2013 was a strange year for me, staring in the UK, ending in Borneo and spending large tracks of the year not really seeing many birds in New Zealand. In many ways that seems to be the pattern, as the major holiday breaks for New Zealand are over December and January; the year before I started in tropical Queensland and ended in Thailand and the UK. Whether that pattern continues is a very big question as I anticipate major change this year, and where that change will take me is an absolute mystery. So I’m not going to make any sweeping statements about goals and objectives for the year, I simply can’t.

All I can say is that barring any huge surprises (or a trip to New Caledonia to see a Kagu) I’m pretty sure I saw my Best Bird of the Year before breakfast on January 1st when I found a female Blue-headed Pitta. Birds simply don’t get much better than that, but then again locatins to start and end a year rarely get much better than the famous Danum Valley in Borneo. Rest assured I’ll be posting about that.

The rules (that I probably won’t enforce)

All my usual rules apply. I follow whichever taxonomy suits me (or whichever one I happen to read first), rather that picking one and sticking with it, although I typically follow the IOC one. For the moment I’ll stick with the split babbler families although I may relump the laughingthrushes, ground and tree babblers per Molye et al (2012). I’m lumping all the barbets (including the toucans) and all the broadbills because they have been victim to a rather aggressive splits lately (in the case of the barbets seemingly only to keep the toucans separate) and I accept the lumping of the woodshrikes and such into the enlarged vangas. For Borneo I’ll be accepting the split endemic species listed in Myers (2009), some of which I think eBird could at least offer as subspecies options (I’d also welcome an eBird app that works).

Indigo FlycatcherIndigo Flycatcher

Since I’m the New Zealand beat writer I’ll be using their names for their species, but for clarity I will give other commonly used names if a species has them.

I am not overly prone to wondering if a species counts or not, and I do list species that I have heard but not seen (but I will indicate these heard records as such). I’m a terrible birder and may be wrong about identification. If you spot these mistakes feel free to point them out under the condition that I may not care a great deal. I list mammals as well, at the end, where I have been able to identify them.

Malaysian Hawk-cuckoo

 I’m pretty sure this is a Malaysian Hawk-cuckoo

Species are listed by family according to the order eBird spits them out to me in. Lifers are in bold and red, and I may annotate with additional comments as the mood takes me. This year I think I’ll use some photos too to make the list more for the two or three people that read it.

The List: Birds

Total Birds: 479

Total Lifers: 109

Struthionidae (Ostriches)

Ostritch (Struthio camelus); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

ANATIDAE (DUCKS)

White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata); Natal, South Africa, 18 December

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus); Porirua, New Zealand, 31 May

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 12 December

Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 May

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Maned Duck, or Australian Wood Duck, (Chenonetta jubata); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

African Black Duck (Anas sparsa); Lesotho, 17 December

Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 May

Cape Shoveller (Anas smithii); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Cape Teal (Anas capensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Grey Teal (Anas gracilis); Warriewood Wetlands, NSW, 3 August

Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea); Royal NP, NSW 2 August

Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 May

Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

White-eyed Duck, or Hardhead, (Aythya australis); Warriewood Wetlands, NSW, 3 August

New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

MEGAPODIIDAE (MEGAPODES)

Australian Brush-Turkey (Alectura lathami); Sydney, NSW, 5 August

Numididae (Guineafowl)

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

ODONTOPHORIDAE (NEW WORLD QUAIL)

California Quail (Callipepla californica); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

PHASIANIDAE (PHEASANTS AND ALLIES)

Red-billed Spurfowl, or Red-billed Francolin (Pternistis adspersus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Cape Spurfowl, or Cape Francolin (Pternistis capensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Red-necked Spurfowl, or Red-necked Francolin (Pternistis afer); Natal, South Africa, 18 December

Swainson’s Spurfowl, or Swainson’s Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Chestnut-necklaced Partridge (Arborophila charltonii); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Crimson-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps); Heard Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Great Argus (Argusianus argus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

ODICIPEDIDAE (GREBES)

