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Borneo

This page lists books about birds and birdwatching on the island of Borneo. The page covers all parts of the island: Brunei; the Indonesian Kalimantan provinces; and the Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak.

The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.


Asia

For bird books that cover all of Asia see:

- Asia

 

Birds of Borneo

Susan Myers

Illustrations: Richard Allen, Hilary Burn, Clive Byers, Daniel Cole, John Cox, Anthony Disley, Alan Harris, Szabolcs Kókay, Mike Langman, Ian Lewington, Andrew MacKay, Stephen Message, Christopher Schmidt, Jan Wilczur, Tim Worfolk

2nd edition

Helm Field Guides

Christopher Helm

2016

"Birds of Borneo is the first comprehensive guide to the varied avifauna of this island biodiversity hotspot, which comprises the tiny state of Brunei, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the Indonesian state of Kalimantan. More than 630 bird species have been recorded on Borneo and, using the most up-to-date taxonomy and nomenclature, this guide includes all recently split species and also gives full coverage of distinctive Bornean races where they differ from their counterparts on neighbouring islands or in mainland South-east Asia. Borneo is of particular ecological significance; the unique combination of its tropical latitude and the relief of the land, which includes high mountains and rainforests, has created many isolated micro-habitats which have enabled a remarkable number of different species of birds to evolve, many of which are endemic to the island. Every species recorded is described in detail with key identification characteristics and habitat information given, plus a colour distribution map."

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A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Borneo

Wong Tsu Shi

2nd edition

John Beaufoy Publishing

2016

" Now fully revised, this easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Borneo (covering Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan) is perfect for resident and visitor alike.High quality photographs from one of Borneo's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation, opportunities for naturalists and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Borneo encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, IUCN status as at 2015 and its status in each state of Borneo."

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A Visual Celebration of Borneo's Wildlife

Fanny Lai and Bjorn Olesen

Periplus Editions

2016

"Illustrated with more than 350 images, taken by Bjorn Olesen and other wildlife photographers, "A Visual Celebration of Borneo's Wildlife" is a photographic tribute to the most spectacular wildlife species on the second-largest tropical island on Earth. It displays nature's beauty, revealing many private moments of the astonishing biodiversity of Borneo, where nature runs riot. Based on the latest research, it is filled with captivating little-known facts about the wildlife that modern-day travelers may come across when visiting this enchanting island. It also describes the top 16 wildlife locations in Borneo, with a comprehensive list of recommended reading, websites and blogs provided."

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Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago: Greater Sundas and Wallacea

James A. Eaton, Bas van Balen, Nick W. Brickle, Frank E. Rheindt

Lynx Edicions

2016

"The first ornithological field guide covering the vast chain of the Indonesian archipelago, with over 2,500 illustrations, describes all 1,417 bird species known to occur in the region, including 601 endemics, 98 vagrants, eight introduced species and 18 species yet to be formally described. Together these represent over 13% of global bird diversity. In addition, all subspecies from the region are described. The guide fully encompasses the biogeographic regions of the Greater Sundas (Sumatra, Borneo, Java and Bali) and Wallacea (Sulawesi, the Moluccas and the Lesser Sundas), plus all satellite islands. This region spans an arc of over 4,000 km along the Equator, including Brunei, East Timor, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and most of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. The authors’ vast experience and knowledge of the region’s birds brings together the latest taxonomic insights, knowledge of distribution, field identification features, vocalisations and more to create an indispensable reference for anyone with an interest in the avifauna of this fabulously diverse region."

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The 100 Best Bird Watching Sites in Southeast Asia

Editor: Yong Ding Li, Low Bing Wen

John Beaufoy

2016

"Southeast Asia has a vast diversity of birdlife, comprising roughly one fifth of the world's 10,000 living species, and of which over 850 are endemic, making the region a richly rewarding destination for birdwatchers.This fully illustrated guide describes the 100 best sites for viewing both common and rare species. Divided into the four biodiversity hotspots of Indo-Burma; Sundaland; Philippines and Wallacea, the book covers sites in Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor Leste.Alongside a map of each area, detailed descriptions of each site cover the type of terrain and specific spots at which certain species are likely to be encountered. Other sections cover access and possible accommodation, as well as important indicators to conservation issues.A fact file for each site lists the nearest town; the type of habitat; key lowland, montane and winter species to be seen as well as other wildlife specialities, and the best time to visit. The book is edited by Yang Ding Li and Low Bing Wen who have brought together a team of contributors, each with in-depth experience of the sites presented."

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Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

G.W.H. Davison and Chew Yen Fook

Pocket Photo Guide

Bloomsbury Publishing

2016

Originally published in 2010 by New Holland as A Photographic Guide to Birds of Borneo.

"This concise and easy-to-use guide features 252 of Borneo's most interesting and spectacular birds, with each species illustrated in full colour and with key information on identification, habitat and distribution. Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of birds and animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are genuinely endemic (only to be seen in that country or region) or special rarities. The genuine pocket size allow the books to be carried around on trips and excursions and will take up minimal rucksack and suitcase space."

