The first leg of our extensive PNG 2010 tour was to Herowana in the Crater Mountain NP, Eastern Highlands. We were the first ‘tourists’ to visit this small mountain village for at least 9 years and all the villagers made us feel very welcome and were pleased to have us visit them. We were there from 7th – 13th June; we camped at 1600m for 3 nights with the remaining nights in the guesthouse next to the grass runway. The highlights were: Feline Owlet-Nightjar, Macgregor’s Bowerbird, Magnificent BoP, Carola’s and Lawes Parotias, Bicoloured Mouse Warbler, Rusty Whistler, Grey-green Scrubwren, Metallic Pigeon and Papuan Boobook.
Herowana tour participants:
Norman Williams
Carlton Collier
Robin Brace
From 14th June to 4th July we visited Varirata, Brown River, Tari Valley, Kumul Lodge, Tabubil, Kiunga and finally Kwatu Lodge. The highlights at Varirata included a prolonged daytime view of a territorial Hook-billed Kingfisher, White-bellied Whistler, an incredible flock of 25 Grand Munias, Barred Owlet-Nightjar and a pair of day roosting Papuan Frogmouths. In the Brown River area the goodies included a Common Paradise Kingfisher, Silver-eared Honeyeater and a pair of Spotted Whistling Ducks. The Tari Valley was rewarding as ever this year with Lawe’s Parotias being seen in much better number than last year, a pair of Archibold’s Nightjar, Mountain Kingfisher, Black Pitohui, stunning views of a male Wattled Ploughbill, Logrunner, Spotted Jewel Babbler, 2 Papuan Treecreeper, a pair of Hooded Cuckooshrikes as well as Blue, King of Saxony, Superb and Loria’s BoP’s, both Ribbon-tailed and Stephanie’s Astrapias, Brown and Black Sicklebills and a fine pair of Short-tailed Paradigalla.
A pair of Crested BoP’s were a major highlight at Kumul Lodge, even better was finding the female at the nest. A Mountain Owlet-Nightjar was spotlighted along a nearby trail and a family group of Chestnut-forest Rails were a pleasant sight feeding below the bird table. Nearby at Kama a pair of Streaked Berrypeckers was a prized find on returning from watching displaying Lesser BoP’s. Tabubil was our next destination and the birding was particularly good this year with 2 Greater Melampitta being seen, other goodies included 10 Carola’s Parotias, Salvadoris Teal and Papuan Hanging Parrots. A close pair of Shovel-billed Kingfishers taunted us by calling loudly above our heads but frustratingly just out of sight. A Long-billed Cuckoo was watched at length along Boystown road. Kwatu Lodge was our last stop on our standard tour and provided us with some of the most memorable sightings of the whole trip. Both Spangled and Wallace’s Owlet Nightjars were seen and photographed whist standing in the same spot, up to 6 New Guinea Flightless Rails were seen together – this was a truly amazing sight. Almost as amazing were a pair of New Guinea Bronzewings that we watched for 10 minutes displaying to each other, not to mention the male Flame Bowerbird at its bower and Southern Crowned Pigeons. Fantasy birding!!
Standard tour participants:
Norman Williams
Carlton Collier
Robin Brace
Paul Harvey
Nick Dymond
Dave Briddon
Lorraine Shaffer
Petter Zahl Markie
Our post trip extension took us to Huon and Normanby where we saw most of our target birds like Curl-crested Manucode, Huon Astrapia, Emperor and Goldie’s BoP’s. The displaying Wahne’s Parotia is a memory that will last with us forever, it’s a wonderful sight looking in on their secret world of courtship from such close range.