Little Grebe, or Dabchick (Tachybaptus ruficollis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novahollandiae); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

New Zealand Dabchick (Poliocephalus rufopectus) ; Wellington, New Zealand, 23 November

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Black-necked Grebe, or Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus); Cape Town, South Africa, 23 December

Spheniscidae (Penguins)

Little Penguin, or Blue Penguin (Eudyptula minor); Welllington, New Zealand, 3 November

African Penguin, or Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus demersus); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

PROCELLARIIDAE (PROCELLARIIDS)

Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia) Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

Ciconiidae (Storks)

African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus); Kasane, Botswana, 31 December

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

SULIDAE (GANNETS AND BOOBIES)

Cape Gannet (Morus capensis); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator); Wellington, NZ, 25 January

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

PHALACROCORACIDAE (CORMORANTS AND SHAGS)

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris); Plimmerton, New Zealand, 31 May

Great Cormorant, or Black Shag, (Phalacrocorax carbo); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Spotted Shag (Stictocarbo punctatus); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 August

Australian Pied Cormorant or Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 January

Little Pied Cormorant (Phalocrocorax melanoleucos); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

Long-tailed Cormorant, or Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

ANHINGIDAE (DARTERS)

African Darter (Anhinga rufa); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Australasian Darter (Anhinga novahollandiae), Sydney, NSW, 8 August

PELECANIDAE (PELICANS)

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus); Sydney, NSW, 6  August

Scopidae (Hamerkops)

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

ARDEIDAE (HERONS)

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea); Changi Airport, Singapore, 11 January

Great Egret or White Heron, (Ardea alba); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 10 January. Does anyone know what genus this should actually be in?

White-faced Heron (Egretta novahollandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

Eastern Reef Egret, or Reef Heron (Egretta sacra); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 2 January

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis); Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Striated Heron, or Green Heron, (Butorides striatus); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January 

Black-crowned Night Heron  (Nycticorax nycticorax); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Egrets Kota Kinabalu

A mess of egrets in Kota Kinabalu (Great, Intermediate, Little and Cattle)

THERSKIORNITHIDAE (SPOONBILLS AND IBISES)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus); Durban, South Africa, 15 December

Australian Ibis, or Sacred Ibis, (Threskiornis molucca); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia); Warriewood, NSW, 3 August

PANDIONIDAE (OSPREY)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus); Sydney, NSW, 6 August

ACCIPITRIDAE (HAWKS, EAGLES AND ALLIES)

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Gymnogene, or African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus); Cape Town, 12 December

Lammergeier, or Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus); Lesotho, 17 December

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

Cape Vulture, or Cape Griffon (Gyps coprotheres); Lesotho, 17 December

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Mountain Serpent Eagle (Spilornis kinabaluensis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 8 January

Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis); Drakensberg, South Africa, 16 December

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans); Wellington, New Zealand, 10 May

Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW, 6 August

Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius); Natal, South Africa, 15 December

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Common Buzzard, or Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo); Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus); Natal, South Africa, 15 December

RALLIDAE (RAILS)

Purple Swamphen, or Pukeko, (Porphyrio porphyrio); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri); Wellington, NZ, 19 January

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Gruidae (Cranes)

Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Burhinidae (Thick-knees)

Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis); West Coast NP, South Africa, 27 December

RECURVIROSTRIDAE (STILTS AND AVOCETS)

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 10 January

Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus); Porirua, New Zealand, 31 May

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

CHARADRIIDAE (PLOVERS)

Blacksmith Plover, or Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Crowned Plover, or Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus); Kasane Airport, Botswana , 31 December

Masked Lapwing, or Spur-winged Plover, (Vanellus miles); Porirua, New Zealand, 31 May

Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Shore Plover (Thinornis novaseelandiae); Plimmerton, New Zealand, 31 May

HAEMATOPODIDAE (OYSTERCATCHERS)

Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

African Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

Lesser Jacana (Microparra capensis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

SCOLOPACIDAE (SANDPIPERS)

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos); Kota Belud, Borneo, 4 January

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis); West Coast NP, South Africa, 27 December