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Swiftlets of Borneo: Builders of Edible Nests

Lim Chan Koon and Earl Of Cranbroom

Natural History Publications (Borneo)

2nd edition

2014

"Since the close of the 16th century AD, the edible nests of swiftlets have aroused the perplexed curiosity of European travellers to South-east Asia, while at the same time providing one of the most important constituents of traditional Chinese medicine. For both cultures — western and eastern — this book clarifies the nature of these nests, the troglodytic lives of the birds that build them, and the exploitation of this highly valuable natural resource. Successively, and together, the two authors have studied these matters for 55 years, from Sarawak through the length and breadth of Borneo and beyond. Borneo is now the world’s most important source of wild edible nests. These are built by four species of swiftlets, three of which echolocate while the fourth does not. This significant difference is reflected in details of the birds’ breeding cycles, elucidated in full for the first time in these pages. With this clear understanding, it is at last possible to recommend procedures, now proven by the lead author’s work to be effective, for the sustainable management of this unique wildlife resource. There is, at last, real hope for successful programmes of sustainable management. The advice is contained within these pages!."

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Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps

John Beaufoy Publishing

3rd edition

2014

"This is a fully revised and updated edition of the most user-friendly field guide to the birds of Borneo, covering Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and the Indonesian states of Kalimantan. Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo gives descriptions of 669 species living or reported on the island, including 51 endemic species. These are superbly illustrated in 141 colour plates with more than 2,000 full colour bird images, including most of the sexual variants and immature forms of polymorphic species. Each plate is accompanied by species descriptions covering taxonomy, size, call, range, distribution, habits and status. Distribution is shown by detailed thumbnail maps. There are 7 habitat plates, 12 regional maps showing Borneo's top 130 birdwatching sites, fast-find graphic indexes to the birds of Kinabalu, and a full overview of vegetation, climate and ecology."

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A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia: Including the Philippines and Borneo

Morten Strange

Periplus Editions

2014

Reprint of 2003 edition

"This guide covers 668 species found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Borneo. Each species is illustrated with a photograph and distribution map, making this a quick-reference guide in a pocketable format."

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Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps

John Beaufoy Publishing

2nd edition

2012

"The most up-to-date and user-friendly guide to the birds of Borneo, covering Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan. This guide gives descriptions of 669 species living or reported on the island, including 51 endemic species. These are superbly illustrated in 141 color plates with more than 2,000 full color bird images, including most of the sexual variants and immature forms of polymorphic species. Each plate is accompanied by species descriptions covering nomenclature, length, voice, range, distribution and status and habits, with distribution shown by detailed thumnail maps. There are seven habitat plates, 12 regional maps showing Borneo's top 130 birdwatching sites, fast-find graphic indexes to the birds of Kinabalu and other habitats and a full overview of vegetation, climate and ecology."

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A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Borneo

Wong Tsu Shi

John Beaufoy Publishing

2012

"The author's high quality photographs are accompanied by detailed species descriptions which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation and the main sites for viewing the listed species. An all- important checklist of all of the birds of Borneo gives, for each species, the common and scientific names, IUCN status as at 2011 and its status in each state of Borneo."

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A Walk Through the Lowland Rain Forest of Sabah

Elaine J.F. Campbell

Natural History Publications Borneo

2011

"A Walk through the Lowland Rain Forest of Sabah takes you on a quick trip into one of nature's most wonderful monuments. The tropical lowland rain forest in Sabah (Borneo) is an example of one of the richest ecosystems in the world, and this account puts together an introduction to the rain forest and its many biological facets with some of the finest photographs by wildlife photographer Ch'ien C. Lee and notes by naturalists who have been fascinated with the living treasures of the rain forest in Sabah."

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Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps

John Beaufoy Publishing

2011

"The most up-to-date and user-friendly field guide to the birds of Borneo, covering Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and the Indonesian states of Kalimantan. The book gives descriptions of 664 species living or reported on the island, including 51 endemic species."

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Danum Valley: The Rain Forest

Hans P. Hazebroek, Tengku Zainal Adlin and Waidi Sinun

Natural History Publications Borneo

2011

"Through this superbly illustrated, multi-faceted and adventure-filled opus, Danum's mysterious rain forest is brought to life - from its simple strength as some of the last pristine landscapes still guarding the evolutionary secrets of nature, awesome mass flowering re-enacted through captivating aerial photography, to glimpses into a spectacular diversity of life forms, both animal and plant, and numerous scholarly insights into its environment and ecological networks. Solidly based on a quarter-century of research by a small army of eminent scientists, this highly readable book weaves together the findings of a considerable volume and variety of scientific journal papers, books, as well as PhD and MSc theses. In essence, the cream of the work of numerous scientists, explorers and conservationists now comes within easy reach of everyone lured by the tropical rain forest. This spectacular book paves the way for all of us to greatly deepen our experience and enhance our understanding of this amazing and dynamic forest, and its interaction with its environment."

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Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Malaysia and Singapore Including Sabah & Sarawak

G.W.H. Davison and Yeap Chin Aik

John Beaufoy Publishing

2010

"High quality photographs from some of Malaysia's top nature photographers are accompanied in this title by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, length, plumage, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers climate, vegetation, biogeography, and the main bird watching sites. This is the only regional bird guide to include Mann's complete checklist of the birds of Malaysia, the definitive reference to Malaysian birds."

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

G.W.H. Davison and Chew Yen Fook

New Holland

2nd edition

2010

"The island of Borneo is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and a birdwatcher's paradise. Many of its species are rainforest specialists, but such a large island also has widely different habitats attracting a surprisingly wide range of avian visitors. Of particular interest are the more than 30 species that are endemic to Borneo (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). 252 of Borneo's most interesting and spectacular birds are featured in this concise and easy-to-use guide, each species illustrated in full colour and with key information on identification, habitat and distribution. This new edition is fully updated with all the latest names and recently recognised species."

