Mount Trusmadi has long been a popular destination for mountain climbers. However, the slopes of the second highest mountain in Malaysia also teem with birdlife. Many of these birds of Trusmadi are Bornean endemics; additionally, some are quite scarce and rarely seen.    

Indeed, these birds deserve to have the spotlight shine on them. Ultimately, this article intends to showcase a sample of the stunning diversity of the birds of Trusmadi. Hopefully, this article will entice more birders and bird photographers to visit this exciting and easy-to-access birding destination in Sabah.

Updated November 2024: Removed that pesky strikethrough on the links

Birds of Trusmadi 

Introduction to the Trusmadi Hides

At the time of writing, the two bird observation hides that operate at Trusmadi are:

Trusmadi Bulwer’s Pheasant Hide (KK Lee hide)

Trusmadi Bird Station (CP Song Hide)

These hides were built separately by two entrepreneurial Sabahans to showcase Trusmadi’s rarer species, especially the Bulwer’s Pheasant. Needless to say, these hides have since been successful in attracting birders and photographers from around the globe.

The Trusmadi hides are at an altitude of 1300m. Both are less than a kilometre away before the Kupu-Kupu Gate, the main entrance to the Trusmadi Forest Reserve.  The birds found here are mainly sub-montane and lower-montane species. However, several species typically found in the lowlands also occur here.

The Birds of Trusmadi: A Photographic Guide

The photos and information are based on our visit to the Trusmadi hides in September and October 2024. The main reference material used is the excellent Phillips’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo and the Birds of Malaysia by Lynx Edicions.

All the photos were taken from the two hides or in the immediate vicinity. Each entry includes a short text highlighting any interesting information regarding each species.

During our visits, we recorded 50 species at/near the hides. However, we were unable to photograph many of these for various reasons. Also, a few star species didn’t turn up during our visits (looking at you, Bornean Banded-Pitta). I will update this article with more entries should we manage to visit these hides again in the future.

Bulwer’s Pheasant (Lophura bulweri)

Of all the birds of Trusmadi, this one is undoubtedly numero uno. These Bornean endemic pheasants are scarce and shy, making them very difficult to see. Thanks to the hides at Trusmadi, birders and photographers worldwide now have an excellent chance to see this spectacular bird.

The males look radically different than the females. When in full display mode, the blue wattles on the face expand and elongate, somewhat resembling tentacles. Additionally, he’ll also fan out the snow-white tail feathers. This combination makes for a breathtaking display!

In stark contrast to the males, the females are brown all over, with only their blue facial skin and red legs providing a splash of colour.

Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul)

Also known as the Roul-Roul, this pocket-sized, plump partridge frequently attends the hides in pairs or small groups. The males and females look different; the females are green whereas the males are dark blue and sport a spiffy crest.

Despite not being endemic, this beautiful species is definitely one of the star birds of Trusmadi. Moreover, it’s usually difficult to see, which certainly adds to its appeal.

Red-breasted Partridge (Arborophila hyperythra)

A Bornean endemic that prefers submontane and montane forests.  Usually skulks around on the forest floor, thus far more often heard than seen. Pairs also often duet together.

Crimson-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps)

This aptly-named Bornean endemic bird is quite common but not often seen. Its loud, ringing song is often the first indicator of its presence. 

Asian Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)

A common forest dove that loves to forage on the ground. Typically seen as a flash of emerald-green zipping across a forest path or road.

Bornean Whistler (Pachycephala hypoxantha)

This delightful Bornean endemic adds a splash of yellow whenever it appears at the hides. A common resident of Borneo’s montane rainforests.

Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Alophoixus phaeocephalus)

Brightly coloured for a bulbul, with a grey head, white throat and bright yellow belly. Typically found in the lowlands. However, at Trusmadi, this species has wandered up, undoubtedly attracted by the easy pickings at the hides. 

Penan Bulbul (Alophoixus ruficrissus)

A large, brown bulbul with a tall crest and a fluffy white throat, it resembles a ‘bearded old man’. This Bornean endemic is one of the more common birds of Trusmadi and is often a dominant presence at the bird hides. The name commemorates the Penan people, one of the many Indigenous groups living in Borneo.