Huon participants:
Norman Williams
Carlton Collier
Robin Brace
Paul Harvey
Nick Dymond
Markus Lagerqvist
Henrik Lind
Check out WORLDBIRDERS PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2011
Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius
1 heard at Kwatu Lodge
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
A few seen at both Brown River and PAU
Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes
1 seen on our approach to Normanby Island
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
40+seen on the sea near Brown River
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
2 seen near Brown River
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
2 near Brown River
Great-crested Tern Sterna bergii
4 near Brown River
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Seen at both Brown River and PAU. 2 seen en route to Mt Hagen
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Seen at Varirata, Brown River and PAU
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
Over 100 seen in the Brown River estuary
Greater Frigatebird
1 with the Lesser Frigatebirds at the Brown River
Brown Booby
40+ seen near the Brown River
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
1 seen along the Elevala River
Great Egret Ardea alba
Seen at Varirata, Brown River, PAU and Kwatu Lodge
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Seen around PAU
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Seen at Varirata, Brown River and PAU
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Just 1 at PAU with small numbers seen at Brown River and Kwatu Lodge
Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra
3 at Brown River
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Seen at Varirata, Brown River, Lae and Alotao
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Only seen along the Elevala river
Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Just the 1 seen at East Cape, near Alotao
Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca
Only seen at Brown River
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
2 seen en route back from Varirata
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
10+ seen in wetlands near Port Morseby
Spotted Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna guttata
1 pair seen in wetlands near Port Morseby
Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni
1 at PAU, would appear to be the bird from last year
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata
30+ in wetlands near Port Morseby and good numbers at PAU
Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah
1 at PAU
Green Pygmy-Goose Nettapus pulchellus
20+ in wetlands near Port Morseby
Salvadori's Teal Salvadorina waigiuensis
1 eventually seen at Ok Menga
Gray Teal Anas gracilis
A pair seen in wetlands near Port Morseby
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Seen en route to Varirata, PAU and Brown River
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata
Seen at Varirata, Brown River, Tabubil and Kwatu Lodge
Long-tailed Honey-Buzzard Henicopernis longicauda
Only seen in small numbers at Tabubil, Kwatu Lodge and Satop, Huon
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
1 seen en-route to Mt. Hagen
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Seen at Goroka, Mt. Hagen, Satop and Alotao
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Seen at Brown River, PAU, Kwatu Lodge and Satop, Huon
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
This common raptor was seen at Goroka, Varirata, Brown River, PAU, Kumul Lodge, Kwatu Lodge, Satop and Alotao
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
1 seen on the Fly River near Tabubil
Eastern Marsh-Harrier Circus spilonotus
Just seen in the highland areas at Tari Gap and again en-route to Mt. Hagen
Swamp Harrier Circus approximans
Seen at lower elevations at Brown River and Port Morseby
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
Only seen at Varirata and Goroka
Variable Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
This commonly seen accipiter was seen at Brown River, Tabubil, Kwatu Lodge and a white example was seen at Satop, Huon
Black-mantled Goshawk Accipiter melanochlamys
Only 2 seen, 1 at Kumul Lodge and another at Satop, Huon
Meyer's Goshawk Accipiter meyerianus
Only 1 seen at Tari
Gurney's Eagle Aquila gurneyi
Just 1 seen at Varirata
Little Eagle Aquila morphnoides
Seen en route to Mt. Hagen and others seen at Tabubil and Satop, Huon
Oriental Hobby Falco severus
Only seen at Kumul Lodge
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
Just seen at Goroka and Port Morseby
Brown Falcon Falco berigora
3 seen at Satop, Huon
Black-billed Brush-Turkey Talegalla fuscirostris
More often heard than seen, although some of us managed to see 2 at Kwatu Lodge, otherwise heard only at Varirata
New Guinea Scrubfowl Megapodius affinis
Good views of a perched view near the mangroves near Brown River
Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt
1 on Duchess Island
Red-backed Buttonquail Turnix maculosus
4 seen alongside Kiunga airstrip
Chestnut Forest-Rail Rallina rubra
Wonderful views of a family of 3 feeding under the bird table at Kumul Lodge
Forbes’ Rail Rallina forbesi
Heard only at Tari
Red-necked Crake Rallina tricolor
One adult seen at Kwatu Lodge with a day old hatchling, the nest was found containing 3 eggs and 2 more chicks
Rufous-tailed Bush-hen Amaurornis moluccana
Heard only at Herowana and Tabubil
New Guinea Flightless Rail Megacrex inepta
Up to 6 seen near to Kwatu Lodge, found feeding in a large area of Sago swamp and was one of the highlights of the trip, seen 3 consecutive days
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Seen at PAU and en-route to Varirata
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa
Seen at both Brown River and PAU
Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
Fine views at PAU with others seen in wetlands near Port Morseby
Beach Thick-knee Burhinus magnirostris
A wonderful pair seen on the beach near Brown River
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
Seen at Varirata, Brown River and PAU
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Just the 1 seen in the quarry near Tabubil
New Guinea Woodcock Scolopax saturata
Seen well at Kumul Lodge (PVH, ND, PZM)
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
One seen on the beach near Brown River
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
A few around the beach near Brown River
Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Seen on the sea near Brown River
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Few near Brown River
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
Large numbers of Normanby
Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis
A pair of this rarely seen bird were seen and photographed at Herowana
Slender-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis
Commonly seen
Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris
Just seen at Varirata, Tari and at Kumul
Great Cuckoo-dove Reinwardtoena reinwardtii
Only seen at Tabubil and Satop, Huon
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Only a few seen at Brown River and Satop, Huon
Stephan's Dove Chalcophaps stephani
Only seen at Kwatu Lodge
New Guinea Bronzewing Henicophaps albifrons
One of the trip highlights was watching a pair in courtship display perched 3 metres up on a trail near Kwatu Lodge, occasionally heard as well. Found by sneaking up quietly after hearing them call, well spotted Petter!!
Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida
A common lowland species
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis
2 seen at PAU and 1 at Brown River
Nicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica
2 seen on the walk up to the Goldie’s BoP display area on Normanby
Bronze Ground-Dove Gallicolumba beccarii
3 seen at Satop, rarely seen well, as usual these were all flushed views
Thick-billed Ground-Pigeon Trugon terrestris
Seen at km17, Tabubil and heard at Kwatu Lodge
Pheasant Pigeon Otidiphaps nobilis
Heard at Herowana, 2 seen by some at Varirata and others heard at Satop,Huon
Southern Crowned-Pigeon Goura scheepmakeri
6 of these giants seen very well at Kwatu Lodge, another target bird seen well
Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus
Commonly hear in the lowands with small numbers being seen at Varirata, Boystown road and at Kwatu Lodge
Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus perlatus
Seen at Km 17, Kwatu Lodge and at Satop, Huon
Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus aurantiifrons
2 seen in the regular tree at PAU
Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus
A few seen at Varirata, Tabubil and at Kwatu Lodge
Beautiful Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus puchellus
Only seen behind on the trail Kwatu Lodge
Coroneted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus coronulatus
A few seen on Normanby
White-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus rivoli
Seen at Herowana, Tari and Satop, Huon
Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus iozonus
Several seen in the Brown River area and a Kwatu Lodge
Dwarf Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus nanus
Small numbers at Varirata, Boystown Road and Kwatu Lodge
Purple-tailed Imperial-Pigeon Ducula rufigaster
Excellent prolonged views of 1 at Varirata, others seen at Kwatu Lodge
Pinon Imperial-Pigeon Ducula pinon
2 seen at Satop, Huon
Collared Imperial-Pigeon Ducula mullerii
Several seen at Kwatu Lodge
Zoe Imperial-Pigeon Ducula zoeae
A common pigeon in PNG, seen at Herowana, Brown River, Tabubil, Km 17 and Kwatu Lodge
Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa
A few around Brown River with large numbers being seen on Huon and Normanby
Papuan Mountain-Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii
Another common pigeon of the mountains and sometimes in the lowlands
Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus
This wonderful parrot was seen at Herowana, Varirata and the best views were at Kwatu Lodge
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita
Seen in good numbers at Varirata, Tabubil, Kwatu Lodge and on Normanby
Yellow-streaked Lory Chalcopsitta sintillata
Only seen along Boystown road and at Kwatu Lodge
Dusky Lory Pseudeos fuscata
Not a common parrot with only a couple of sightings at Boystown Road and at Satop, Huon
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
A commonly seen bird
Goldie’s Lorikeet Psitteteles goldiei
Only seen at Kumul Lodge
Purple-bellied Lory Lorius hypoinochrous
Not uncommon on Normanby, some excellent views of perched birds were obtained
Black-capped Lory Lorius lory
Common
Straiated Lorikeet Chamosyna multistriata
Only seen near the Ok Menga tunnel on one morning where a group of 10 flew over, sadly missed by me , generally uncommon and seldom seen
Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis
Small numbers around Tabubil, Boystown Road and Kwatu Lodge
Fairy Lorikeet Charmosyna pulchella
6 seen at Satop, Huon
Papuan Lorikeet Charmosyna papou
Regularly seen at Tari and Kumul Lodge, also seen on Huon
Plum-faced Lorikeet Oreopsittacus arfaki
Only seen at Tari
Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii
Seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Pesquet's Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus
This much desired parrot was seen at Kwatu Lodge and 6 were seen at Satop, Huon where it was frequently encountered
Yellow-capped Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta keiensis
Seen around Tabubil and Boystown Road
Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta pusio
This tiny parrot was seen feeding on a trunk at Herowana and another perched bird at Varirata
Orange-breasted Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii
This beautiful parrot was seen well at Dablin Creek, Boystown Road and Kwatu Lodge
Double-eyed Fig Parrot Cyclopsitta diophtalma
Seen flying over at Kwatu Lodge and along Boystown Road
Brehm's Tiger-Parrot Psittacella brehmii
A regular on the bird table at Kumul Lodge with others being seen at Tari
Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi
A common lowland parrot
Blue-collared Parrot Geoffroyus simplex
Seen flying over at Dablin Creek, more often heard than seen, I have yet to see a perched one.
Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus
Another common parrot, seen at Varirata, Tabubil and Kwatu Lodge
Papuan King-Parrot Alisterus chloropterus
Seen in small numbers at Varirata, Tabubil and on Huon
Papuan Hanging-Parrot Loriculus aurantiifrons
A few fly over’s near Ok Menga tunnel and 1 seen at Kwatu Lodge
Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus
Common
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis castaneiventris
One was watched at length near the Ok Menga tunnel, others heard there
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus
One heard at Herowana with 1 seen at Brown River
Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx ruficollis
Only seen at Kumul Lodge
White-eared Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx meyeri
2 seen at Varirata with others being seen at Tabubil and Satop, Huon
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus
Only seen along the Boystown Road
Long-billed Cuckoo Rhamphomantis megarhynchus
Prolonged views of one at KM17, Kiunga.
