The Birds

An interesting year ahead and behind. I started the year in the UK, and then had a day in Hong Kong. Throw in a quick trip to South Island and a long weekend in Sydney. And my tickets to Borneo later this year. I may make last year’s target!

Taxonomy is improvised and lifer’s bolded in red.

I’m not keeping a mammal list, but notable species thus far includes the Sperm Whale and Hector’s Dolphin.

Birds seen: 430

Apterygidae (Kiwi)

Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii), Heard Wellington, New Zealand, 22 January

Anatidae (Ducks)

Lesser Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna javanica); Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 21 January

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), Wirral, United Kingdom, 1 January

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 4 January

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus); Bank’s Peninsula, New Zealand, 31 March

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Maned Duck, or Australian Wood Duck, (Chenonetta jubata); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Eurasian Widgeon (Anas penelope); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Common Teal (Anas crecca); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Grey Teal  (Anas gracilis); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis); Wellington, NZ, 27 January

Pacific Black Duck, or Grey Duck, (Anas supercilliosa); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis); Pitt Town, NSW, 25 May

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata); Hong Kong, 8 January

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta); Hong Kong, 8 January

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

White-eyed Duck, or Hardhead, (Aythya australis); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

MEGAPODIIDAE (MEGAPODES)

Australian Brush-Turkey (Alectura lathami); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

ODONTOPHORIDAE (NEW WORLD QUAIL)

California Quail (Callipepla californica); Wellington, New Zealand, 21 Feburary

Phasianidae (Pheasants and allies)

Red-breasted Partridge (Arborophila hyperythra); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Chestnut-necklaced Partridge (Arborophila charltonii); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Crimson-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Great Argus (Argusianus argus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 30 December

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus); Heard Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Crested Fireback (Lophura ignita); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novahollandiae); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Spheniscidae (Penguins)

Blue Penguin, or Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor); Heard, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, 27 July

DIOMEDEIDAE (ALBATROSSES)

Buller’s Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri); Bank’s Peninsula New Zealand, 31 March

White-capped Albatross (Thalassarche steadi); Wellington, New Zealand, 29 March

Salvin’s Albatross (Thalassarche salvini); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 27 October

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Southern Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 27 October

Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Antipodean Albatross, or Gibson’s Albatross (Diomedea antipodensis); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Procellariidae (Procellariids)

Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Cape Petrel (Daption capense); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur); Cook Strait, New Zealand, 28 July

White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 27 October

Westland Petrel (Procellaria westlandica); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Buller’s Shearwater (Puffinus bulleri); Cook Strait, New Zealand, 29 March

Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Hutton’s Shearwater (Puffinus huttoni); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 27 October

Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia) Wellington, New Zealand, 29 March

Ciconiidae (Storks)

Storm’s Stork (Ciconia stormi); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Oriental Stork  (Ciconia boyciana); Hong Kong, 8 January

Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

SULIDAE (GANNETS AND BOOBIES)

Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator); Wellington, NZ, 29 March

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and shags)

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Great Cormorant, or Black Shag, (Phalacrocorax carbo); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Spotted Shag (Stictocarbo punctatus); Wellington, New Zealand, 9 February

Australian Pied Cormorant or Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius); Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

Little Pied Cormorant (Phalocrocorax melanoleucos); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

ANHINGIDAE (DARTERS)

Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Australasian Darter (Anhinga novahollandiae), Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

PELECANIDAE (PELICANS)

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Ardeidae (Herons)

Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris); Hong Kong, 8 January

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea); Hong Kong, 8 January

Great Egret or White Heron, (Ardea alba); Hong Kong, 8 January

White-faced Heron (Egretta novahollandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 March

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Eastern Reef Egret, or Reef Heron (Egretta sacra); New Plymouth, New Zealand, 31 August

Great Egret, or White Heron, (Ardea alba); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Striated Heron (Butorides striata); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Black-crowned Night Heron  (Nycticorax nycticorax); Hong Kong, 8 January

Therskiornithidae (Spoonbills and ibises)

