Mount Kinabalu and Kinabalu National Park is undoubtedly one of Malaysia’s most famous birding destinations. Birdwatchers from around the world flock here to get a glimpse of exotic Bornean endemic species such as Everett’s Thrush, Crimson-headed Partridge and Bornean Green-Magpie.
However, three exquisite species are guaranteed to get birdwatchers’ pulse racing. These star birds of Kinabalu National Park are highly sought-after and are collectively referred to as the Whitehead’s Trio. The information presented in this article is mostly obtained from personal experience, talking to birdwatchers and bird guides, and the excellent Phillips’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo.
The Star Birds of Kinabalu National Park – the ‘Whitehead’s Trio’
Most birds at Mount Kinabalu are arguably special. However, the Whitehead’s Trio holds a special place among birdwatchers and photographers, likely due to their beauty, endemism and scarcity.
The names of the birds commemorate John Whitehead, a British explorer who collected the first specimens of many of Borneo’s endemic wildlife. He was also the first documented person to reach the highest summit of Mount Kinabalu in 1888.
I’ve visited Kinabalu National Park HQ twice and have been lucky to see all three. On a recent visit in July 2023, my friend David Hogan Jr. and I managed to spot all three in half a day!
Whitehead’s Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi)
This is arguably the most beautiful trogon in Malaysia and the star bird of Kinabalu National Park. The male is especially stunning, resplendent in his bright red head and belly; a wide silver-coloured ‘bib’ adorns his chest. The back and tail are orange, whereas the wing feathers are black with white vermiculation. Conversely, the female is more subdued in her colouration, with orange replacing the reds while retaining the attractive silver ‘bib’.
The Whitehead’s Trogon is often considered the easiest of the Trio to see; however, this colourful bird might occasionally be tricky to spot amongst the gloom of the understory. A relatively sluggish bird, the trogon sometimes perches for extended periods, allowing for great views and photographs.
This trogon is endemic to the mountains of north-central Borneo, and Kinabalu National Park HQ is one of the best places to see it. Look for the bird along the road to Timpohon Gate, around the 1.5 km mark. It can usually be spotted amongst the branches of the trees by the road; otherwise, the Silau-Silau trail would be your next best option. If you’re lucky, you might see it catching and feeding on insects that it gleans off the leaves!
Whitehead’s Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi)
A surprisingly chunky bird, the Whitehead’s Broadbill is like a Common Green Broadbill on steroids! This bird is luminous green, with black markings scattered throughout its wings, head and throat. A tuft of feathers is on top of the bill, giving the bird a short-billed appearance. The males have black streaking on the breast, whereas the female lacks this. Otherwise, both sexes are equally breathtaking in appearance.
This bird is usually encountered singly or in pairs; moreover, it occasionally joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Indeed, during my first encounter with this species in 2019, one broadbill was part of a ‘bird wave’ alongside laughing thrushes, treepies, drongos and green magpies.
The Whitehead’s Broadbill is endemic to the mountainous regions of north-central Borneo. It’s resident at Kinabalu National Park HQ and relatively reliably seen, especially during the breeding season. Conversely, it may prove quite elusive at certain times of the year. for example, during my visit in March 2019, the broadbills were easily spotted around the HQ area. On the other hand, in July 2023, we only saw one bird, and most visiting birders we talked to failed to see it.
Search for this bird throughout the HQ area, especially along the road to Timpohon Gate and the Silau-Silau trail. Also, listen out for its squeaky and rattling calls! During the breeding season, you might be fortunate enough to see the nest dangling on a branch, looking like scraps of dead vegetation.
Whitehead’s spiderhunter (Arachnothera juliae)
This special bird looks, unlike any other spiderhunter in Malaysia. Most Malaysian spiderhunters are dressed in dull greens and yellows with occasional black streaking. The Whitehead’s spiderhunter instead has brown upperparts and prominent white streaks on the underparts. Moreover, the head and neck have some white streaking as well. The vent is bright yellow. The vocalisations are also uniquely different, sounding more like a mechanical wheeze than a bird!
Yet another species endemic to Borneo’s north-central mountains, this bird is often considered the trickiest of the Whitehead’s Trio to see. At Kinabalu National Park HQ, it often proves elusive. Indeed, during my trip in 2019, I dipped out on this bird, having only heard its calls. This bird usually forages at the canopy level; consequently, good views are difficult to come by, even if the bird is present.
To spot it best, look for flowering trees, especially the pink-flowered Wightia tree. Sometimes, these trees may flower near the HQ entrance or just outside the park. Indeed, on our 2023 trip, we saw this bird feeding on a flowering Wightia tree roughly 600 metres down the road from the HQ entrance.
Whitehead’s name is present only in the common name for this species, unlike the previous two. Check out its Wikipedia page for more information on this interesting species. Also, head over to its eBird page for additional sighting locations.
The Fourth Whitehead?
There is another Bornean endemic bird that is named after Whitehead – the Bornean Stubtail. In this species, Whitehead’s name is commemorated only in its scientific name, Urosphena whiteheadi. This drab-coloured bird isn’t exactly a star bird of Kinabalu National Park; nevertheless, it is an interesting species in its own right.
This tiny bird prefers to forage on the ground near streams; therefore, look for it along jungle trails, especially the Silau-Silau trail. Listen out for its high-pitched calls, often the first indication of its presence. If you get a good view, you’ll see why the Bornean Stubtail is aptly named!
More Information
To find out about other bird species you can encounter at Kinabalu Park HQ, head over to the following articles:
- Birds of Kinabalu Park – Part 1: Common endemics
- Birds of Kinabalu Park – Part 2: Miscellaneous endemics
For additional information on birdwatching at Kinabalu Park HQ, check out the following articles:
- Birdwatching at Kinabalu Park HQ – Part 1: Birdwatching info
- Birdwatching at Kinabalu Park HQ – Part 2: General information
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the Whitehead’s Trio deserves their status as the star birds of Kinabalu National Park. With their breathtaking appearance, scarcity and uniqueness, it’s easy to see why the Trio is highly desired. All the efforts looking for these montane denizens are certainly worth it!
Nevertheless, the park is also home to a dazzling array of flora & fauna, many of which are endemic to Borneo’s mountains. therefore, whenever you find yourself there, make sure you take the time to look for other species to ensure you fully experience this enthralling biological paradise.
Also, don’t forget about the Bornean Stubtail!
Addendum: Asian Bird Fair 2023
Coming up on 13 – 17 October 2023 will be the 12th Asian Bird Fair, held for the first time at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. On the 16th of October, the delegates and exhibitors involved with the event will embark on a field trip to Kinabalu National Park HQ, accompanied by some of the most experienced bird guides operating in Sabah. This would be a great time to try and spot the star birds of Kinabalu National Park and many other fascinating avifauna on Mount Kinabalu.
Please note that the field trip is only for delegates & exhibitors of ABF2023; however, members of the public are more than welcome to attend the fair at SICC on the 14th & 15th.
To know more about the Asian Bird Fair 2023, or if you would like to register as a delegate, head over to the ABF2023 official website for additional information. And the good news is that the Birdwatching Asia team will be there covering the event, so see you there!
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.