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Wild Sabah: The Magnificent Wildlife and Rainforests of Malaysian Borneo

Junaida Payne

Photographs: Cede Prudente

John Beaufoy Publishing

2010

"Wild Sabah is a magnificent photographic evocation of the natural splendours of the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. From the peaks of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Asia between the Himalayas and New Guinea, to the floodplains of the Kinabatangan river, Sabah teems with wildlife, and the natural history of the region is described with verve and passionate enthusiasm by expert author Junaidi Payne. Landscapes, scenery, and natural species are portrayed in Cede Prudente's spectacular accompanying photographs. Two full-page maps show physical terrain, climate, vegetation, and the principal wildlife watching sites."

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A Field Guide To The Birds of Borneo

Susan Myers

Illustrations: Richard Allen, Hilary Burn, Clive Byers, Daniel Cole, John Cox, Anothony Disley, Martin Elliott, Szabolcs Kokay, Mike Langman, Ian Lewington, Andrew Mackay, Stephen Message, Christopher Schmidt, Jan Wilczur, Tim Worfolk

New Holland

2009

"A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo is the first comprehensive and accurate guide to the varied avifauna of this island biodiversity hot-spot, which comprises Brunei, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the Indonesian states of Kalimantan. More than 630 bird species have been recorded in Borneo and, using the most up-to-date taxonomy and nomenclature, the guide includes all recently split species and also gives full coverage to the distinctive Bornean races where they differ from their counterparts on neighbouring islands or in mainland South-East Asia. Borneo is of particular ecological significance; the unique combination of its tropical latitude and the relief of the land, which includes high mountains and rainforests, has created many isolated micro-habitats which have enabled a remarkable number of different species of birds to evolve, many of which are endemic to the island. Every species recorded is described in detail with key identification characteristics and habitat information given, plus a colour distribution map. All species are illustrated in the 246-page full-colour ID section, with paintings by the same expert team of artists who worked on New Holland's celebrated A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia."

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Birds of Borneo: Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan

Susan Myers

Illustrations: Richard Allen, Hilary Burn, Clive Byers, Daniel Cole, John Cox, Anothony Disley, Martin Elliott, Szabolcs Kokay, Mike Langman, Ian Lewington, Andrew Mackay, Stephen Message, Christopher Schmidt, Jan Wilczur, Tim Worfolk

Princeton Field Guides

Princeton University Press

2009

"This is the first comprehensive field guide to illustrate and describe the varied bird species of Borneo, an ecologically significant island comprising Brunei, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan. With close to 1,600 beautiful color illustrations and 630 color distribution maps, this up-to-date guide identifies and details more than 620 bird species by key characteristics and habitat information. It also includes all recently split species, and provides full coverage of the Bornean endemics and distinctive races when they differ from their counterparts on neighboring islands or in mainland Southeast Asia."

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Visitor's Guide to Kinabalu Park: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Anthea Phillipps and Francis Liew

New Holland

3rd edition

2009

"Kinabalu displays a wealth of flora and fauna, and has numerous other attractions for the adventurous traveller. This recently updated, highly illustrated guide is packed with essential information."

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The Birds of Borneo

Clive F. Mann

British Ornithologists' Union

2008

"Borneo, the third largest island in the world, boasts a wealth of biodiversity including over 630 species of bird, 11% of which are endemic. The plates illustrate some of the extraordinary landscapes from around the island."

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Winging the Bornean Skies: A Photographic Journey among the Birds of Brunei, Sabah & Sarawak

Mark Hessels

Natural History Publications Borneo

2008

"This book is not simply an identification guide. It does include many stunning pictures that will also help the novice with their identification efforts, but really the objective is to introduce the reader to the birdlife in Northern Borneo as a whole. After introductory chapters on the various habitats found in Brunei and on birds in general, the core of this book consists of short thematic chapters about different species, their habitat and their behaviour. Written in an accessible, non-scientific, manner and larded with accompanying pictures the reader is - for a moment - drawn into the life of the described birds. Not unlikely you will look in a different way at birds after reading this book, even at the common species around you every day. The book concludes with an overview of some of the bird watching hot-spots in Brunei, Sabah & Sarawak, where you can put your new way of looking at these creatures - and at nature in general - into practice."

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Tabin: Sabah's Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary

Natural History Publications Borneo

2008

"The largest protected wildlife area in Sabah, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to an exceptional array of Borneo's rare and endangered species. The Sumatran or Pygmy Rhinoceros, the Bornean Pygmy elephant, Sabah's iconic Orangutan, the pot-bellied Proboscis Monkey and countless other mammals are protected here. Thanks to it mineral-rich mud volcanoes, Tabin not only sustains a wide range of mammals but has a fascinating population of birds, while the rainforest teems with insects, frogs and other life. With its beautiful rivers and streams, magnificent plant life and the comfort of the easily accessible Tabin Wildlife Resort, Tabin promises countless opportunities for a richly rewarding wildlife experience."

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Pocket Guide to the Birds of Borneo

Charles M. Francis

The Sabah Society

2007

Reprint of 1984 edition

A condensed version of the third edition of Bertram E. Smythies Birds of Borneo. Includes the same plates and condensed text.

