| E = New Guinea endemic Bold = Irian Jaya endemic
Heard only = #
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
One in breeding plumage on the Intapura logging road near Sorong.
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Up to ten observed in the Aimas wetlands near Sorong.
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Two or three seen flying over Lake Sentani, Jayapura.
Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
Just one seen with a Lesser Frigatebird on our journey from Batanta to Salawati.
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
In good numbers around the West Papua islands; two off the coast of Biak.
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Two superb birds on sandflats on Batanta; one on Salawati.
Great Egret Ardea alba
Two at Aimas, Sorong.
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
One near Sorong; two on Lake Sentani, Jayapura.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
More common than the former two species around Sorong; four on Lake Sentani, Jayapura.
Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra
Regular in low numbers near Batanta and Salawati; both white and grey morphs were
observed.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus
One in a lagoon on Biak.
Nankeen Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Four seen perched at the roost at dusk, Aimas, Sorong.
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
A total of six birds observed at Aimas, Sorong. This is a new addition to the West
Papua list having been recorded for the first time in the region by Kris Tindige in June
2001 (Kukila 12, 2003).
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca
One bird seen flying over Wai Lebed village on Batanta at dusk.
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
Five at Aimas, Sorong.
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
Three at Aimas, Sorong; two at Wai Lebed, Batanta. Also heard on Batanta a number of
times.
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Two on Lake Sentani, Jayapura.
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata
An unusual congregation of five birds seen one day on Batanta; also recorded at
Warafi, Biak.
Long-tailed Honey-Buzzard Henicopernis longicauda E
Two in flight on Batanta and one perched and in flight en route to the Arfak
Mountains.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
The most commonly encountered bird of prey on our tour. Recorded at Batanta, Salawati,
Sorong, Biak, and Nimbokrang.
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
One to three seen daily in the West Papua islands.
Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster
Two fabulous white birds flying around Wai Lebed, Batanta; one grey bird on the
Intapura Road, Sorong; one grey bird at Nimbokrang.
Black-mantled Goshawk Accipiter melanochlamys
E
A super immature bird on the main road leading out of the Arfaks. This is the only Accipiter
found at this altitude in New Guinea.
Grey-headed Goshawk Accipiter poliocephalus
E
One uncooperative bird (being harassed by a Willie Wagtail) recorded en route to
Warafi, Biak.
Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus
One at Wai Lebed, Batanta. The small size and notched tail are diagnostic.
Doria's Goshawk Megatriorchis doriae E
We had very exciting views of two birds perched and flying, displaying agonistic
behaviour around the Red Bird of Paradise lekking tree on Batanta.
New Guinea Eagle Harpyopsis novaeguineae E #
Heard a number of times in the Arfak Mountains.
Oriental Hobby Falco severus
One seen perched on the Intapura logging road, Sorong.
Red-billed Brush-turkey Talegalla cuvieri #
Heard and seen briefly on Salawati and on the logging roads near Sorong.
Brown-collared Brush-turkey Talegalla jobiensis
E #
Heard at Nimbokrang.
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis
One seen in a rice padi at Aimas, Sorong.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Six in a padi at Aimas, Sorong; a number each morning at dawn on the road on Biak.
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala
At least eight in rice padi at Aimas, Sorong.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
One foraging on mudflats on a beach near Bosnik on Biak.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Two at Aimas, Sorong.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
One bird on the beach on Salawati.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Seen fairly regularly in low numbers at a number of sites – Sorong, Salawati,
Batanta, Biak and Lake Sentani.
Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes
One on a beach near Bosnik on Biak.
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
One bird in a rice padi at Aimas, Sorong.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
Up to twenty birds in rice padi at Aimas, Sorong.
Crested Tern Sterna bergii
The most common seabird off the coast of Sorong to Batanta.
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Up to six recorded on three days between Sorong and Batanta.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Very common over the rice padi and wetlands at Aimas; in lower numbers off Batanta.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Feral birds around Sorong, Biak and Jayapura.