White-crowned Koel Caliechthrus leucolophus
One seen at Herowana, with others heard at Varirata and Boystown Road. A very difficult to see species.
Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephalus
Heard at Tabubil, KM17, Kwatu Lodge and 3 heard at Satop, Huon
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
Seen at Brown River and Kwatu Lodge. An amazing site on Normanby was 50+ flying to roost.
Greater Black Coucal Centropus menbeki
Excellent views of 1 at Varirata with another seen at Kwatu Lodge
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus
Several seen at Varirata, Brown River, KM17 and Alatao
Lesser Black Coucal Centropus bernsteini
Heard at Tabubil and KM17, seen at Kwatu Lodge and at Satop, Huon
Greater Sooty-Owl Tyto tenebricosa
One seen at its day roost at Tari
Jungle Hawk-Owl Ninox theomacha
One spotlighted at Herowana with 2 others heard there, also heard at Tari, Kwatu Lodge.
Goldie’s (Jungle) Hawk Owl Ninox theomacha goldei
3 spotlighted on Normanby, at one time there were sat 2 together. Both its call and plumage are distinct from the mainland form.
Papuan Hawk Owl Uroglaux dimorpha
Heard at Kwatu Lodge
Feline Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles insignis
5 heard at Herowana with 1 spotlighted others heard at Tari and Kumul Lodge
Spangled Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles tatei
One spotlighted at Kwatu Lodge just 5 minutes after watching the Wallace’s and from standing in the same spot – a good spotlighting session
Wallace's Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles wallacii
One spotlighted at Kwatu Lodge, 2 heard
Mountain Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles albertisi
One spotlighted at Kumul Lodge, 2 heard
Barred Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles bennettii
One at its day roost at Varirata
Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus
One spotlighted at Kwatu Lodge
Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis
Pairs seen at their day roosts at Varirata, PAU and Tari with 2 spotlighted at Kwatu Lodge
Archbold's Nightjar Eurostopodus archboldi
A pair spotlighted at Tari
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus marrurus
One heard chonking at Tari
Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta
Common
Mountain Swiftlet Aerodramus hirundinaceus
Common, seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and at Satop, Huon
Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis
Common
Papuan Needletail Mearnsia novaeguineae
Seen at Kwatu Lodge and along Boystown Road
Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea
Seen at Herowana, 4 watched well at Dablin Creek also at KM17 and Kwatu Lodge
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Just 1 seen at Varirata, perched with an Azure Kingfisher
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea
Seen perched at Varirata and also near to Kwatu Lodge
Little Kingfisher Alcedo pusilla
1 seen near Kwatu Lodge
Variable Kingfisher Ceyx lepidus
Seen most days at Varirata including one that perched up allowing photographs
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii
Seen well near the Brown River
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Dacelo gaudichaud
Seen at Varirata, Boystown Road and commonly seen at Kwatu Lodge
Shovel-billed Kookaburra Clytoceyx rex
Frustratingly heard only around Ok Menga, 4 were heard in total, 2 sat calling just above us but were sitting to high up to be seen.
Sacred Kingfisher Todirhamphus santus
A commonly seen kingfisher in PNG, seen at Varirata, PAU, Brown River, Tabubil, Kwatu Lodge, Satop and on Normanby
Collared Kingfisher
Only 1 seen at the Brown River
Hook-billed Kingfisher Melidora macrorrhina
Wonderful prolonged views of 1 at Varirata, others heard at Tabubil, KM17 and Kwatu Lodge
Yellow-billed Kingfisher Syma torotoro
Seen well at Varirata, others seen at Brown River, Boystown Road and heard at Kwatu Lodge
Mountain Kingfisher Syma megarhyncha
One seen at Tari with several others heard there, 2 heard at Satop, Huon
Little Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera hydrocharis
Seen very well at Kwatu Lodge
Common Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea
1 watched in a patch of lowland forest between Brown River and Port Morseby, with another seen well at Kwatu Lodge
Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera danae
A pair seen at Varirata
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Seen at Varirata, Brown River and Kumul Lodge
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Commonly seen
Blyth's Hornbill Aceros plicatus
Seen at Dablin Creek, Kwatu Lodge and on Normanby
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
One watched at Kwatu Lodge feeding with a Blue Jewel-babbler, others heard at Tari and KM17
Red-bellied Pitta Pitta erythrogaster
Prolonged views of a perched bird at Kwatu Lodge
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Migrants seen at Varirata and Brown River