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

G.W.H. Davison and Chew Yen Fook

New Holland

1st edition

2007

"The island of Borneo is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and a birdwatcher's paradise. Around 600 species of bird have been recorded here, and some 430 are known to breed. Many of these are rainforest specialists, but such a large island also has widely different habitats attracting a surprisingly wide range of avian visitors. Of particular interest are the 30 or so species that are endemic to Borneo, ie found nowhere else in the world. Two hundred and fifty-two of Borneo's most interesting and spectacular birds are featured in this concise and easy-to-use guide, each species illustrated in full colour and with key information on identification, habitat and distribution."

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Wild Malaysia: The Wildlife and Scenery of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah

Text: Junaidi Payne

Photographs: Gerald Cubitt

New Holland

Revised edition

2007

"Malaysia is one of the world's greatest ecotourism destinations, renowned for both the beauty of its many varied landscapes and for the great diversity of its wildlife. From the dramatic highlands of Mt Kinabalu and the extraordinary caves of Gunung Mulu to the pristine rainforests of Taman Negara and the golden beaches of Langkawi, this is a country of breathtaking scenery and ecological interest.In this revised and updated new edition, author Junaidi Payne looks at the many landscapes and ecosystems found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, and examines the vast range of wildlife species each habitat supports, including iconic species such as the Asian Elephant, Tiger and Orang-utan. A section on wildlife conservation looks at the challenges that lay ahead if the landscapes and wildlife wealth of Malaysia is to be secured for future generations."

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A Guide to Bako National Park: Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Hans P. Hazebroek and Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi

Natural History Publications Borneo

2006

"Bako is one of the smallest parks in Sarawak, yet one of the most interesting because of its highly visible wildlife (including the fabled long-nosed proboscis monkey, hornbills, troops of long-tailed macaques and silvered leaf monkeys, along with giant monitor lizards and impressive wild boar), jungle streams, waterfalls, and fascinating plant life (including pitcher plants and wild orchids). Well-maintained trails wind through beautiful tropical lowland and mangrove forest and across rocky headlands, where the walks vary from easy strolls to full-day jungle treks. Bako has a highly picturesque coastline of steep rocky cliffs, headlands and sandy bays, with breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Swimming, beachcombing at low tide and watching the sunset are among the restful activities at the Park Headquarters. Few places in the world can boast so much natural beauty to be enjoyed in such a compact area; Bako can honestly be called a treasure chest of fauna and flora. Naturalists, nature-lovers and eco-minded adventurers will be thrilled to find that a visit to Bako provides a comprehensive first-hand experience of Sarawak's natural history."

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Biodiversity and Conservation of The Meliau Range: A Rain Forest in Sabah's Ultramafic Belt

Editor: Arthur Y.C. Chung

Natural History Publications Borneo

2006

"The Meliau Range, which represents one of the country's most important ultramafic biomes, is located in central Sabah, just north of Telupid, within the Ulu Tungud Forest Reserve. Less than 1% of the earth¿s surface is made up of ultramafic material. In Malaysia, Sabah has the largest number of ultramafic outcrops, which account for about 3,500 sq. km or 4.6% of the total land area of the State. The many important findings include the discovery of several previously undescribed plant and animal species as well as many rare or restricted species. The livelihood of local communities surrounding the area was also investigated during this time, and it is clear that the Meliau Range plays an important role in their lives¿through the provision of water, fish and forest resources. This introductory account of the Meliau Range provides a breathtaking insight into the area, and includes the initial findings of the studies."

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Wild Borneo: The Wildlife and Scenery of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan

Nick Garbutt and J. Cede Prudente

New Holland

2006

"The island of Borneo is a place of great natural beauty and rich biodiversity. From the peaks of the majestic Mount Kinabalu to the enchanting coral-fringed islands that lie offshore, with vast tracts of lush rainforest in between, Borneo's landscape is as varied as it is magnificent. In Wild Borneo, author Nick Garbutt embarks upon a fascinating investigation into the wonders of this island, exploring every aspect of Borneo's terrain, from its rainforest-covered lowland areas to its mountain ranges, highland areas, and winding rivers. He shows us the profusion of flora and fauna living within these habitats, including the enormous Rafflesia flower, the carnivorous Pitcher plants, snakes, frogs and lizards that fly, fish that walk on mud, and rich and varied bird life. The island is home to a diversity of mammal species, some of which are highly unusual, including the outrageous-looking Proboscis Monkey, the remarkably tolerant Bornean Pygmy Elephant, the diminutive and shaggy Sumatran Rhinoceros, the native Bornean Orang-utan, and the doe-eyed, endearing Slow Loris."

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Borneo's Tropical Eden: Sabah

Chua Ee Kiam

Simply Green

2004

"The tropical rainforest of Sabah, one of the oldest in the world, and phenomenally luxuriant and have spawned an abundance of wildlife. Many creatures and plants are endemic here, found nowhere else in the world. From the minute insect to the largest mammal, each has a story to tell. The forest, home to over thousand species of plants are also natural pharmacies for a cornucopia of medicinal drugs waiting to be discovered. Besides it spectacular rainforests and mountainscapes, Sabah possesses exquisite islands scattered like gems in an aquamarine sea teeming with enchanting marine life."