Grey-hooded Babbler (Cyanoderma bicolor)

A small bird that travels in noisy flocks. Quite attractive, with a dark grey head complementing its rufous-brown wings and tail. There’s also blue skin around the eyes and a blue throat patch visible when the bird sings. Bornean endemic.

Temminck’s Babbler (Pellorneum pyrrogenys)

This small babbler usually visits the hides singly or in pairs. It moves close to or on the ground, hopping around as it searches for food. Rather drab, similar to many babblers. Look for its warm brown body, streaky grey crown, and white throat, which are helpful in identifying features. Besides Borneo, this species also occurs in Java.

The name commemorates Coenraad Jacob Temminck, an 18th-century Dutch zoologist. Several other birds in Malaysia also bear his name.

Sunda Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus bornensis)

The curved, scimitar-like bill gives this attractive babbler its common name. Formerly known as the Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler.

Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus treacheri)

This common Bornean endemic is familiar at all montane birding locations around Sabah, including Trusmadi. Often travels in noisy flocks. They feed on insects, and will opportunistically snatch any moths and insects attracted to the hide lights.

Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina aurata)

This species only occurs in Sabah on Kinabalu, Crocker Range, and, of course, Trusmadi. Unlike the birds in Peninsular Malaysia, the subspecies found in Sabah is resident year-round. It is a very beautiful bird, with an orange head and underparts contrasting nicely against the blue-grey wings. It is usually quite difficult to see, but it often visits feeding stations and hides. 

Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis adamsi)

This excellent songster is a familiar sight throughout the country. However, the males of the Sabah subspecies are notably more black than the rest of Malaysia.  

White-crowned Shama (Copsychus stricklandii)

Another superlative songster, it is unfortunately a frequent target for the cage bird trade. Thankfully, it is still common around Sabah, especially in protected areas. It is endemic to Northeast Borneo.

Dayak Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis montanus)

The males look particularly dapper in their deep blue and orange plumage. The females are brown and orange instead, but otherwise, they are still attractive. The name of this Bornean endemic flycatcher refers to the Dayak people, one of the many indigenous groups of Borneo.

Siberian Blue Robin (Larvivora cyane)

A long-distance winter visitor to Trusmadi, all the way from Siberia! The males are beautiful, with blue upperparts and clean white underparts. The females are brown, with scaly patterns on the breast. It hops along on the ground as it searches for morsels. 

Rufous-chested Flycatcher (Ficedula dumetoria)

This resident flycatcher prefers dense forests, often near streams, where it usually forages low down near the ground. It has an endearing habit of wagging its tail up and down as it perches. The males are strikingly black, white, and orange, while the females are a more subdued brown.

Bornean Leafbird (Chloropsis kinabaluensis)

Beautiful endemic leafbird, found only in Borneo’s highlands. Unlike other leafbirds in Malaysia, the females of the Bornean Leafbird also have a black throat. Males are similar to the Blue-winged Leafbird, which differs by having more yellow surrounding the head. The Blue-winged also tends to live at lower elevations. 

Other notable species at the Trusmadi hides:

The following birds of Trusmadi are highly desirable due to their beauty and/or scarcity. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to see them during our visits.

1. Bornean Banded-Pitta
2. Black-throated Wren-Babbler
3. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler
4. Malaysian Rail-Babbler
5. White-necked Babbler
6. Bare-headed Laughingthrush
7. Long-tailed Broadbill
8. Spotted Fantail

Conclusion

Trusmadi is blessed with a diverse selection of birds, including some endemics and several rarely seen species. Importantly, the two bird observation hides allow visitors to observe and photograph these winged wonders with relative ease. Hence, it’s easy to see why Trusmadi is currently very popular with birdwatchers and bird photographers and hopefully will continue to attract visitors for years to come. 

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REFERENCES

Phillipps, Q. & Phillipps, K. (2014). Phillips’ Field Guide To The Birds of Borneo. Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan (Third edition). John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.

Puan, C.L., Davison, G. & Lim, K.C. (2020). Birds of Malaysia. Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore. Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.