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
Common
Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
Only seen at Goroka
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaeseelandiae
Just seen at Brown River
Stout-billed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caeruleogrisea
Seen at Herowana, Varirata, Tari and Tabubil
Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata
Only seen at Varirata
Boyer's Cuckoo-shrike Coracina boyeri
Only seen at Varirata
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Only seen in the lowlands around Varirata and Brown River
Hooded Cuckoo-shrike Coracina longicauda
Photographed at Tari
Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris
Only seen at Goroka
Papuan Cuckoo-shrike Coracina incerta
One seen well at Dablin Creek
Grey-headed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina schisticeps
Only seen at Dablin Creek and along Boystown Road
Black Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaena
Just seen at Varirata
Black-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina montana
Seen at Herowana, Tari and Kumul Lodge
Golden Cuckoo-shrike Campochaera sloetii
Only seen at Kwatu Lodge
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela
Seen at Varirata, Kwatu Lodge and at Satop, Huon
Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus
Several around Tari Gap and around the feeder at Kumul Lodge
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis
Seen in grasslands near Varirata also near Brown River and along the airstrip at Satop
Island Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus poliocephalus
Just seen at Tari and at Satop
Papuan Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis
Few seen around Tari and Kumul Lodge, also seen on Huon
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
Common
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris
Several seen on this trip with sightings at Kumul Lodge, Tabubil, 3 on Huon and also on Normanby
Willie-wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Common
Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata
Common in the highlands
Chestnut-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hyperythra
Just seen at Varirata
Sooty Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura threnothorax
Heard at Varirata and seen briefly near Brown River
Black Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura maculipectus
Seen at the Brown River
White-bellied Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura leucothorax
Just seen at Tabubil and Kwatu Lodge
Black Fantail Rhipidura atra
Fairly common in the highlands with sightings at Herowana, Tari, Tabubil and on Huon
Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha
Few sightings, only seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and Satop, Huon
Rufous-backed Fantail Rhipidura rufidorsa
Only seen at Kwatu Lodge
Black Monarch Monarcha axillaris
Seen at Herowana, Tari and Satop, Huon
Black-winged Monarch Monarcha frater
2 males seen at Varirata with others seen at Tabubil, Boystown Road and on Huon
Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis
Several observations this year with sightings at Herowana, Varirata, Brown River, Huon and on Normanby
Spot-winged Monarch Monarcha guttulus
A regular in bird flocks with sightings at Varirata, Kwatu Lodge, Satop and on Normanby
Hooded Monarch Monarcha manadensis
Excellent views of 1 bird at Kwatu Lodge
Golden Monarch Monarcha chrysomela
A fine pair seen at Varirata with others seen along the Boystown Road and Kwatu Lodge
Frilled Monarch Arses telescophthalmus
Few seen at Varirata and Kwatu Lodge
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula
3 seen at Varirata
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto
Common along the rivers around Kwatu Lodge, also seen near Brown River
Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus
Seen at Herowana, Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus flaviventer
One male seen at Kwatu Lodge
Lesser Ground-Robin Amalocichla incerta
One seen and others heard at Tari
Torrent Flycatcher Monachella muelleriana
Seen neat Kumul Lodge and at Ok Menga
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster
Just the one seen at Varirata
Yellow-legged Flycatcher Microeca griseoceps
4 seen at Satop, Huon
Canary Flycatcher Microeca papuana
Regularly seen at Tari, Dablin Creek and at Satop, Huon
Garnet Robin Eugerygone rubra
Good views of a pair near to Kumul Lodge
White-faced Robin Tregellasia leucops
One seen at Herowana and 2 seen at Varirata
Mangrove Robin Eopsaltria pulverulenta
Only seen in the mangroves around Brown River
Black-sided Robin Poecilodryas hypoleuca
This stunning bird was seen along Boystown road and Kwatu Lodge
Black-throated Robin Poecilodryas albonotata
2 seen at Tari and also seen on Huon
White-winged Robin Peneothello sigillata
Seen at Tari and around the garden at Kumul Lodge
White-rumped Robin Peneothello bimaculatus
One seen at Dablin Creek and a pair at Satop, Huon
Blue-gray Robin Peneothello cyanus