Australian Ibis, or Sacred Ibis, (Threskiornis molucca); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia); Warriewood, NSW, 27 May

Black-faced Spoonbill  (Platalea minor); Hong Kong, 8 January

Pandionidae (Osprey)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Accipitridae (Hawks, eagles and allies)

Australian Kite, or Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus); Kundansang, Borneo, 26 December

Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Mountain Serpent Eagle (Spilornis kinabaluensis); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus); Kundansang, Borneo, 26 December

Changeable Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus); Kundansang, Borneo, 26 December

Blyth’s Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus alboniger); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Wallace’s Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus nanus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis); Kundansang, Borneo, 26 December

Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Hen Harrier, or Northern Harrier, (Circus cyaneus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans); Auckland, New Zealand, 9 January

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Black Kite  (Milvus migrans); Hong Kong, 8 January

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus);  Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 2 January

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Lesser Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Rallidae (Rails)

Weka (Gallirallus australis); Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, 27 July

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Spotless Crake (Porzana tabuensis); Taranaki, New Zealand, 1 September

Purple Swamphen, or Pukeko, (Porphyrio porphyrio); Kaikoura, Wellington, 30 March

Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri); Wellington, NZ, 27 January

Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra); Wirral, United Kingdom, 1 January

Charadriidae (Plovers)

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Masked Lapwing, or Spur-winged Plover, (Vanellus miles); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius); Hong Kong, 8 January

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Sooty Oystercatcher  (Haematopus fuliginosus); Dee Why, NSW, 27 May

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and avocets)

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta); Hong Kong, 8 January

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers)

Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cincerus); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos); Hong Kong, 8 January

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia); Hong Kong, 8 January

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis); Hong Kong, 8 January

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Whimbrel (Numenis phaeopus); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Laridae (Gulls and terns)

Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus  novahollandiae); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Red-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus scopulinus); Wellington, New Zealand, 26 January

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus);  Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Common Gull, or Mew Gull, (Larus canus); Wirral, United Kingdom, 1 January

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Greater Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Kelp Gull, or Southern Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus), Wellington, New Zealand, 9 January

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Black-fronted Tern (Chlidonias albostriatus); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata); Wellington, New Zealand, 10 February

Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii); Dee Why, NSW, 27 May

STERCORARIIDAE (SKUAS)

Arctic Skua, or Parasitic Jaeger, (Stercorarius parasiticus); Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Alcidae (Auks)

Common Guillemot, or Common Murre (Uria aalge); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 1 January

Columbidae (Pigeons)

Rock Dove, or Feral Pigeon, (Columba livia); Wirral, United Kingdom, 1 January

Common Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Spotted Dove, or Spotted Turtle-dove, (Streptopelia chinensis); Hong Kong, 8 January

Little Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia ruficeps); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Little Green Pigeon (Treron olax);  Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Green Imperial-pigeon (Ducula aenea); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 22 December

Mountain Imperial-pigeon (Ducula badia); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

New Zealand Pigeon, or Kereru (Hemiphaga novaseellandiae); Wellington, NZ, 11 January

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

Dark Hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx bocki); Heard Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus); Heard Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Bronze Shining-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus); Heard Wellington, New Zealand, 2 November

Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris); Heard Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Raffles’s Malkoha (Rhinortha chlorophaea); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis); Hong Kong, 8 January

TYTONIDAE (BARN OWLS)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius); Heard Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Strigidae (Owls)

Buffy Fish-owl (Bubo ketupu); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Little Owl (Athene noctua); Heard Kaikoura, New Zealand, 30 March

Brown Wood-owl (Strix leptogrammica); Heard Sepilok, Borneo, 26 December

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 2 January

Morepork, or Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae); Heard Wellington, New Zealand, 15 January

Apodidae (Swifts)

Silver-rumped Needletail, or Silver-rumped Spinetail (Rhaphidura leucopygialis); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 22 December

Bornean Swiftlet (Collocalia dodgei); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Mossy-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus salangana); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Black-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus maxima); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