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Whimbrel (Numenis phaeopus); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

African Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

LARIDAE (GULLS AND TERNS)

Red-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus scopulinus); Wellington, New Zealand, 15 January

Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novahollandiae); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Hartlaub’s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii): Cape Town, South Africa,

Kelp Gull, or Southern Black-backed Gull, (Larus dominicanus), Wellington, New Zealand, 12 January

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Black-fronted Tern (Chlidonias albostriatus); Plimmerton, New Zealand, 31 May

White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii); Sydney, NSW, 10 August

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

Pteroclididae (Sandgrouse)

Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

COLUMBIDAE (PIGEONS)

Rock Dove, or Feral Pigeon, (Columba livia); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 2 January

African Rock Pigeon, or Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

Rameron Pigeon (Columba arquatrix); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia capicola); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Spotted Dove, or Spotted Turtle-dove, (Streptopelia chinensis); Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Little Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia ruficeps); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 3 January

Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes); Sydney, NSW, 5 August

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 3 January

Green Imperial-pigeon (Ducula aenea); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Pied Imperial-pigeon (Ducula bicolor);  Mantanani Island, Borneo, 4 January

New Zealand Pigeon or Kereru (Hemiphaga novaseellandiae); Wellington, NZ, 19 January

Musophagidae (Turacos)

Knysna Turaco, or Knysna Lourie (Tauraco corythaix); Heard in Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 20 December

Grey Go-away-bird, or Grey Lourie (Corythaixoides concolor),: Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

CUCULIDAE  (CUCKOOS)

Malaysian Hawk-cuckoo (Cuculus fugax); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 8 January

Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus): Heard in Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Bronze Shining-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus); Wellington, New Zealand, 11 October

Diderik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 3 January

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

White-browed Cocual (Centropus superciliosus); Chobe NP, South Africa, 31 December

STRIGIDAE (OWLS)

Mantanani Scops Owl (Otus mantananensis); Heard Mantanani Island, Borneo, 3 January

Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua); Sydney, NSW, 6 August

Morepork, or Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae); Heard Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars)

Grey Nightjar (Caprimulgus jotaka); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

APODIDAE (SWIFTS)

Silver-rumped Needletail, or Silver-rumped Spinetail (Rhaphidura leucopygialis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta); Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Bornean Swiftlet (Collocalia dodgei); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba): Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

African Swift (Cypsiurus parvus); Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

Little Swift (Apus affinis); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 31 December

House Swift (Apus nipalensis); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 11 January

White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer); Paarl, South Africa, 28 December

African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Hemiprocne (Treeswifts)

Whiskered Treeswift (Hemiprocne comata);  Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Colliidae (Mousebirds)

Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

White-backed Mousebird (Colius colius); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Trogonidae (Trogons)

Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Red-naped Trogon (Harpactes kasumba) Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

ALCEDINIDAE (KINGFISHERS)

Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Banded Kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaguineae); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris); Fugitive’s Drift, 19 December

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 April

Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

MEROPIDAE (BEE-EATERS)

Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster); West Coast NP, 28 December

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides); Chobe NP, 31 December

CORACIIDAE (ROLLERS)

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus); Kasane, Botswana, 31 December

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Bucerotidae (Hornbills)

Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Capitonidae (Barbets)

Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 20 December

Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 20 December

Mountain Barbet (Megalaima monticola); Heard Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 10 January

Golden-naped Barbet (Megalaima pulcherrima); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

PICIDAE (WOODPECKERS)

Rufous Piculet (Sasia abnormis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 21 December

Olive Woodpecker (Mesopicos griseocephalus); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Banded Woodpecker (Picus miniaceus); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 10 January

Maroon Woodpecker (Blythipicus rubiginosus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Orange-backed Woodpecker (Reinwardtipicus validus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 8 January

Buff-necked Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tukki); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 8 January

FALCONIDAE (FALCONS)

Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolus); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW, 8 August

Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 December

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus); Lesotho, 17 December

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

STRIGOPIDAE (NEW ZEALAND PARROTS)