Common at Tari, also seen on Huon
Ashy Robin Heteromyias albispecularis
Seen at Herowana
Northern Scrub-Robin Drymodes superciliaris
Stunning views of 1 at Herowana
Mottled Whistler Rhagologus leucostigma
Frustratingly only heard near Kumul Lodge, but we saw 4 at Satop, Huon
Dwarf Whistler Pachycare flavogriseum
Common at Herowana, others heard at Varirata
Rufous-naped Whistler Aleadryas rufinucha
Regulary seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Rusty Whistler Pachycephala hyperythra
One seen and photographed on Herowana, another seen at Dablin Creek
Brown-backed Whistler Pachycephala modesta
Seen at Herowana, Tari and on Huon
Gray-headed Whistler Pachycephala griseiceps
Only 1 seen at Kwatu Lodge
Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis
Only seen at Herowana and on Normanby
Sclater's Whistler Pachycephala soror
Seen at Tari and on Huon
Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii
Seen at Herowana, Tari, Kumul Lodge and at Satiop, Huon
Black-headed Whistler Pachycephala monacha
Just 1 seen at Dablin Creek
White-bellied Whistler Pachycephala leucogastra
3 seen on the entrance road to Varirata
Rufous Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha
Commonly seen at Herowana, Varirata, Tari and Kwatu Lodge
Hooded Pitohui Pitohui dichrous
Seen well at Varirata and on Huon, heard at Tabubil
White-bellied Pitohui Pitohui incertus
Just 2 seen at Kwatu Lodge
Rusty Pitohui Pitohui ferrugineus
Seen at Varirata and Tabubil
Crested Pitohui Pitohui cristatus
Heard at Herowana and Varirata
Variable Pitohui Pitohui kirhocephalus
Seen at Tabubil and Kwatu Lodge
Black Pitohui Pitohui nigrescens
Good views at Tari of a male perched low down showing its hook tipped bill with a female seen nearby
Wattled Ploughbill Eulacestoma nigropectus
Stunning views of a singing male at Tari Gap, others seen at Kumul Lodge
New Guinea Babbler Pomatostomus isidorei
Groups seen along Boystown road and a Kwatu Lodge
Northern Logrunner Orthonyx novaeguineae
A male watched singing at Tari
Painted Quail-Thrush Cinclosoma ajax
Seen at Varirata and a pair seen together at Kwatu Lodge
Spotted Jewel-Babbler Ptilorrhoa leucosticta
Excellent views at Tari and heard at Kumul Lodge
Blue Jewel-Babbler Ptilorrhoa caerulescens
Good views at Kwatu Lodge also seen at KM17
Chestnut-backed Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa castanonota
Seen at Varirata and heard at Herowana
Blue-capped Ifrita Ifrita kowaldi
Several seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Orange-crowned Fairywren Clytomyias insignis
A mobile and active pair seen near Kumul Lodge
White-shouldered Fairywren Malurus alboscapulatus
Common
Emperor Fairywren Malurus cyanocephalus
A fine pair seen well along Boystown Road
Rusty Mouse-Warbler Crateroscelis murina
Common
Bicoloured Mouse-Warbler Crateroscelis nigrorufa
2-3 seen at Herowana
Mountain Mouse-Warbler Crateroscelis robusta
One grey example seen at Herowana, others seen at Kumul Lodge and at Tari
Large Scrubwren Sericornis nouhuysi
Seen at Herowana and Kumul Lodge
Buff-faced Scrubwren Sericornis perspicillatus
Seen at Tari and Kumul Lodge
Papuan Scrubwren Sericornis papuensis
Several seen at Herowana, Tari, Dablin Creek and on Huon
Gray-green Scrubwren Sericornis arfakianus
One seen at Herowana
Pale-billed Scrubwren Sericornis spilodera
One at Herowana and another at Varirata
Grey Gerygone Gerygone cinerea
Only seen at Tari
Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota
Seen at Varirata, Tabubil and at Satop, Huon
Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa
Seen at Herowana, Varirata and on Huon
Yellow-bellied Gerygone Gerygone chrysogaster
Only seen at Varirata and Kwatu Lodge
Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris
One seen near Brown River and another at Kwatu Lodge
Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster
Only seen in mangroves near Brown River
Brown-breasted Gerygone
Seen at Tari
Black Sittela Neositta Miranda
A fine group of 6 were seen at Tari
Papuan Treecreeper Cormobates placens
2-3 seen well at Tari
Black Sunbird Leptocoma sericea
Seen at Tabubil, Kwatu Lodge, Boystown Road and Huon
Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
Just seen at Varirata and Brown River
Obscure Berrypecker Melanocharis arfakiana
Good views of 1 at Dablin Creek
Black Berrypecker Melanocharis nigra
Seen at Herowana, Varirata and on Huon
Mid-mountain Berrypecker Melanocharis longicauda
Seen at Herowana, Tari and at Satop, Huon
Fan-tailed Berrypecker Melanocharis versteri
Good views at Kumul Lodge, others seen at Tari and Huon
Streaked Berrypecker Melanocharis striativentris
A pair seen well at Kama and another showed very well and close at Satop, Huon
Spotted Berrypecker Melanocharis crassirostris
1 female seen by ML at Satop, Huon. We searched diligently for this species when we were on Huon as we were lead to believe they were ‘common’ by one trip report, however this is clearly not the case as other groups before and after us failed to find any.
