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 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.
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
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)
Great start to a year list! I am the only one without a Sparrow so far and it may stay the same all year if we don’t get out of WA!
Sweet list!
Shouldn’t your Cattle Egret be Eastern (coromandus)?
Nah, my arbitrary taxonomy doesn’t accept that split yet. I think the standard of evidence needed to split massive cosmopolitan species (like the Barn Owl or Peregrine Falcon) should be higher than more localised species, lest we end up with dozens of splits not recognized beyond a country’s borders.