New Zealand Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

CACATUIDAE (COCKATOOS)

Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo (); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW, 6 August

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla); Sydney, NSW, 2 August

Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea); Royal NP, NSW 2 August

Tanimbar Corrella (Cacatua goffiniana); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita);  Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

PSITTACIDAE (TYPICAL PARROTS)

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis); Sydney, NSW, 8 August

Red-crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius); Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Eurylaimidae (Broadbills)

Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 10 January

Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Pittidae (Pittas)

Blue-headed Pitta (Hydrornis baudii); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor); Sydney, NSW, 6 August

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE (BOWERBIRDS)

Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

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

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus);  Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Variegated Fairy-wren  (Malurus lamberti);  Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

MELIPHAGIDAE (HONEYEATERS)

Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris); Sydney, NSW, 2 August

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 January

Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus leucotis); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW, 6 August

Yellow-tufted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW, 6 August

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala); Sydney, NSW, 2 August

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera); Sydney, NSW, 5 August

New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novahollandiae); Sydney, NSW,  5 August

White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris nigra); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  6 August

White-napped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus); Ku-Ring-Gai NP, NSW,  6 August

Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus); Sydney, NSW,  5 August

PARDALOTIDAE (PARDALOTES)

Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

ACANTHIZIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN WARBLERS)

White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis); Sydney, NSW, 5 August

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Yellow Thornbill (Acanthiza nana); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

CALLAEIDAE (NEW ZEALAND WATTLEBIRDS)

North Island Saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

NOTIOMYSTIDAE (STITCHBIRD)

Stichbird (Notiomystis cincta); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 May

CINCLOSOMATIDAE (WHIPBIRDS, THRUSH-QUAILS AND TENTATIVE ALLIES)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Platysteiridae (Batises and wattle-eyes)

Cape Batis (Batis capensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

Vangidae (Vangas and allies)

Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes)

Brubru (Nilaus afer); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 22 December

Swamp Boubou, or Gabon Boubou (Laniarius bicolor); Kasane, Botsana, 31 December

Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus); Sani Pass, 17 December

Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

ARTAMIDAE (WOODSWALLOWS, CURRAWONGS AND BUTCHERBIRDS)

White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus);  Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Pied Currawong (Sterpera graculina); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Aegithinidae (Ioras)

Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 10 January

CAMPEPHAGIDAE (CUCKOO-SHRIKES)

Fiery Minivet (Pericrocotus igneus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 8 January

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novahollandiae); Sydney, NSW, 6 August

Pied Triller (Lalage nigra); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

PACHYCEPHALIDAE (WHISTLERS)

Grey-shrike Thrush (Colluricincla harmonica); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Bornean Whistler (Pachycephala hypoxantha); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Mohouidae (MOHOUAS)

Whitehead (Mohoua albicilla); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

LANIIDAE (SHRIKES)

Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus); Kundasang, Borneo, 7 January

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris), Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

ORIOLIDAE (ORIOLES)

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus): Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 19 December

Black-and-crimson Oriole (Oriolus cruentus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

DICRURIDAE (DRONGOS)

Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

RHIPIDURIDAE (FANTAILS)

Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

New Zealand Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 April

MONARCHIDAE (MONARCH-FLYCATCHERS)

Black-naped Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 19 December

Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanleuca);  Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

CORVIDAE (CROWS)

Crested Jay (Platylophus galericulatus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Bornean Black Magpie (Platysmurus aterrimus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Bornean Green Magpie (Cissa jefferyi); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

Bornean Treepie (Dendrocitta cinerascens); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

House Crow (Corvus splendens); Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, 10 January

Slender-billed Crow (Corvus enca); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Cape Crow (Corvus capensis); Natal, South Africa, 15 December

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Pied Crow (Corvus albus); Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

PETROICIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS)

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Rose Robin (Petroica rosea); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

North Island Robin (Petroica longipes); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Chaetopidae (Rockjumpers)

Drakensberg Rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Alaudidae (Larks)

Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea); Lesotho, 17 December

Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris); Lesotho, 17 December

HIRUNDINIDAE (SWALLOWS)