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Maliau Basin: Sabah's Lost World

Hans P. Hazebroek, Tengku Zainal Adlin and Waidi Sinun

Natural History Publications Borneo

2004

"The Maliau Basin, Sabah's Lost World celebrates the many natural wonders in one of the most captivating and mysteriously beautiful protected areas in the World. The Basin has a spectacular crater-like form with a mountainous rim and includes magnificent rain forests, wild rivers, splendid waterfalls and a cool highland plateau. These rain forests inspire awe by their immense richness in plant and animal life, and a sense of history spanning millions of years. Exceptionally rare, possibly even unique, plant communities occur in Maliau's montane forests. Although scientific exploration has only recently begun, Maliau's importance in terms of protecting a tremendous range of ecosystems with innumerable species of plants and animals, many of which are rare and endangered elsewhere, has already become evident. Through spectacular photographs and an excellent accompanying text, this beautiful and informative book fosters a deeper understanding of many of nature's splendid wonders. The book is an important guide to Maliau's plant and animal life, natural communities and geology and will greatly enhance the experience of both explorers-to-be and nature lovers at large."

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A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia: Including the Philippines and Borneo

Morten Strange

Princeton University Press

2003

"This is the very first comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of mainland Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Borneo, including the birds of Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Indochina, South China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Covering 668 species, the volume contains a distribution map for each species in addition to more than 700 brilliant color photographs, many appearing here for the first time. The photographs are complemented by a concise text providing all the information needed to accurately identify species in one of the world's richest avifauna regions. Given the notorious difficulty of photographing rainforest birds, this book represents a major achievement. It is an ideal volume for travelers to the region as well as for all bird lovers."

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A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia: Including the Philippines and Borneo

Morton Strange

Christopher Helm

2003

"This guide covers almost 700 species found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Borneo. Each species is illustrated with a photograph and distribution map, making this a quick-reference guide in a pocketable format. Introductory sections include general information, such as the biogeography of the region covered."

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Swiftlets of Borneo: Builders of Edible Nests

Lim Chan Koon and Earl Of Cranbroom

Natural History Publications (Borneo)

2002

"The first book to clearly study the complicated ecology of these birds. With chapters on exploitation, conservation, and birds'-nest cave management. Since the close of the 16th century AD, the edible nests of swiftlets have roused the perplexed curiosity of European travellers to South-east Asia, while at the same time providing one of the most important constituents of traditional Chinese medicine. For both cultures-western and eastern-this book clarifies the nature of these nests, the troglodytic lives of the birds that build them, and the exploitation of this highly valuable natural resource. Borneo is now the world's most important source of wild edible nests. These are built by three species of swiftlets. Regional differences in management of swiftlets in the various limestone caves of Borneo are reviewed. The authors also describe the emergence of swiftlet house-farming, which they see as inevitable. For many readers this section of the book will be of great interest, outlining the hope of an amalgam between a prosperous domestic industry and sustainable management of wild populations."

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A Guide to Gunung Mulu National Park: A World Heritage Site in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Hans P. Hazebroek and Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi

Natural History Publications Borneo

2002

"The Gunung Mulu National Park - a World Heritage Site - invites you to a breathtaking experience of some of the world's most enthralling wonders of nature. The Park is situated on the great island of Borneo, in Sarawak (a state within the Federation of Malaysia). Mulu's impressive canyons, untamed rivers, serene rain forests, imposing mountains, spectacular limestone pinnacles, and magnificent caves rank among the world's most outstanding scenery. Unrivalled wonders of nature abound, such as the thousands of bats that spiral from the Deer Cave entrance at dusk. Gunung Api is known to be the most cavernous mountain in the world. The pinnacles of Gunung Api, which are up to 45 m tall, form one of the world's most dramatic limestone landscapes."

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Ornithology of Sabah: History, Gazetteer, Annotated Checklist, and Bibliography

Frederick H. Sheldon, Robert G. Moyle, Jody Kennard

Ornithological Monographs 52

American Ornithologists' Union

2001

"Sabah is the Malaysian State representing former British North Borneo. It is well known for its rich forests, impressive mountains (including Mt. Kinabalu), and diverse avifauna. Ornithologists have explored and published on the birds of Sabah since the 1850s. This monograph reviews the work of these ornithologists by providing an historical overview of their explorations and studies; a gazetteer describing the sites at which they worked; an annotated checklist summarizing what they learned about birds, particularly in regard to distribution, habitat preferences, and breeding; and a bibliography of ornithological and related publications. The purpose of this report is to set the stage for future research on the birds of Sabah. This goal is accomplished in two ways. First, by reviewing what has been done, the history and gazetteer serve as a guide for expedition planners, wildlife managers, conservationists, and other scientists as they seek information on study sites. Certain parts of Sabah have been well studied (e.g., the East and West coasts), but other areas are poorly explored (e.g., the north-central mountains and the south-central uplands). Second, by summarizing what is known about the birds of Sabah, the annotated checklist and bibliography provide a guide to research needs. Although a great deal is known about the distribution of birds in Sabah, remarkably little work has been done on bird ecology and evolution. Only a handful of modern, quantitative studies have been conducted on the population genetics, phylogeny, biogeography, migration, community ecology, or autecology of Sabah's birds. This dearth of ornithological information is a burden for conservationists, as they struggle to preserve the last bits of forest in Sabah, but it presents a great opportunity for bird researchers."

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National Parks of Sarawak

Hans P. Hazebroek and Abang Kashim bin Abang Morshidi

Natural History Publications Borneo

2000

"Covers seventeen current or proposed parks in great detail. Gunung Mulu. Lambir Hills. Loagun Bunut. Niah. Similajau. Nako. Kubah. Sarawak's Turtle Islands etc. Few places on Earth can be as exciting and diverse in their offering of nature as is Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state. Occupying a biologically and geologically very rich portion of northwest Borneo, Sarawak, the "Land of the Hornbills", has some of the most captivating national parks one can ever experience. It is undoubtedly one of the world's great places for species, wilderness and landscapes. For the first time, presented in this book, is an account of where the magnificent nature of Sarawak is safeguarded for posterity: the national parks, where gigantic flowers, towering trees, mysterious caves, serene tropical streams and the most unimaginable variety (and yet, perhaps, secretive) of animal life abound."