House Swift (Apus nipalensis); Hong Kong, 8 January

HEMIPROCNE (TREESWIFTS)

Grey-rumped Treeswift (Hemiprocne longipennis); Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 21 December

Whiskered Treeswift (Hemiprocne comata);  Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

TROGONIDAE (TROGONS)

Diard’s Trogon (Harpactes diardii) Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis); Hong Kong, 8 January

Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Banded Kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaguineae); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis); Hong Kong, 8 January

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus); Wellington, New Zealand, 2 February

Pied Kingfisher  (Ceryle rudis); Hong Kong, 8 January

MEROPIDAE (BEE-EATERS)

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis); Sepilok, Borneo, 26 December

CORACIIDAE (ROLLERS)

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

BUCEROTIDAE (HORNBILLS)

Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Bushy-crested Hornbill (Anorrhinus galeritus); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

White-crowed Hornbill (Berenicornis comatus); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

CAPITONIDAE (BARBETS)

Gold-whiskered Barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon); Heard Poring Hot Springs, 25 December

Mountain Barbet (Megalaima monticola); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Golden-naped Barbet (Megalaima pulcherrima); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Bornean Barbet (Megalaima eximia); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

Rufous Piculet (Sasia abnormis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 2 January

Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Maroon Woodpecker (Blythipicus rubiginosus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Buff-rumped Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tristis); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 29 December

Buff-necked Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tukki); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Falconidae (Falcons)

White-fronted Falconet (Microhierax latifrons); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 27 December

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 December

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots)

New Zealand Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) Wellington, NZ, 10 January

CACATUIDAE (COCKATOOS)

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Tanimbar Corella  (Cacatua goffiniana); Changi Beach, Singapore, 20 December

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita);  Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Psittacidae (Typical parrots)

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Musk Lorikeet (Glossopsitta concinna); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Red-crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius); Wellington, New Zealand, 10 January

Red-rumped Parrot, or Grass Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot (Loriculus galgulus); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

EURYLAIMIDAE (BROADBILLS)

Black-and-red-Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 25 December

Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

PITTIDAE (PITTAS)

Blue-headed Pitta (Hydrornis baudii); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 30 December

Black-and-crimson Pitta (Erythropitta ussheri); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida); Sepilok, Borneo, 26 December

Menuridae (Lyrebirds)

Superb Lyrebird (Menura novahollandiae); Royal NP, NSW, 24 May

MALURIDAE (FAIRY-WRENS, EMU-WRENS AND GRASSWRENS)

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus);  Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Variegated Fairy-wren  (Malurus lamberti);  Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)

Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae); Wellington, NZ, 9 January

Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii); Warriewood, NSW, 27 May

Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus leucotis); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

White-plumed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus penicillatus); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Bell Miner (Manoria melanophrys); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

Scarlet Myzomela (Myzomela sanguinolenta); Warriewood, NSW, 27 May

New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novahollandiae); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris nigra); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  26 May

White-napped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

PARDALOTIDAE (PARDALOTES)

Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

ACANTHIZIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN WARBLERS)

White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla); Royal NP, NSW, 24 May

Yellow Thornbill (Acanthiza nana); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata); Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

CALLAEIDAE (NEW ZEALAND WATTLEBIRDS)

North Island Saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

NOTIOMYSTIDAE (STITCHBIRD)

Stichbird (Notiomystis cincta); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

CINCLOSOMATIDAE (WHIPBIRDS, THRUSH-QUAILS AND TENTATIVE ALLIES)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes)

Rufous-winged Philentoma (Philentoma pyrhopterum); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

ARTAMIDAE (WOODSWALLOWS, CURRAWONGS AND BUTCHERBIRDS)

White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus);  Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Marlborough, New Zealand, 29 March

Pied Currawong (Sterpera graculina); Royal NP, NSW, 24 May

AEGITHINIDAE (IORA)

Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

CAMPEPHAGIDAE (CUCKOO-SHRIKES)

Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novahollandiae); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Sunda Cuckooshrike (Coracina larvata); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Falcunculidae (Shrike-tit and ploughbill)