Slender-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis
Recorded daily almost throughout on Batanta, Salawati, Sorong, Biak, the Arfaks,
Jayapura and Nimbokrang.
Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris
E
One bird with distinctly barred tail on Salawati.
Great Cuckoo-Dove Reinwardtoena reinwardtii
This is a really exciting bird mainly due to its unusual behaviour. We saw one
fabulous bird doing its roller coaster display over the forest at Warafi, Biak; another in
forest near Lake Sentani.
Stephan's Dove Chalcophaps stephani
One very brief view of a bird as it shot past us in forest at Nimbokrang.
Bronze Ground-Dove Gallicolumba beccarii
As we sat in the cramped, mosquito infested Western Parotia hide we were rewarded a
couple of times with views of other creatures, including this charming ground-dove as it
waddled across the dancing arena.
Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus
One seen briefly on Batanta.
Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus perlatus
E
A super scope view of this handsome bird from the road at Nimbokrang.
Ornate Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus ornatus ornatus
E
The poor light turned this into a tricky ID! Two of this distinctive Vogelkop
subspecies with the purple cap from the road in the Arfaks.
Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus aurantiifrons
E
One seen on the idyllic Senapang Island between Batanta and Sorong.
Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus
Two brief sightings – one at Gunung Meja Reserve near Manokwari and one at
Nimbokrang.
White-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus rivoli
This gorgeous fruit-dove was seen well through the scope a number of times on Biak and
once in the Arfak Mountains.
Yellow-bibbed Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus solomonensis
A total of three birds observed on two days on Biak.
Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus viridis
Another gorgeous fruit-dove seen a few times (and more often heard) on Biak and
Manokwari.
Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus iozonus
E
Very common on the Makbon Road, Sorong; abundant at Nimbokrang.
Spice Imperial-Pigeon Ducula myristicivora
Seen in good numbers on Senapang Island; two also recorded on Biak.
Purple-tailed Imperial-Pigeon Ducula rufigaster
E
We observed two of this rather atypical imperial-pigeon on Batanta near Wai Lebed
village.
Pinon Imperial-Pigeon Ducula pinon E
One of the most common and widespread pigeons we encountered, observed regularly at
Sorong, Batanta, Salawati, and Nimbokrang.
Zoe Imperial-Pigeon Ducula zoeae E
A very handsome bird, seen a couple of times at Nimbokrang.
Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa
Two seen in flight on Biak.
Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii
Common (and noisy) in the Arfak Mountains.
Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus
We were fortunate to encounter this very exciting bird quite regularly in the lowlands
– Sorong, Batanta, and Nimbokrang.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Encountered at forested sites throughout. Very common and conspicuous on Batanta in
particular.
Geelvink Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta geelvinkiana
This diminutive parrots are a real treat and we had superb studies of three on
this Geelvink Bay endemic in the Warafi forest on Biak.
Red-breasted Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta bruijnii
More great looks at this rather more widespread species in forest above our camp in
the Arfak Mountains.
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma
Two birds seen well in forest along the Makbon Road, Sorong.
Large Fig-Parrot Psittaculirostris desmarestii
E
Super scope views of this very handsome species also on the Makbon Road, Sorong.
Salvadori’s Fig-Parrot Psittaculirostris
salvadori
A real neck-breaker! One bird seen in a very tall, fruiting fig at Nimbokrang.
Modest Tiger-Parrot Psittacella modesta E
Neck-breaking looks of two birds as they foraged acrobatically in a fruiting tree in
forest above the Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi
One of the more common and widespread birds, recorded at all lowland sites.
Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus
Despite being quite common and widespread, it was always a treat to see this wonderful
large and raucous parrot.
Black Lory Chalcopsitta atra
Five flight in flight on the Makbon Road, Sorong; two at Depapre, north west of
Jayapura.
Brown Lory Chalcopsitta duivenbodei E
Two in flight at Nimbokrang.
Black-winged (Biak) Lory Eos cyanogenia
More often seen in flight but eventually we obtained fabulous scope views of two
birds feeding in a flowering tree in the Warafi area on Biak.
