98 BirdingASIA 21 (2014): 98–99 NOTEBOOK Nest and nesting characteristics of Red- crested Malkoha Phaenicophaeus superciliosus cagayanensis JOUEL B. TAGGUEG, MERLIJN VAN WEERD & SAMUEL P. TELAN At about 11h30 on 8 May 2013 in Barangay Minanga, Peñablanca, Cagayan province, Philippines (17.688°N 121.922°E), our biodiversity monitoring team was resting under a mango tree after conducting a point-count survey in the area, when a relatively large black bird with orange feathers on its head flew low out of a tree. The group was not immediately able to identify the bird, but after an hour it flew back to the same tree. Closer inspection using binoculars confirmed that it was a Red-crested Malkoha Phaenicophaeus superciliosus and that it was nesting (Plate 1). This species is a Philippine endemic, classified Least Concern despite its restricted range and unquantified population (BirdLife International 2014), with this race cagayanensis being confined to the north-east island of Luzon (Kennedy et.al. 2000). The team observed the bird’s behaviour and took measurements when it was away from the nest. The nest was cradled between the shoots of an Anonang tree Cordia dichotoma (Plates 2 & 3) growing in a vegetable garden; this shrubby tree is often cultivated for its fruit and seeds, which have medicinal properties. The tree was about 20 m to Plate 1. The Red-crested Malkoha Phaenicophaeus superciliosus cagayanensis on the nest, Barangay Minanga, Peñablanca, Cagayan province, Philippines, 9 May 2013. Plate 2. The nesting tree Cordia dichotoma in a vegetable garden. ALL IMAGES: JOUEL B. TAGGUEG