Crested Shrike-tit (Falcunculus frontatus); Heard Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

PACHYCEPHALIDAE (WHISTLERS)

Grey-shrike Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Bornean Whistler (Pachycephala hypoxantha); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Mohouidae (MOHOUAS)

Whitehead (Mohoua albicilla); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Laniidae (Shrikes)

Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus); Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 21 December

Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach); Hong Kong, 8 January

ORIOLIDAE (ORIOLES)

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Dark-throated Oriole (Oriolus xanthonotus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Black-and-crimson Oriole (Oriolus cruentus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

DICRURIDAE (DRONGOS)

Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Crow-billed Drong0 (Dicrurus annectans); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

RHIPIDURIDAE (FANTAILS)

Spotted Fantail (Rhipidura perlata); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Willie-wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys); Dee Why, NSW, 27 May

Malaysian Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 29 December

White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa); Royal NP, NSW, 24 May

New Zealand Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa); Wellington, NZ, 27 January

MONARCHIDAE (MONARCH-FLYCATCHERS)

Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 29 December

Asian Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanleuca); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Corvidae (Crows)

Chinese Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyanus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Bornean Treepie (Dendrocitta cinerascens); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Eurasian Jackdaw, or Western Jackdaw, (Corvus monedula); Cheshire, UK, 1 January

House Crow (Corvus splendens); Changi Aiport, Singapore, 20 December

Slender-billed Crow (Corvus enca); Sabah, Borneo, 26 December

Rook (Corvus frugilegus); Flintshire, United Kingdom, 3 January

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides); Sydney, NSW, 24 May

Collared Crow  (Corvus torquatus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Common Raven (Corvus corax); Denbighshire, United Kingdom, 3 January

PETROICIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS)

Jacky Winter (Microeca fascinans); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Rose Robin (Petroica rosea); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

North Island Robin (Petroica longipes); Wellington, New Zealand, 27 January

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis); Royal NP, NSW, 24 May

Alaudidae (Larks)

Skylark (Alauda arvenis); Auckland, New Zealand, 9 January

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica);  Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Borneo, 23 December

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena); Auckland, New Zealand, 9 January

Paridae (Tits)

Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Coal Tit (Periparus ater); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Great Tit (Parus major); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Cinereous Tit (Parus cinereus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed tits)

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 2 January

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 26 December

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 2 January

Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)

Black-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus atriceps); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 25 December

Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Bornean Bulbul (Pycnonotus montis); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis); Hong Kong, 8 January

Pale-faced Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucops); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 29 December

Hairy-backed Bulbul (Tricholestes criniger); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Grey-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus bres); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Alophoixus phaeocephalus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 30 December

Cinereous Bulbul or Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos cinereus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

CETTIIDAE (CETTID WARBLERS)

Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi); Heard Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 26 December

Sunda Bush-warbler (Horornis vulcania); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Phylloscopidae (Leaf warblers)

Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis);  Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Mountain Warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus ); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Yellow-breasted Warbler (Seicercus montis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Locustellidae (Grass and bush warblers)

Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata); Taranaki, New Zealand, 1 September

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and allies)

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius); Hong Kong, 8 January

Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis);  Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sericeus); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata); Hong Kong, 8 January

Zosteropidae (White-eyes, yuhinas and allies)

Chestnut-crested Yuhina (Yuhina everetti);  Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Pygmy Ibon, or Pygmy White-eye (Oculocincta squamifrons); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Mountain Black-eye (Chlorocharis emiliae); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

TIMALIIDAE (TREE-BABBLERS)

Pin-striped Tit-babbler (Mixornis gularis); Sungei Buloh Wetlands, Singapore, 21 December

Rufous-fronted Babbler (Stachyridopsis rufifrons); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Chestnut-backed Scimitar-babbler (Pomatorhinus montanus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Chestnut-rumped Babbler (Stachyris maculata); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

PELLORNEIDAE (GROUND BABBLERS)

Sooty-capped Babbler (Malacopteron affine); Heard Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccensis); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