Yellow-bellied Longbill Toxorhamphus novaeguineae
Only seen at Herowana and Kwatu Lodge
Slaty-chinned Longbill Toxorhamphus poliopterus
More abundant than the above species, being seen at Herowana, Tari and Satop, Huon
Pygmy Honeyeater Toxorhamphus pygmaeum
2 seen at Varirata and another at Tabubil
Tit Berrypecker Oreocharis arfaki
Groups seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and several sightings on Huon
Crested Berrypecker Paramythia montium
Seen at Tari Gap and at Kumul Lodge
Olive-crowned Flowerpecker Dicaeum pectorale
Common
Black-crowned White-eye Zosterops atrifrons
Photographed at Herowana, others being seen at Varirata and Dablin Creek
Capped White-eye Zosterops fuscicapilla
Only seen at Kama
New Guinea White-eye Zosterops novaeguineae
Seen at Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Louisiade White-eye Zosterops griseotinctus
An afternoon boat ride in very choppy seas from Normanby resulted in us all getting extremely wet but we eventually saw and photographed this rarely seen island endemic
Long-billed Honeyeater Melilestes megarhynchus
Good views of this nice looking honeyeater at Herowana, Kumul Lodge and Dablin Creek
Green-backed Honeyeater Glycichaera fallax
The only sighting was along Boystown road
Silver-eared Honeyeater Lichmera alboauricularis
Good views of this very active bird just outside Port Morseby
Red-throated Myzomela Myzomela eques
Good views along Ok Menga and another seen at Kwatu Lodge
Red Myzomela Myzomela cruentata
Only seen at Herowana
Mountain Myzomela Myzomela adolphinae
Seen at Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii
Fairly common with sightings at Herowana, Tari, Kumul Lodge and Satop, Huon
Forest Honeyeater Meliphaga montana
1 identified at Herowana
Mountain Meliphaga Meliphaga orientalis
Several sightings at Herowana, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Scrub Honeyeater Meliphaga albonotata
Just one seen at Dablin Creek
Puff-backed Honeyeater Meliphaga aruensis
Only seen at Kwatu Lodge
Mimic Honeyeater Meliphaga analoga
The commonest meliphaga, seen at Herowana, Varirata, Brown River and Tabubil
Black-throated Honeyeater Lichenostomus subfrenatus
Only seen at Satop, Huon
Graceful Honeyeater Meliphaga gracilis
Only seen at Varirata and Kwatu Lodge
Varied Honeyeater Lichenostomus versicolor
The only sighting was at Alatao
Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus flavescens
3 seen in Port Morseby
Tawny-breasted Honeyeater Xanthotis flaviventer
Seen at Tabubil, Boystown road Kwatu Lodge and on Huon
Spotted Honeyeater Xanthotis polygrammus
Singles seen at Herowana and at Satop
White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis
Only seen at Varirata
Plain Honeyeater Pycnopygius ixoides
One seen along Boystown Road
Marbled Honeyeater Pycnopygius cinereus
Seen at Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
Streak-headed Honeyeater Pycnopygius stictocephalus
Just 2 seen along Boystown road
Meyer's Friarbird Philemon meyeri
A few seen along Boystown Road
Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides
Common
Rufous-backed Honeyeater Ptiloprora guisei
Good views at both Tari and on Huon
Black-backed Honeyeater Ptiloprora perstriata
Common at Tari and Kumul Lodge
Cinnamon-browed Melidectes Melidectes ochromelas
3-4 seen eventually on Huon
Belford's Melidectes Melidectes belfordi
Common
Yellow-browed Melidectes Melidectes rufocrissalis
Only seen at Tari
Ornate Melidectes Melidectes torquatus
This fine looking bird was seen at Kumul Lodge, Dablin Creek and on Huon
Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus
Common in the highlands
Spangled Honeyeater Melipotes ater
Several seen on Huon
Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis
Singles seen at Varirata and Brown River with 3 being seen at PAU
Brown Oriole Oriolus szalayi
A lowland species
Green Figbird Sphecotheres viridis
Only seen at PAU and Brown River
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Seen on the overland drive to Kumul Lodge and a few around Tari
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus
Common in the lowlands
Torrent-Lark Grallina bruijni
Excellent prolonged views of 1 at Ok Menga
Great Woodswallow Artamus maximus
Only seen in the highlands around Tari, Kumul Lodge and on Huon
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus
Common in the lowlands
Mountain Peltops Peltops montanus
Several seen at Herowana, others seen at Tabubil and on Huon
Lowland Peltops Peltops blanvilii
One seen along the Boystown road
Black-backed Butcherbird Cracticus mentalis
Seen at Varirata and PAU
Hooded Butcherbird Cracticus cassicus
Commonly seen at Varirata, Tabubil, Boystown road, Kwatu Lodge and on Huon
Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi
Seen at Herowana, Tari, Tabubil and along Boystown road
Loria's Bird-of-Paradise Cnemophilus loriae
Good views of feeding birds at Tari
Crested Bird-of-Paradise Cnemophilus macgregorii
Stunning views of a male at Kumul Lodge was one of the trip highlights, a female was found nearby attending a nest
Glossy-mantled Manucode Manucodia ater
Seen at Kwatu Lodge
Crinkle-collared Manucode Manucodia chalybatus
6 seen on Huon and others seen along Boystown road
Curl-crested Manucode Manucodia comrii