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The Birds of Borneo

Bertram E Smythies

Revision: Geoffrey W.H. Davison

Natural History Publications Borneo

4th edition

1999

"Geoffrey Davison's revision of this classic handbook fully lives up to the high standards set by the late Bertram Smythies. Much new information on the Bornean avifauna and its habitats has come to light since the book's last revision in 1981. This new fourth edition acknowledges and incorporates our expanding knowledge of the country's birds. In addition to revision of the text and the plates there are special new chapters by Tom Harrisson, the Earl of Cranbrook, Lim Chan Koon and J.D.Freeman on the Borneo environment for birds, migration, conservation, and cave swiftlets, and re-introduces from the first edition those classic chapters on birds and man, bird augury and the Iban hornbill ritual."

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A Naturalist in Borneo

Robert W.C. Shelford

Natural History Publications Borneo

1999

Originally published in 1916.

"This is a highly readable account of the author's tenure in Borneo, with chapters on mammals, bird-notes, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises, cockroaches, mantises, and stick insects, beetles, ants and plants. One chapter is dedicated to mimicry, a subject that truly fascinated him and was a rather controversial theme at that time. His great interest and passion in studying the order Orthoptera starting with Blattidae, then Phasmidae and the Mantidae is conveyed in an easy-to-read manner in a conscious effort to present scientific and detailed facts and observations for popular consumption."

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Borneo

G.W.H. Davison and Chew Yen Fook

Ralph Curtis

1998

Photograph and brief description of 252 species found on Borneo.

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The Ecology of Kalimantan: Indonesian Borneo

Kathy MacKinnon, Gusti Hatta, Hakimah Halim and Arthur Mangalik

Oxford University Press

1997

"Kalimantan has played a key role in Indonesia's economic development and is a major earner of foreign revenue due to the island's rich rserves of natural resources: forests, oil, gas, coal and other minerals. In this book the autors argue that Kalimantan can be developed, but only within tight ecological constraints and with great care. This book is expected to become a standard reference for scientists, anthropologists, writers and others interested in the region."

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A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Mount Kinabalu: Borneo

Hitoshi Nakayasu, Shigeru Asama, Alim Biun

Bun'ichi Sogo Shuppan

1996

Colour photographs of 130 species found in Kinabalu National Park.

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A Scientific Journey Through Borneo: Tawau Hills Park, Sabah

Edited By: Ghazally Ismail, Siraj Omar and Laily Bin Din

Pelanduk Publications

1995

A collection of scientific papers about the fauna and flora of the Tawau Hills Park in Sabah.

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A Scientific Journey Through Borneo: Sayap-Kinabalu Park Sabah

Edited By: Ghazally Ismail and Laily Bin Din

Pelanduk Publications

1995

A collection of scientific papers about the fauna and flora of the Sayap-Kinabalu Park in Sabah.

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali

John MacKinnon in collaboration with Paul Andrew & Frank Rozendaal

Illustrations: Karen Phillips

Oxford University Press

1993

"An identification guide to the birds of this region which includes descriptions and colour illustrations of all 820 species. Information is provided on where to look for endemic and insular forms and on major birding localities."

Contents: Introduction to the region; Biogeography; Conservation; Field techniques for birdwatching; When and where to see birds; Family and Species Descriptions; Appendices; Land birds found on offshore island groups; Bornean montane birds by mountain group; Endemic and endangered species in main reserves; Endangered and threatened species by island; Annotated list of birds of the Malay Peninsula not described in the text; Sonosketches of characteristic bird calls; Regional ornithological clubs, journals, and museums; Bibliography.

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Birds of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo

Geoffrey W.H. Davison

Paintings: John Gale

Natural History Publications Borneo

1992

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The Birds of Sumatra and Kalimantan

Derek Holmes and Stephen Nash

Oxford University Press

1991

"This book, the second in the series on the avifauna of Indonesia, introduces the reader to the most typical and colourful birds of the large islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, whose dipterocarp forests of the lowlands and wetland forest of the coastal plains are particularly rich habitats. The main descriptions covering 148 species from nearly every bird family on the two islands, provide information on the plumage, behaviour, habitat, and distribution to enable the general naturalist to identify most of the birds found readily in the different habitats of the islands. Reference is also made in the text to a further 129 species to illustrate the range and variety of birds in each family."

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The Avifauna of Barito Ulu, Central Borneo: With Additional Notes on the Mammals

BirdLife International

1989

The findings of ornithological surveys carried out in Barito Ulu in 1989.

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Pocket Guide to the Birds of Borneo

Charles M. Francis

The Sabah Society

1984

A condensed version of the third edition of Bertram E. Smythies Birds of Borneo. Includes the same plates and condensed text.

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The Birds of Borneo

Bertram E. Smythies

Revision: Earl Of Cranbook

Colour plates: Commander A. M. Hughes

he Sabah Society with the Malayan Nature Society

3rd edition

1981

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Birds Of The Malay Peninsular, Singapore and Penang

A.G. Glenister

Oxford University Press

1971

"An account of all the Malayan species, with a note of their occurence in Sumatra, Borneo and Java, and a list of the birds of those islands."