Brown-throated Martin (Riparia paludicola); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Banded Martin (Riparia cincta); Drakensberg, South Africa, 16 December

Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica); Kota Belud, Borneo, 2 January

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

Greater Striped Swallow (Cecropis cucullata); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel); Sydney, NSW, 2 August

Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne pristoptera); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

SITTIDAE (NUTHATCHES)

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

PYCNONOTIDAE (BULBULS)

Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorocichla flaviventris); Kasane, Botswana, 31 December

Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Black-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus atriceps); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 9 January

Bornean Bulbul (Pycnonotus montis); Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, 10 January

Scaly-breasted Bulbul (Pycnonotus squamatus); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 9 January

Dark-capped Bulbul or Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus); Drakensberg, South Africa, 16 December

Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Pale-faced Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucops); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 8 January

Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Macrosphenidae (African warblers)

Cape Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Cettiidae (Cettid warblers)

Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Sunda Bush-warbler (Horornis vulcania); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

PHYLLOSCOPIDAE (LEAF WARBLERS)

Mountain Warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus ); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January. (Subspecis kinabaluensis potential future split)

Yellow-breasted Warbler (Seicercus montis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Acrocephalidae (Reed warblers)

Dark-caped Yellow Warbler, or African Yellow Warbler (Iduna natalensis); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus); Underberg, South Africa, 17 December

Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Locustellidae (Megalurid warblers)

Broad-tailed Warbler (Schoenicola brevirostris); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Barratt’s Warbler (Bradypterus barratti); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

CISTICOLIDAE (CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES)

Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 20 December

Grey-backed Cisticola (Cisticola subruficapilla); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Levailliant’s Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Karoo Prinia (Prinia maculosa); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Drakensberg Prinia (Prinia hypoxantha); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Sylviidae (Sylviid babblers)

Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

ZOSTEROPIDAE (WHITE-EYES, YUHNIAS AND ALLIES)

Chestnut-crested Yuhnia (Yuhina everetti); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Cape White-eye (Zosterops virens); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis); Wellington, New Zealand, 15 January

Timaliidae (Tree-babblers)

Bold-striped Tit-babbler (Macronous bornensis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler (Macronus ptilosus); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January (1st bird of the year!)

Chestnut-winged Babbler (Stachyris erythroptera); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers)

Moustached Babbler (Malacopteron magnirostre); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Sooty-capped Babbler (Malacopteron affine); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Black-capped Babbler (Pellorneum capistratum); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccensis); Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

White-chested Babbler (Trichastoma rostratum); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Ferruginous Babbler (Trichastoma bicolor) Heard Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Horsfield’s Babbler (Malacocincla sepiaria); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 9 January

Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)

Brown Fulvetta (Alcippe brunneicauda); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Sunda Laughingthrush (Garrulax palliatus); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (Garrulax treacheri); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Promeropidae (Sugarbirds)

Gurney’s Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

MUSCICAPIDAE (OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS AND CHATS)

Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens); Paarl, South Africa, 28 December

Dark-sided Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 9 January

Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Dusky-brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Karoo Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas coryphaeus); Western Coast NP, South Africa, 27 December

Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

White-crowned Shama (Copsychus stricklandii); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Blue-and-white Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 8 January

Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

White-throated Robin-chat (Cossypha humeralis); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 22 December

Red-capped Robin-chat, or Natal Robin (); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Collared Palm-thrush (Cichladusa arquata); Kasane, Botswana, 31 December

Eyebrowed Jungle-flycatcher (Rhinomyias gularis);  Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana); Heard Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January (Heard over and over again)

Bornean Whistling-thrush (Myophonus borneensis); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Bornean Forktail (Enicurus borneensis);  Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 6 January

Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator); Lesotho, 17 December

Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

Cape Rock Thrush (Monticola rupestris); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Buff-streaked Bushchat (Campicoloides bifasciatus); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 21 December

Southern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora); Isandlwana, South Africa, 20 December

Sickle-winged Chat (Cercomela sinuata); Lesotho, 17 December

Familar Chat (Cercomela familiaris); Cape Town, 14 December

Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

TURDIDAE (THRUSHES)