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
Seen in low numbers on Batanta, Biak Island and at Nimbokrang.
Black-capped Lory Lorius lory E
This very handsome parrot seen on Batanta, the Makbon Road, Sorong and at Nimbokrang.
Unfortunately it is also one of the most popular cage birds in West Papua.
Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis
These were the five very rapidly flying lorikeets showing a lot of red on the face and
body at Depapre, Jayapura.
Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii
E
Very common to abundant in thick forest in the Arfak Mountains.
Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus
More often heard than seen, we did have some nice scope views at Sorong and on Biak.
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis castaneiventris #
Although heard at a number of sites we never managed to track one down.
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus
Frequently heard at lowland sites, seen briefly when taped in near the camp in the
Arfaks.
Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx ruficollis
E
Great views of a single bird as we walked out of camp in the Arfak Mountains.
Long-billed Cuckoo Rhamphomantis megarhynchus
E
A single male bird with distinctive red eye-ring was seen in a fruiting tree near Wai
Lebed, Batanta.
Dwarf Koel Microdynamis parva E
Two birds heard and then attracted by playback in tall trees above the camp at
Nimbokrang.
Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala
More frequently heard, seen near Lake Sentani. Treated by some authorities as a
subspecies of E. scolopacea.
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
Two birds seen at Depapre, north west of Jayapura.
Greater Black Coucal Centropus menbeki E
One bird was seen in long grass on Batanta near the village; also heard at Nimbokrang.
Lesser Black Coucal Centropus bernsteini E
Seen near lake Sentani and at Nimbokrang.
Biak Coucal Centropus chalybeus #
Heard near Warafi on Biak but too shy!
Feline Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles insignis E
Fantastic views of this highly enigmatic species thanks to the remarkable skills of
Zeth, our local guide in the Arfaks.
Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis
Heard on Batanta and at Nimbokrang; then found in Jamil’s backyard but only
Elaine was brave enough to ford the dam in order to see it!
Papuan Nightjar Eurostopodus papuensis E
Seen briefly at dusk near the camp at Nimbokrang.
Glossy Swiftlet Aerodramus esculenta
Seen almost daily throughout.
Mountain Swiftlet Aerodramus hirundinacea E
Seen once in the Arfak Mountains.
Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis
Recorded regularly in the lowlands.
Papuan Needletail Mearnsia novaeguineae E
Great views of a number of birds one morning near our camp at Nimbokrang.
Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea
A few seen daily on Batanta, also at Warafi on Biak.
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea
One on Batanta, one bird gave us the run around at Depapre near Jayapura.
Variable Kingfisher Ceyx lepidus
One seen briefly at Nimbokrang.
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Dacelo gaudichaud
E
Commonly heard with a few excellent sightings at all lowland sites.
Blue-black Kingfisher Todiramphus nigrocyaneus
E
Surely one of the birds of the trip! This rarely seen bird afforded us great views as
it zipped past in response to the tape and then perched for extended views.
Hook-billed Kingfisher Melidora macrorrhina
E #
Heard at Nimbokrang.
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
One at Aimas near Sorong.
Yellow-billed Kingfisher Syma torotoro #
Frequently heard at Nimbokrang.
Common Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea
A sensational bird that allowed us close scope views on Batanta, frequently heard both
there and in Nombokrang.
Biak Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera riedelii
A total of three wonderful birds were seen on one day on Biak.
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Surprisingly, only seen once on Biak.
Blyth's Hornbill Aceros plicatus
Another of the area’s finest birds, which are fortunately quite common at most of
the lowland sites.
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Good but brief views of one bird as it responded to tape near the village on Biak;
heard on Biak and at Nimbokrang.
Red-bellied Pitta Pitta erythrogaster
Superb views of one bird in swamp forest on Salawati.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Literally hundreds seen at Aimas near Sorong; also common en route to Nimbokrang.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Quite common at most sites where often seen in open areas. A migrant species that
visits New Guinea during the northern winter.
Boyer's Cuckoo-shrike Coracina boyeri E
One was seen on the Mokbon Road near Sorong; up to six seen on one day near our camp
at Nimbokrang.