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The Birds of Borneo

Bertram E. Smythies

Colour plates: Commander A. M. Hughes

Other illustrations: Loke Wan Tho, Hedda Morrison, F. Allen, B. Molesworth, E. Brunig and H. Gibb

Oliver & Boyd

2nd edition

1968

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The Birds of Borneo

Bertram E. Smythies

Colour plates: Commander A. M. Hughes

Other illustrations: Loke Wan Tho, Hedda Morrison, F. Allen, B. Molesworth, E. Brunig and H. Gibb

Oliver & Boyd

1960

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Birds Of The Malay Peninsular, Singapore and Penang

A.G. Glenister

Oxford University Press

1951

"An account of all the Malayan species, with a note of their occurence in Sumatra, Borneo and Java, and a list of the birds of those islands."

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On a Collection of Birds from Mount Dulit, in North-western Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

2 colour plate (Calyptomena hosii / Mesobucco eximius): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 34, Issue 3, pages 430-442

1892

Opening lines:

"The very interesting collections made by Mr. John Whitehead on Mount Kina Balu, and described by me in the pages of this Journal, will have prepared the minds of ornithologists for further discoveries in other high mountains of Borneo. That veteran traveller, Mr. A. H. Everett, has already proved, by the small collection made by him on Mount Penrisen, that the species of birds procured by Mr. Whitehead on Kina Balu are not all peculiar to that mountain, and now we know that some of them we to be met with in other localities. As will be seen by the present paper, several of the novelties obtained by Mr. Whitehead are also found on Mount Dulit, and for this interesting disclosure science is indebted to the enterprise of a young Englishman, Mr. Charles Hose, who is already known for his collecting work on the Baram River, where he discovered the remarkable new species of Semnopithecus which bears his name."
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

With notes by John Whitehead

Colour plate (Dicaeum monticola and Zosterops clara): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 32, Issue 3, pages 273-292

1890

This is a continuation of a paper from an earlier issue.

Opening lines:

"I have come to the end of my description of Mr. Whitehead's grand collection, and I have now only to present to the readers of 'The Ibis' a resume of the scientific results of this memorable expedition. To do this in the most comprehensible manner, I have borrowed a leaf from the book of my friend Mr. Osbert Salvin, F.R.S., whose comparative tables of the avifauna of Cozumel and the other islands of the Bay of Honduras (Ibis, 1890, pp. 86-89) gave such a concise view of the zoo-geographical relations of those islands with the neighbouring continent, that I feel that I cannot do better than imitate it."
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Colour plate (Bambusicola erythrophrys): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 32, Issue 2, pages 133-149

1890

This is a continuation of a paper from an earlier issue.

Opening lines:

"Treron cupellei [Common in forests, frequenting high trees, where it obtains its food. This Pigeon has a peculiarly harsh call; ln fact all the species of this genus that have come under my observation have peculiarly disagreeable notes. Native name 'Puni lanquok.' Iris black; bill pea-green; feet king's yellow."
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

With notes by John Whitehead

2 colour plates (Orthnocichla whiteheadi / Allocotops calvus): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 31, Issue 4, pages 409-443

1889

A continuation of an paper from an earlier issue.

Opening lines:

"Brachypteryx erythrogyna. A young male in Mr. Whitehead's collection is of a duller blue than the adult male, and not only has the abdomen washed with rufous, but has some rufous feathers on the breast, evidently the remains of the first plumage, which must therefore resemble that of the adult female. [Frequents the true forest from 4000 to 8000 feet, though very scarce at the lower elevation, owing to the Dusan rat-traps, which have almost exterminated all the small mammals and ground-loving birds. This species, like the little Androphilus, was most difficult to shoot from its extreme tameness, as it often came within a few feet of us, and followed us for several yards through the forest, making it extremely hard to obtain specimens without blowing them to bits. Eye dark brown; feet and bill black.]"
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

With notes by John Whitehead

Colour plates (Chloropsis kinabaluensis): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 31, Issue 3, pages 265-283

1889

A continuation of an paper from an earlier issue.

Opening lines:

"Locustella ochotensis. Sir Hugh Low was the first to meet with this species in Borneo, and his collectors procured in Lumbidan a specimen which is now in the collection of the British Museum, as recorded by Mr. Seebohm (l.c.). [This bird was obtained for me by one of my collectors close to my camp at 1000 feet elevation. It was probably on its way north at the time.]."
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

With notes by John Whitehead

2 colour plates (Hemichelidon cinericeps and Rhinomyias gularis / Cryptolopha montis and Cryptolopha schwaneri): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 31, Issue 2, pages 185-205

1889

A continuation of an paper from an earlier issue.