By far the best looking Manucode, common on Normanby
Trumpet Manucode Manucodia keraudrenii
Seen at Herowana and Boystown Road
Short-tailed Paradigalla Paradigalla brevicauda
A pair watched feeding at Tari
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia Astrapia mayeri
Excellent views at Tari, otheres seen on the feeder at Kumul Lodge
Princess Stephanie's Astrapia Astrapia stephaniae
Good views of several individuals at Tari
Huon Astrapia Astrapia rothschildi
Not uncommon at Satop, several prolonged views of birds feeding on fruits
Carola's Parotia Parotia carolae
Many sightings this year, 1 male and 3 females at Herowana and 10+ at Dablin Creek
Lawes' Parotia Parotia lawesii
Excellent views of a male at Herowana,also seen at Tari
Wahnes' Parotia Parotia wahnesi
A male watched with 3 females from a hide at Satop,Huon. It is an unforgettable experience watching a male displaying so close for so long, a major trip highlight
King-of-Saxony Bird-of-paradise Pteridophora alberti
Prolonged views of calling birds at Tari others seen around Kumul Lodge
Magnificent Riflebird Ptiloris magnificus
Heard along Boystown Road and Kwatu Lodge
Eastern Riflebird Ptiloris intercedens
1 male and 3 females seen well at Varirata and 5 seen on Huon
Superb Bird-of-Paradise Lophorina superba
Several sightings at Herowana, with others seen at Tari, Dablin Creek and on Huon
Black Sicklebill Epimachus fastuosus
Good views of 1 at Tari
Brown Sicklebill Epimachus meyeri
Common at Kumul Lodge also several seen at Tari
Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise Cicinnurus magnificus
3 females with 1 male watched displaying in a fruiting fig tree at Herowana, the females were seen feeding the male all were then flushed by 2 female Carola’s Parotia and a female Superb BoP – a very active tree. A female was seen at Varirata, 2 males at Kama and a female at Satop, Huon.
King Bird-of-Paradise Cicinnurus regius
Male and a female in a display tree at Kwatu Lodge, many peoples favourite BoP
Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise Seleucidis melanoleucus
2 males seen at Kwatu Lodge
Lesser Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea minor
3-4 males displaying at Kama with a few females in attendance
Greater Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea apoda
Watched displaying along Boystown road
Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea raggiana
An amazing show of displaying males at Varirata, other displays were seen at Herowana and Boystown Road
Goldie's Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea decora
2 males seen on Normanby
Emperor Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea guilielmi
6 males and 3 females in the display tree at Satop.
Blue Bird-of-Paradise Paradisaea rudolphi
The showman performed very well again for us at Tari, a truly wonderful site – watched until we all had our fill
Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris
Seen well at Tari gap, heard at Kumul Lodgae and on Huon
Greater Melampitta Melampitta gigantea
2 different individuals seen at Dablin Creek. The first one showed some brown on the underparts, this bird was heard singing for many minutes and responded to playback allowing almost the whole group to see it. The second one was seen after scrambling up the hillside, this bird crept in quietly and then jumped up no less than 5 metres from us and flew very close in front of us, all the time its big beady eye was watching us. Not the regular view of a Greater Melampitta, it looked really crow like in flight with its large bill and scruffy long tail, this one was completely black plumaged.
Spotted Catbird Ailuroedus melanotis
One seen on Kwatu Lodge
White-eared Catbird Ailuroedus buccoides
Heard at Herowana and seen well at Satop, Huon
Sanford's Bowerbird Archboldia sanfordi
One bird visited the feeding table at Kumul Lodge
Macgregor's Bowerbird Amblyornis macgregoriae
Seen at 2 bowers at Herowana and another seen near its bower at Tari
Flame Bowerbird Sericulus aureus
A stunning male seen visiting its bower at Kwatu Lodge, also seen along Boystown Road
Yellow-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera lauterbachi
3-4 seen near Kama
Fawn-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera cerviniventris
The commonest bowerbird with sightings at PAU and Varirata
Torresian Crow Corvus orru
Common in the lowlands
Grey Crow Corvus tristis
Seen at Varirata, Tabubil and Kwatu Lodge
Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica
Common
Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides
Seen at PAU and Brown River
Yellow-faced Myna Mino dumontii
Common
Golden Myna Mino anais
Only seen at Kwatu Lodge
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen around Port Morseby
Tree Sparrow
Few around Port Morseby
Mountain Firetail Oreostruthus fuliginosus
Several seen around Kumul Lodge
Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythura trichroa
2 seen on Huon
Grand Munia Lonchura grandis
One of the highlights of the trip was finding 25+ of these beauties, normally you are lucky to see one.
Hooded Munia Lonchura spectabilis
Few around Tari
Gray-headed Munia Lonchura caniceps
Good numbers near Varirata
Chestnut-breasted Munia Lonchura castaneothorax
Seen at Alotao