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
One bird seen in the village on Batanta.
Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris
Excellent close views of four birds – two male, two female – at Warafi on
Biak Island.
Papuan Cuckoo-shrike Coracina incerta E
One sighting at Syoubrig in the Arfak Mountains.
New Guinea Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melas E
Two on Batanta.
Black-browed Triller Lalage atrovirens E
Quite common in areas of open or disturbed habitat; up to 12 recorded daily on Biak
Island, four seen on one day at Nimbokrang.
Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster (introduced)
Two seen in scrub on Biak Island.
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis
One perched on a wire at Lake Sentani; one in long grass near the village of
Nimbokrang.
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta
This is essentially an Asian species that migrates to western New Guinea (the western
limit of its distribution) during the northern winter from early October to late April.
Two seen on Batanta; one on the Mokbon Road near Sorong.
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Common and conspicuous in all lowland, open habitats.
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Encountered at Batanta, Biak Island and Nimbokrang.
Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata E
A few seen in the Arfak Mountains.
White-bellied Thicket-fantail Rhipidura leucothorax
E
A difficult-to-see and skulking bird of thickets, as the name suggests, we tracked
down one or two birds in the swamp forest of Nimbokrang.
Black Fantail Rhipidura atra E
One of the commoner birds in the Arfak Mountains.
Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha E
Two records from the Arfak Mountains.
Rufous-backed Fantail Rhipidura rufidorsa E
One bird seen well at Nimbokrang.
Spot-winged Monarch Monarcha guttulus E
Two on Salawati, one at Nimbokrang.
Hooded Monarch Monarcha manadensis E
A total of four birds were recorded at Nimbokrang.
Golden Monarch Monarcha chrysomela E
It was a pleasure to find these stunning birds to be quite common on Biak Island and
at Nimbokrang.
Frilled Monarch Arses telescophthalmus
One or two seen daily on Batanta, Salawati and around Sorong.
Rufous-collared Monarch Arses insularis E
One seen briefly at Nimbokrang.
Biak Flycatcher Myiagra atra
A wonderfully responsive bird was seen very well near Warafi on Biak Island.
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto
Recorded on Salawati, Senapang Island, Mokbon Road near Sorong and at Nimbokrang.
Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus
E
Six of this great bird were seen on one day in the Arfak Mountains, two were recorded
on another day near our camp at Syoubrig.
Lesser Ground-robin Amalocichla incerta E
A wonderful ground-dwelling skulker that really gave us the runaround one memorable
morning at Lemon Hut!
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Only seen once at Nimbokrang.
Olive Flyrobin Microeca flavovirescens E
Two seen in a mixed flock in swamp forest on Salawati.
Canary Flyrobin Microeca papuana E
A couple encountered in the Arfak Mountains.
Black-sided Robin Poecilodryas hypoleuca E
One beautiful and cooperative bird was eventually tracked down on the island of
Salawati.
Black-throated Robin Poecilodryas albonotata
E
One bird seen well near Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Blue-grey Robin Peneothello cyanus E
Heard regularly in the Arfaks, where we also saw two birds in forest above our camp.
Ashy Robin Heteromyias albispecularis E
One seen in the Arfak Mountains above Lemon Hut.
Green-backed Robin Pachycephalopsis hattamensis
One of the many exciting endemics of the Arfak Mountains, one bird kept us on our
toes as we used tape to lure him a bit closer near our camp.
Mottled Whistler Rhagologus leucostigma E
Two seen well in the Arfak Mountains.
Dwarf Whistler Pachycare flavogrisea E
Two gorgeous birds were seen in a mixed flock on our walk out of the Arfak Mountains.
Rufous-naped Whistler Aleadryas rufinucha E
Neck-breaking views of this very unusual whistler in the Arfak Mountains above Lemon
Hut.
Vogelkop Whistler Pachycephala meyeri
One sighting of this rather drab endemic in the Arfak Mountains.
Sclater's Whistler Pachycephala soror E
Quite common and seen daily during our stay in the Arfak Mountains.
Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii E
Two super birds seen high above Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
One seen at the Wilson’s BoP lek on Batanta, two seen at Nimbokrang.
Rusty Pitohui Pitohui ferrugineus E
A couple were seen in forest on Batanta, quite common at Nimbokrang.
New Guinea Babbler Pomatostomus isidorei E
Two shy birds were seen very briefly in thick swamp forest at Nimbokrang.
Spotted Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa leucosticta
E
A gorgeous but skulking bird was seen on the ground in the thick forest high above
Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Orange-crowned Fairywren Clytomyias insignis
E
Two birds were seen coming into the Western Parotia lek near the Lemon Hut in the
Arfaks, also seen in forest understorey vegetation near the Lemon Hut.
White-shouldered Fairywren Malurus alboscapulatus
E
A bird that favours open scrub, seen in the garden at the Lemon Hut.
Emperor Fairywren Malurus cyanocephalus E
A real gem! We enjoyed super views of males and females near Warafi on Biak Island and
at Nimbokrang.
Rusty Mouse-warbler Crateroscelis murina E #
Heard on Batanta.
Mountain Mouse-warbler Crateroscelis robusta
E
Good but brief sightings of this annoyingly elusive species on two days in the Arfak
Mountains.
Vogelkop Scrubwren Sericornis rufescens
Very common and recorded daily in the Arfak Mountains.
Mountain (Grey) Gerygone Gerygone cinerea E
Two birds seen in the garden near the Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronotus
One on the Mokbon Road near Sorong.
Biak Gerygone Gerygone hypoxantha
Two recorded at Warafi on Biak Island.
NOTE: This species has recently been split by some
authorities from the following Yellow-bellied Gerygone G. magnirostris on the basis
of call. In retrospect this almost certainly the gerygone we observed on Biak.
Yellow-bellied Gerygone Gerygone chrysogaster
E
Quite common on Batanta, also seen at Nimbokrang.
Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris
Two birds with a nest recorded in swamp forest at Nimbokrang.
Brown-breasted Gerygone Gerygone ruficollis
E
Recorded daily in low numbers in the Arfak Mountains.
Papuan Treecreeper Cormobates placens E
A total of three birds were recorded on two days in the Arfak Mountains.
Black Sunbird Leptocoma aspasia
This little gem was seen in low numbers at Batanta, Biak Island, Lake Sentani and
Nimbkrang.
Yellow-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
Regularly recorded at all lowland sites.
Black Berrypecker Melanocharis nigra E
Three of the rather nondescript female birds were recorded on Salawati.
Yellow-bellied Longbill Toxorhamphus novaeguineae
E
One or two were recorded at Batanta, Biak Island and Nimbokrang.
Dwarf Longbill Toxorhamphus iliolophus E
One bird was seen very briefly above the camp at Syoubrig in the Arfaks.
Tit Berrypecker Oreocharis arfaki E
Two of this pretty species seen in the Arfaks near Syoubrig.
Olive-crowned Flowerpecker Dicaeum pectorale
A few in the Sorong area; also in the Arfak Mountains.
Red-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum geelvinkianum
E
Very common on Biak Island; a couple recorded in the Nimbokrang area.
Black-fronted White-eye Zosterops minor E
Interestingly, a lone bird responding very strongly to tape at the top of the Telekom
repeater station road.
Biak White-eye Zosterops mysorensis
Despite much searching we only found one flock of 15 or so birds at Warafi on
Biak.
Capped White-eye Zosterops fuscicapillus E
Very common in the Arfak Mountains.
New Guinea White-eye Zosterops novaeguineae
E
Six birds seen in a fruiting tree near the village of Mokwam in the Arfak Mountains.
Tawny Straightbill Timeliopsis griseigula E
A loose group of noisy birds at Depapre north of Jayapura.
Long-billed Honeyeater Melilestes megarhynchus
E
Seen and heard regularly in the north east near Lake Sentani and Nimbokrang.
Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii E
A huge and noisy congregation of more than 30 birds in a flowering bini (ironwood)
tree at Syoubrig in the Arfak Mountains.