Opening lines:

"Oriolus xanthonotus. Iris dark lake; bill dull pinkish red; feet blackish brown. Fairly common, frequenting the higher trees in the jungle. It does not extend up Kina Balu beyond 1000 feet. Native name 'Burong Sarawak'."
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On the Ornithology of Northern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Colour plate (Accipiter rupotibalis / Heteroscops luciae / Cissa jefferyi): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 31, Issue 1, pages 63-85

1889

Opening lines:

"In the present paper I have commenced a list of all the species of birds procured by my friend Mr. John Whitehead during his four years' travels in Northern Borneo. The chief interest naturally centres round his exploration of the great mountain of Kina Balu, of the avifauna of which a complete account is here, for the first time, attempted. The comparison of the natural history of this mountain with that of Sumatra, Java, and Tenasserim I shall leave till the end of the memoir. The following are Mr. Whitehead's notes on his journeys, and all his observations on the habits of the different species are placed between brackets."
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Further Descriptions of new Species of Birds dicovered by Mr. John Whtehead on the Mount of Kina Balu, Nothern Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

4 colour plates (Oreoctistes leucops and Androphilus accentor / Brachyteryx erythrogyna / Chlorocharis emillae and Megalaema pulcherrima / Harpactes whiteheadi): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 30, Issue 4, pages 383-396

1888

Opening lines:

"Mr. John Whitehead left Labuan on the 15th of December last, and ascended the great mountain of Kina Balu for the second time. The discoveries of this expedition are no less remarkable than those of the first; but as, by the time that these lines are in print, Mr. Whitehead may be expected in England, I do not propose to do more than give a very few notes on some of the actual novelties and extreme rarities of which he has sent me specimens. Of the rest of the acts of Mr. Whitehead, of the collections he has made, and of the nests and eggs he has found during his four years’ travel in the Malay Archipelago, I hope he will himself give an account. Attention should be especially drawn to the Ceylonese affinities of some of the new genera described in this paper."
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Notes on a Collection of Birds made by Mr. John Whitehead on the Mountain of Kina Balu, in Northern Borneo, with Descriptions of new Species

R. Bowdler Sharpe

2 colour plates (Chlamydocaera jefferyi / Arachnothera juliae): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 29, Issue 4, pages 435-454

1887

Opening lines:

"Beyond the few species described by me in the 'Proceedings' of the Zoological Society for 1879 (p. 246), nothing has been ascertained of the ornithology of the remarkable mountain of Kina Balu. In the present paper I give some descriptions of new species of the greatest interest to science, and it is remarkable to find that some of the genera hitherto believed to belong to the Himalayan subregions have received a startling accession of range. Certainly the discoveries by Dr. Beccari of such Himalayan genera as Psarisomus, Pericrocotus, Stachyris, Turdinus, Rimator, Pnoepyga, Buchanga, and Cochoa in the higher regions of Sumatra might have prepared ornithologists for the occurrence of some of these genera in the high ranges of Borneo, which, however, had hitherto been considered very Malayan in its avifauna, the only real Himalayan element having been shown, quite within recent years, by the discovery of Dendrocitta on the Lawas River, Rubigula on Kina Balu, and more lately by that of a Parus and Myiophoneus in the higher districts of Sarawak. Mr. Whitehead’s first expedition has resulted in the enlargement of our knowledge of this strictly Himalayan element, and although he has not yet met with Pnoepyga, Cochoa, or Rimator, it is quite possible that they will all be found, along with such forms as Tarsiger hodgsoni, Hemichelidon cinereiceps, Pterythius aeralatus, Oriolus vulneratus, Staphidia, &c. Apart from these evidences of connection with the Himalayan system of Tenasserim, the Malayan peninsula, and Sumatra, the new forms discovered by Mr. Whitehead are striking enough, viz.: a marvellous new Calyptomena, a new genus of Campophagidae, and a striking new Arachnothera."
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Contributions to the Ornithology of Borneo

R. Bowdler Sharpe

2 colour plates (Microhierax latifrons / Dendrocitta cinerascens): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 21, Issue 2, pages 233-272

1879

Opening lines:

"During the past two years I have examined three large collections from North-western Borneo, all of them of very great interest. The first of these was sent by the Hon. Hugh Low, now British Resident at Perak, and well known to ornithologists for the researches which he has made into the natural history of the island of Borneo, where he resided for many years. By means of the collectors trained by himself, Mr. Low was enabled to send along with the last consignment a large number of eggs of Bornean Birds, in every case accompanied by the old female, trapped on the nest in the way in which the Malays are such adepts."
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Contributions to the Ornithology of Borneo, Part I

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Colour plate (Orthotomus borneonensis and Calamodyta Doriae): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 18, Issue 1, pages 29-52

1876

Opening lines:

"I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Arthur Everett for the collection of birds which I have the pleasure of describing in the present paper. Mr. Everett is well known as the discover of the beautiful Pitta arcuata, described a few years ago by Mr. Gould (Ann. N. H. (4) vii. p. 340), and figured by him in the 'Birds of Asia' (part xxiv.); he is also known as the collector of a series of birds from the district of Sarawak, described by Lord Walden (Ibis, 1872, p. 360). The present consignment is also from the same part of the island, most of the birds being from the immediate neighbourhood of Sarawak."
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On a Collection of Birds recently made by Mr. A. H. Everett in Northern Borneo

Arthus Viscount Walden

Colour plate (Setornis criniger): J.G. Keulemans

Ibis: Volume 14, Issue 4, pages 360-383

1872

Opening lines:

"Having lately had an opportunity of examining a small collection of birds obtained in Northern Borneo by Mr. A. H. Everett, it has occurred to me that a list of the species it included might form an acceptable addition to our knowledge of the avifauna of that island. Hitherto the Bornean collections sent to London by Mr. Everett have been dispersed before being catalogued, and the valuable materials he had contributed to the formation of a complete list of North-Bornean birds were thus rendered unavailable. This is the more to be regretted, as most of his Specimens have labels attached which give the origin and sex of each example, and other useful information. These notes, whenever they occur, are here introduced within inverted commas."
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Last updated August 2014