating when seen from a distance of 50m! While I 

watched it with binoculars it stared motionless straight back until walking slowly 

away. The monkeys kept up their complaining for another 10mins when presumably 

the cat moved out of the area. 

Page 79

Bearded Pig Sus barbatus. Seen quite often 

along the Kuala Balai Rd and also around 

Andalau and on the road to Tasek Merimbun. 

Adults are very large, over 1m in length and 

often appearing almost black in colour due to 

being covered in mud. Families with piglets 

have been seen at the end of Kuala Balai Rd 

during 2008. 

Lesser Mouse Deer Tragulus javanicus. This tiny deer, not much larger than a rabbit 

on spindly legs has been seen twice along Kuala Balai Rd, in June 2008 and January 

2009. On both 

occasions there 

was a loud 

crashing from the 

forest, similar to 

a Bearded Pig. So 

it was quite 

surprising when 

this small animal 

appeared. On the 

second occasion 

the ditch was full 

with water so the 

animal swam 

slowly and 

confidently 

through the water 

for some 50m 

before finding a way out. 

Bearded Pig 



as well as in the forest near Tasek Merimbun. 

Common Barking Deer 

Bukit Sawat 


Lesser Mouse Deer 



Common Barking Deer 

(Red Muntjac) 

Muntiacus muntjac. Two 

animals were seen 

crossing the Bukit Sawat 

Road at precisely the 

same place during July 

and August 2009. On 

both occasions they 

stopped for some time in 

the road, completely still 

– the photo was taken in 

the early morning using 

a tripod, timer and with 

a one second exposure. 

The loud and gruff 

barking of this species 

has also been heard here 

Page 80

Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor. I was very surprised to encounter one of these large 

animals standing alongside Jalan Tengah between G5 and the small bridge towards 

SupaSave during late afternoon of 11 th October 2009. Presumably it had been 

disturbed from it’s habitat in the area towards the bypass by the new housing project. 

Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris. At least three animals were following the 

boat at the end of the AWC count in Brunei Bay on 10 th Feb 2008 in around 2m water 

depth. They were identified from the very small dorsal fin and snubnosed head shape. 

REPTILES 

Estuarine Crocodile. A small crocodile no more than 70cm long was seen on one 

occasion in the ditch along Kuala Balai Rd where a stream runs under the road. 

Individuals closer to 2m in length have occasionally been seen along Sungai Seria 

near the BSP Learning Centre and also from the footbridge behind the BSRC carpark 

while one of 2.5m was frequently seen asleep on a muddy island in the middle of the 

J15 pond in early October 2009. 

Monitor Lizard. A common feature of ditches and streams around Brunei, they can 

be surprisingly large with one over 2m long seen at Tutong Sewage Works in 2008. 

Although most often seen on the ground, they spend most of the day sitting high up in 

trees, often pressing themselves against dead branches to become almost invisible. 

Snake eats Frog! 

Panaga F2 18 


Monitor Lizard 

Panaga F2 18 


Snakes. Tree snakes appear to 

be very common in the Panaga 

gardens area, having been seen 

several times particularly 

during drier periods. They 

occasionally fall down from 

trees onto the paths around the 

house, making a distinctive 

‘splat’ sound as they land and 

then move away very quickly 

into cover. The snake in the 

photo took around 30min to 

first paralyse and then 

swallow this frog which tried 

Page 81

to inflate itself in an effort to persuade the snake to release its grip, but to no avail. 

The croaking of the frog at 2pm in the afternoon first revealed this meal-in-progress in 

a small shrub in the garden. 

Black cobras are also present in the camp area, however apart from one tree snake 

along Kuala Balai Rd I have never encountered any snakes during many trips into the 

forest. 

Green Lizard 

Panaga F2 18 


Lizards. This bright green lizard, about 

15cm long was seen running across the 

lawn on two legs quite often during 2006 

and was photographed catching flies and 

other small insects in the roots of a large 

tree. A similar coloured lizard has been 

seen in the Labi area gliding slowly over 

distances of over 20m between trees. At 

rest it can be seen to have a yellow throat 

patch which it can push out by filling it 

with air. I am not sure whether it is the 

same species as the one seen and 

photographed in the garden. 

Page 82

REFERENCES 

This section includes resources used in identifying birds and also some of the older 

reports on birds and birdwatching sites which I have used during my time in Brunei. 

The most important reference is a good field guide covering the different plumages of 

the species as well as comments on their likely habitat and also distribution. It is also 

preferable to buy one which is restricted to the birds of Borneo and neighbouring 

regions and so does not include too many species which you will not see here. I have 

used “A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali” by John 

MacKinnon and Karen Phillips, the latest version of which is available from Amazon. 

An excellent database of photos of birds found in Borneo, usually including males, 

females, young birds and also seasonal plumage differences for waders can be found 

at the Oriental Bird Club Site at http://orientalbirdimages.org/index.php . This is an 

excellent tool to confirm identification as the illustrations in books can never entirely 

capture exactly the correct coloration. 

Mark Hessels and Andrea Bloem spent the years 2004-2008 in Brunei watching, 

photographing and documenting the bird to be found here. Mark’s book “Winging the 

Bornean Skies” includes many fantastic photographs and accounts of bird behaviour 

as well as some details on birding sites in Brunei and neighbouring Malaysia. Copies 

of the book can be obtained from PNHS. 

Andrea has co-ordinated the recent Asian Waterbird Census counts for Brunei and 

compiled reports for 2007 and 2008. The counts take place in Dec / Jan and the 

reports cover not only the sightings lists but also detailed site and access descriptions 

and commentary of habitat threats as well as habitat changes over time. 

Another excellent reference is the Audio DVD “Birds of Tropical Asia 3.0” by Jelle 

Scharringa, published by Bird Songs International BV (http://www.birdsongs.com) 

which includes calls plus photos of most species found in SE Asia including many on 

Borneo. This has been invaluable in distinguishing the calls of difficult species such 

as Babblers and helped to identify other birds such as Garnet Pitta and Green 

Broadbill which are actually fairly common in the Labi area, although rarely seen. 

The Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS) has a library of older notes and guides 

on birds and birdwatching locations in Brunei, many of which I have found very 

useful in finding the sites described here as well as an initial guide to which birds can 

be expected here: 

“An annotated Checklist of the Birds of Brunei” edited by G.A.Vowles & R.S.Vowles 

1984. 

“A checklist of the Birds of Brunei Darussalam” by Clive F. Mann (1987). 

“Good birdwatching spots in Brunei” by Jim Burrell (1992). 

Finally, the PNHS website itself also has records and links to some of these 

documents as well as information on other aspects of nature and conservation in 

Brunei. https://www.bsp.com.bn/PanagaClub/PNHS1/PNHS%20homepage.htm 

Page 83

BIRDWATCHING AND BIRD RECORDS IN BRUNEI

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?