Scrub Honeyeater Meliphaga albonotata E
One seen en route to Nimbokrang near Lake Sentani.
Puff-backed Honeyeater Meliphaga aruensis E
One seen on Biak Island.
Mimic Honeyeater Meliphaga analoga E
Seen on Batanta and Salawati.
Yellow-gaped Honeyeater Meliphaga flavirictus
E
One or two recorded at Nimbokrang
Varied Honeyeater Lichenostomus versicolor
Heard at the airport at Sorong; four seen on Senapang Island.
Plain Honeyeater Pycnopygius ixoides E
Two in a mixed feeding flock on the Mokbon Road near Sorong.
Meyer's Friarbird Philemon meyeri E
One seen at Nimbokrang.
New Guinea Friarbird Philemon novaeguineae
Seen and heard daily on Batanta; common at Nimbokrang.
NOTE: Helmeted Friarbird is sometimes split from New
Guinea Friarbird. This is the form usually found further south so it is probable that all
the large friarbirds we saw were P. novaeguineae.
Rufous-sided Honeyeater Ptiloprora erythropleura
One of the most common birds encountered in the Arfak Mountains.
Cinnamon-browed Melidectes Melidectes ochromelas
E
Only one bird seen at Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains.
Vogelkop Melidectes Melidectes leucostephes
Regularly heard but proved to be quite elusive, we saw three birds over three days
in the Arfak Mountains.
Arfak Honeyeater Melipotes gymnops
Another regular bird in mixed flocks in the Arfak Mountains.
Brown Oriole Oriolus szalayi E
This interesting friarbird mimic was seen a couple of times in the north in the
Jayapura area.
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Seen daily at all lowland sites - Batanta and Salawati, around Sorong, Biak Island,
Lake Sentani and Nimbokrang.
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus
Common in the north west – Sorong area, Batanta and Salawati.
Mountain Peltops Peltops montanus E
Super views of a couple of birds in the Arfak Mountains near Syoubrig.
Lowland Peltops Peltops blainvillii E
A couple of sightings at Nimbokrang.
Hooded Butcherbird Cracticus cassicus E
A common bird at all lowland sites and one of the typical sounds of the forest.
Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi
Four noisy birds seen on Salawati; one on the Mokbon Road, Sorong.
Glossy-mantled Manucode Manucodia atra E
Quite common around the Wai Lebed village on Batanta where a mximum of ten were
recorded on one day, also seen on the Mokbon Road, Sorong.
Jobi Manucode Manucodia jobiensis E
Probably this species at Nimbokrang.
NOTE: This and the previous species are very
difficult to differentiate especially if they are not calling, as was the case here.
However, I think that it is highly likely that the bird we saw was the Jobi, as it just
looked different, in other words, had a different jizz to the other manucodes we
had been seeing.
Long-tailed Paradigalla Paradigalla carunculata
Very arguably (given some of the birds seen), this was the bird of the trip! One
of the most restricted range and sought-after species in New Guinea, we enjoyed close,
long views of this really exciting bird twice in the Arfak Mountains. Once, at the
flowering bini tree near Syoubrig and once on that memorable morning above the Lemon Hut.
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
It was worth enduring an hour or more in the cramped, mosquito-infested hide in
order to see this incredible creature! Found only in the north west mountains, we were
treated to some spectacular views of both males and females. As we waited, the male came
into the dance ground a couple of times allowing close studies of his remarkable plumage.
Magnificent Riflebird Ptiloris magnificus #
Heard at Nimbokrang.
Black Sicklebill Epimachus fastuosus E
Another breathtaking bird of paradise allowing us close studies of its incredible
plumage and behaviour. Two male birds were seen well in tall trees high above Lemon Hut in
the Arfaks. What a beauty!
Pale-billed Sicklebill Epimachus bruijnii E
We were very fortunate to enjoy such great looks at this north west endemic in the
Nimbokrang area.
Superb Bird-of-paradise Lophorina superba E #
Heard a couple of times in the Arfak Mountains.