White-chested Babbler (Trichastoma rostratum); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Ferruginous Babbler (Trichastoma bicolor) Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)

Brown Fulvetta (Alcippe brunneicauda); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Sunda Laughingthrush (Garrulax palliatus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Masked Laughingthrush (Garrulax perspicillatus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Black-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax chinensis); Kong, 8 January

Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (Garrulax treacheri); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Irenidae (Fairy-bluebirds)

Asian Fairy-bluebird (Irena puella); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Muscicapidae (Old World flycatchers and chats)

Dark-sided Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis); Hong Kong, 8 January

White-crowned Shama (Copsychus stricklandii); Heard Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 29 December

Large-billed Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis caerulatus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Malaysian Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Blue-and-white Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana); Kundansang, Borneo, 25 December

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana); Heard Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Bornean Whistling-thrush (Myophonus borneensis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 25 December

Blue Whistling-thrush  (Myophonus caeruleus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Daurian Redstart  (Phoenicurus auroreus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Stejneger’s Stonechat (Saxicola stejnegeri); Hong Kong, 8 January

Turdidae (Thrushes)

Grey-backed Thrush (Turdus hortulorum); Hong Kong, 8 January

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Pale Thrush (Turdus pallidus); Hong Kong, 8 January

Redwing (Turdus iliacus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Song thrush (Turdus philomelos); Wellington, New Zealand, 13 February

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Fruithunter (Chlamydochaera jefferyi); Heard Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Sturnidae (Starlings)

Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo 23 December

Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus); Changi Airport, Singapore, 20 December

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis); Hamilton, NZ, 11 April

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Chloropseidae (Leafbirds)

Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cyanopogon); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Bornean Leafbird (Chloropsis kinabaluensis); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

DICAEIDAE (FLOWERPECKERS)

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker (Prionochilus xanthopygius); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Yellow-vented Flowerpecker (Dicaeum chrysorrheum); Gomantong Caves, Borneo, 29 December

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma); Crocker Ranges, 23 December

Black-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum monticolum); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

NECTARINIDAE (SUNBIRDS)

Plain Sunbird (Anthreptes simplex); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Plain-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis); Sepilok, Borneo, 27 December

Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Temminck’s Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 24 December

Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja); Pulau Ubin, Singapore, 20 December

Thick-billed Spiderhunter (Arachnothera crassirostris); Sepilok, Borneo, 26 December

Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Purple-naped Spiderhunter, or Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December

Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera affinis); Kinabatangan River, Borneo, 28 December(formerly split as Bornean Spiderhunter)

Prunellidae (Accentors)

Dunnock (Prunella modularis); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Motacillidae (Wagtails and pipits)

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Pied Wagtail, or White Wagtail (Moticilla alba); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 3 January

Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni); Hong Kong, 8 January

Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus); County Conwy, United Kingdom, 3 January

Emberizidae (Buntings)

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella); Wellington, New Zealand, 30 June

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 5 January

Fringillidae (Finches)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea); Wellington, New Zealand, 7 July

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Chinese Grosbeak or Yellow-billed Grosbeak (Eophona migratoria); Hong Kong, 8 January

Passeridae (Sparrows)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 1 January

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus); Hong Kong, 8 January

ESTRILDIDAE (ESTRILDID FINCHES)

Red-browed Finch, or Red-browed Firetail (Neochmia temporalis); Scheyville NP, NSW, 25 May

Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii); Pitt Town Lagoon, NSW, 25 May

Dusky Munia (Lonchura fuscans); Kundansang, Borneo, 26 December

White-bellied Munia (Lonchura leucogastra); Danum Valley, Borneo, 31 December

Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 23 December

Written by Duncan
Duncan Wright is a Wellington-based ornithologist working on the evolution of New Zealand's birds. He's previously poked albatrosses with sticks in Hawaii, provided target practice for gulls in California, chased monkeys up and down hills Uganda, wrestled sharks in the Bahamas and played God with grasshopper genetics in Namibia. He came into studying birds rather later in life, and could quit any time he wants to.