The uncommon STRIPE-BREASTED RHABDORNIS of Samar

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Two weeks ago, having been inspired by Nelson Petilla's photos, I went to Samar to visit one of my best friends in Catbalogan and to check out the birds in Samar Island Nature Park, Paranas about an hour away. Unfortunately, Nelson had a conflict of schedule and could not join me. SINP provided me with a birdguide, but I later discovered he was mostly deaf! He could spot birds well but could not hear them, so we were somewhat handicapped in finding birds.

All photos taken with Canon 1D Mark IV camera, 800 mm lens, tripod.

We took the 400-meter trail up the forested mountain. Right behind the SINP Center was a fruiting tree where I got 2 lifers! ;D

First was the YELLOW-WATTLED BULBUL (Pycnonotus urostictus atricaudatus), an endemic.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/1000 second, manual exposure.

Second was the rare endemic STRIPE-BREASTED RHABDORNIS (Rhabdornis inornatus inornatus). I searched PBPF and OBC and found only 5 long-distance photos of the SBR. These may be the first close-up photos of the SBR.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/1000 second, manual exposure.

There were at least 3 SBRs feeding. I was shooting almost straight up, and the backlighting was challenging.

One way to distinguish the SBR from the common Stripe-Headed Rhabdornis is that the SBR has a dirty white or grayish throat and brownish stripes on the breast, whereas the SHR has a white throat and breast. Also, the SBR is usually found in higher elevations, and it appears that its bill is shorter.


F/9, ISO-1600, 1/400 second, manual exposure.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/640 second, manual exposure.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/1000 second, manual exposure.

Another way to distinguish the Stripe-Breasted from the common Stripe-Headed Rhabdornis is that the SBR has an unstreaked crown whereas the SHR has a striped crown.


400mm lens, F/5.6, ISO-1250, 1/1600 second, manual exposure.

In SINP, I saw more PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRDS (Nectarinia sperata trochilus) than anywhere else - at least a dozen a day.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/1600 second, manual exposure.

This male PTS has caught a tiny spider.


F/11, ISO-1600, 1/800 second, manual exposure.

A female PTS.


F/8, ISO-1600, 1/1600 second, manual exposure.

Even in the mountains of Samar, one can find the very common Yellow-Vented Bulbul.


F/9, ISO-1600, 1/1000 second, manual exposure.

I heard Rufous Hornbills several times but never saw them. I saw other birds I could not capture or identify. Samar is definitely worth a return trip!

The seafood was excellent, the air very clean, and the mountain forests expansive. Birders can stay at a very nice, new lodging house in the quaint provincial town of Kalbiga only 30 minutes away from SINP. PM me for details.

[tina mallari]

You seem to be really lucky with the birds Ramon. I am almost sure that you have seen more birds than I have due to all those travels :-)

Congratulations on the 2 lifers !!

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Tina.

[Ely Teehankee]

Look at the 2nd and 5th pictures of the Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis and you will see that the leaves of a vine cups itself into the branch and new roots are established. What an unusual plant for an unusual bird. Do you think that this plant has certain attractions for insects that the Rhabdornis like? I like the Purple-throated Sunbird as it 7 colors makes it a very challenging subject. Please let me know when you are going to Samar. These birds are special. Well done Ramon & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Ely. The SBRs were feeding on the fruits - I don't know if there were insects in the tree that they were also eating.

Let's plan a birding trip to Samar together.

[Mark Itol]

Wonderful set, Ramon. Congrats!

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Mark.

[luisitoco]

Hi Sir Ramon. Congratulations on your Lifers! Your PTS is beautiful. It's also fun to visit the roof deck of the SINP building since there are lots of nice birds ( PTS, Everettes's white eye, orange bellied flowerpecker or even a Hornbill if your lucky ) to photograph at the area while sitting and drinking your coffee. It would have been more fun if you have Nelson with you because he knows the place very well. Thanks for sharing. Waiting for more beautiful birds to post on your next visit to Samar.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thank you, Luisito. I didn't really try to bird from the roof of the SINP office because we went up the mountain trail both days. I do plan to try Samar again soon.

[Bob Kaufman]

Congratulations on your lifers, Ramon!

And big congrats for taking wonderful photos of the rarely photographed Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Bob. You and Cynthia should try birding at Samar - well worth it!

[Juan Manuel C. Del Prado]

Great photos, Ramon.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Tito Poch. You should have come with me to Samar.