Bassian Thrush (Zoothera lunulata); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 January

Eyebrowed Thrush (Turdus obscurus); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos); Poirua, New Zealand, 31 May

STURNIDAE (STARLINGS)

Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis); Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 11 January

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris); Wellington, NZ, 12 January

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 21 December

Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor); Drakensberg, South Africa, 16 December

Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 31 December

DICAEIDAE (FLOWERPECKERS)

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma); Poring Hot Springs, Borneo, 9 January

Black-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum monticolum); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

NECTARINIDAE (SUNBIRDS)

Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Chalcoparia singalensis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Plain Sunbird (Anthreptes simplex); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Orange-breasted Sunbird (Anthobaphes violacea); Cape Town, South Africa, 13 December

Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus); West Coast NP, South Africa, 27 December

Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris afer); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis); Mantanani Island, Borneo, 2 January

Temminck’s Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 7 January

Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera affinis); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January (formerly split as Bornean Spiderhunter)

PRUNELLIDAE (ACCENTORS)

Dunnock (Prunella modularis); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 January

MOTACILLIDAE (WAGTAILS AND PIPITS)

Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis); Cape Town, South Africa, 14 December

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea); Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, 5 January

New Zealand Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus); Cape Town, South Africa, 26 December

Mountain Pipit (Anthus hoeschi); Lesotho, 17 December

Bushveld Pipit (Anthus caffer); Isandlawana, South Africa, 21 December

Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis); Sani Pass, 17 December

Emberizidae (Buntings)

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

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi); Drakensberg, South Africa, 16 December

Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis); Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 14 December

FRINGILLIDAE (FINCHES)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs); Wellington, New Zealand, 23 January

European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris); Wellington, New Zealand, 25 January

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis); Wellington, New Zealand, 15 August

Drakensberg Siskin (Serinus symonsi); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis); Cape Town, South Africa, 12 December

Forest Canary (Serinus scotops); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

Streaky-headed Seedeater (Serinus gularis); Underberg, South Africa, 18 December

PASSERIDAE (SPARROWS)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus); Wellington, New Zealand, 12 January

Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus); Lesotho, 17 December

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus); Lahad Datu, Borneo, 1 January

Ploceidae (Weavers)

Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus); Natal, South Africa, 15 December

Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus); Mooi River, South Africa, 18 December

Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix); Durban, South Africa, 15 December

Yellow Bishop, or Yellow-rumped Widowbird (Euplectes capensis); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens); Sani Pass, South Africa, 17 December

Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris); Underberg, South Africa 17 December

Long-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes progne); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Thick-billed Weaver, or Grosbeak Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons); Durban, South Africa, 23 December

ESTRILDIDAE (ESTRILDID FINCHES)

Swee Waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis); Cape Town, South Africa, 30 December

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Cordonbleu, or Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis); Isandlawana, South Africa, 20 December

African Firefinch, or Blue-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata);

Red-browed Finch, or Red-browed Firetail (Neochmia temporalis); Royal NP, 2 August

Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa, 19 December

Dusky Munia (Lonchura fuscans); Danum Valley, Borneo, 1 January

Viduidae (Whydahs and indigobirds)

Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Dusky Indigobird (Vidua funerea); Rorke’s Drift, South Africa 19 December

Mammals

Erinaceidae (Hedgehogs and gymnures)

Lesser Gymnure (Hylomys suillus)

Leporidae (Rabbits and hares)

Common Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Tupaiidae (Treeshrews)

Slender Treeshrew (Tupaia gracilis)

Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys)

Long-tailed Macaque, or Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)

Hylobatidae (Gibbons)

Bornean Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri)

Hominidae (Great apes)

Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

Sciuridae (Squirrels)

Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis)

Prevost’s Squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii)

Bornean Black-banded Squirrel (Callosciurus orestes)

Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel (Dremomys everetti)

Plain Pygmy Squirrel (Exilisciurus exilis)

Otariidae (Sea lions and fur seals)

New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)

 

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.