Wilson's Bird-of-paradise Cicinnurus respublica
What can you say about this one? Eventually this truly unbelievable bird treated
us to long views as he puffed and preened and called near his dance ground on Gunung
Batanta.
King Bird-of-paradise Cicinnurus regius E
My personal favourite bird of paradise - I just think he has a lot of character!
Neck-breaking views of this high canopy, active species at the lek tree at Nimbokrang.
Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise Seleucidis melanoleuca
E
Yet another absolute treat as we watched and photographed for over half an hour as a
very sexy male seduced a female at his display post in the Nimbokrang swamp forest.
Lesser Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea minor E
We saw one bird briefly on Salawati but later caught up with this species at
Nimbokrang where we saw up to two birds daily. A north New Guinea endemic.
Red Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea rubra
A very restricted range bird, found only on Batanta and Waigeo islands, we saw up to three
birds over three days in their tall lekking tree on Batanta.
Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris E
Two fabulous birds were taped in above the Lemon Hut in the Arfak Mountains. Great
stuff!
White-eared Catbird Ailuroedus buccoides E
In the hand views of one bird that was mist-netted by the research assistant we met at
Nimbokrang.
Spotted Catbird Ailuroedus melanotis
One seen on Batanta, many more heard in the Arfak Mountains.
Vogelkop Bowerbird Amblyornis inornatus
A rather elusive bird that is far more often seen than heard, we eventually came
to grips with more cooperative bird as we trekked out of the Arfak Mountains.
Flame Bowerbird Sericulus aureus E
A female bird was seen well on the logging road leading into the Arfaks.
Brown-headed Crow Corvus fuscicapillus
A possible record of two birds pursuing a raptor at the Telekom repeater station
road near lake Sentani.
Grey (Bare-faced) Crow Corvus tristis E
A few of this rather odd-looking bird almost daily on Batanta and at Nimbokrang.
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Daily on Batanta, around Sorong and on Biak Island.
Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica
Very common on Biak Island; also recorded on the Mokbon Road near Sorong.
Long-tailed Starling Aplonis magna
Abundant on Biak Island, where it is endemic to Biak and Numfor Island.
Yellow-faced Myna Mino dumontii
Regularly encountered on Batanta, Salawati and Nimbokrang.
Golden Myna Mino anais E
Four of this sensational species were seen on the Intapura logging road, Sorong.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Abundant wherever humans congregate!
Papuan Parrot-Finch Erythrura papuana E
One seen very briefly in thick forest above our camp at Syoubrig in the Arfak
Mountains.
Streak-headed Munia Lonchura tristissima E
Up to 30 birds seen feeding on grass heads on the roadside of the Intapura logging
road near Sorong.
233 species (10 heard only)
Mammals
Common Echymipera Echymipera kalubu
One seen while spotlighting near our camp at Nimbokrang.
Brown Dorcopsis Dorcopsis muelleri
Seemed to be quite common on Salawati.
Northern Brown Cuscus Phalanger
orientalis
One fabulous animal was spotlit near our camp at Nimbokrang.
Common Spotted Cuscus Phalanger maculatus
Heard only in the Arfak Mountains.
Large-scaled Melomys Melomys lanosus
It was fascinating to see this animal checking out the Western Parotia dance ground in
the Arfak Mountains.
Large Spiny Rat Rattus praetor
This was the large rat with the pale-coloured tail that crossed our path as we
ascended to the Wilson’s BoP dance ground on Batanta.
Big-eared Flying Fox Pteropus macrotis
Seen flying here and there in the Sorong area.
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus
We encountered a couple of pods as we crossed from Batanta to Salawati.
References
Beehler, B. M., T. K. Pratt & D. A. Zimmerman (1986) Birds
of New Guinea. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Coates, B. J. & W. S. Peckover (2001) Birds of New
Guinea and the Bismarck Archipeligo. A photographic Guide. Queensland: Dove
Publications
Flannery, T. (1995) Mammals of New Guinea. Reed
Books, Australia. |
Annotated West Papua Bird List
