SULAWESI & HALMAHERA - Birdquest -SULAWESI- REP 13... · kingfisher included the cracking little...

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Sulawesi & Halmahera 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com

Moluccan Scrubfowl on its breeding beach in northern Halmahera (Craig Robson)

SULAWESI & HALMAHERA

7 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2013 LEADER: CRAIG ROBSON

The latest Birdquest tour to Sulawesi and Halmahera was packed with superb highlights, amongst a total of 270 species. The bird of the trip was the fantastic Blue-faced Rail that we were shown in north Sulawesi, but we also enjoyed good views of Geomalia, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Purple Dollarbird, Great Cuckoo-dove, Moluccan King Parrot, Moluccan Scrubfowl, and the amazing Maleo and Standardwing Bird of Paradise. Halmahera Leaf-warbler was seen for the first time by Birdquest. A total of 13 species of nightbird were encountered, and we had good looks at all of them, including the tricky Sulawesi Nightjar. Our 13 species of kingfisher included the cracking little Sulawesi Dwarf and mega Great-billed. Other stand-out birds were a frog-hunting Small Sparrowhawk, Dusky Scrubfowl on a nest-mound, Oberholser’s and Scarlet-breasted Fruit-doves (the former split from Maroon-chinned), Small Sulawesi (or Pygmy) Hanging-parrot, Purple-


bearded Bee-eater, Ivory-breasted Pitta, Piping Crow, scope views of Paradise Crow, Malia, Great Shortwing, Red-backed and Sulawesi Thrushes, Matinan Flycatcher, Hylocitrea (formerly Yellow-flanked Whistler), Maroon-backed Whistler, and Sulawesi Crested Myna. Among the mammals, the scope views that we had of a napping family of Bear Cuscus stands out.

This year’s tour began with our group gathering-up at our hotel in Makassar (Ujung Pandang). Predawn the following morning, we drove out of town and headed for the nearby limestone hills of the Karaenta Forest. Here the endemic Black-ringed White-eye performed for us soon after we had eaten our breakfast at the roadside and, as the forest awoke, we enjoyed nice scope views of Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, as well as our first Sulawesi Babblers, Yellow-sided and Grey-sided Flowerpeckers, and a hefty Moor Macaque. At the foot of the hills we found a very confiding Ruddy Kingfisher and Pale Blue Monarch, while nearby fields produced White-shouldered Trillers and an unexpected Streaked Weaver - presumably of captive origin. We proceeded to the airport in time to take a domestic flight to Palu in north-central Sulawesi, from where we set off on the journey up to the Lore Lindu National Park, and our new lodgings at nearby Wuasa.

Roosting Heinrich’s Nightjars at Lore Lindu National Park (Craig Robson)

Our accommodation was within easy reach of Lore Lindu’s montane forests, and on our first morning was spent taking a steady walk up the now well-known Anaso Track. A lively dawn period at the start of the track brought a string of Sulawesi specialities. We got off to a flying start with the often hard-to-find Great Shortwing making an early and relatively good showing, while a nearby bird-wave included not only the highly unusual Malia and Sulawesi Thrush, but also a small foraging group of Hylocitreas (formerly Yellow-sided Whistler). Along the lower reaches of the trail, Red-eared Fruit-dove showed nicely and we had prolonged views of the lovely Purple-bearded Bee-eaters that nest in the steep eroded banks flanking this former road. Reaching some forest openings, our local guide soon found us a superb pair of roosting Heinrich’s Nightjars. A rather confiding perched Small Sparrowhawk was a very welcome surprise, and as we gained altitude we encountered first Lesser and then Greater Sulawesi Honeyeaters. There were several encounters with Chestnut-backed Bush-warbler, Sulawesi Leaf-warbler, Blue-fronted Flycatcher and Rusty-bellied Fantail. The skies had been broody all morning and, not long after lunch, it began to rain and our birding at higher levels was cut-short for the rest of the day. Scanning for a while at the lower levels, we saw our first Purple Needletails over the surrounding ridges. Early the next morning we worked the highest roadside forest. Just before dawn broke we easily located two highly vocal Cinnabar Boobooks and had


some great views. The rest of the early morning and the evening saw us explore this area and nearby Lake Tambing, with other highlights including Superb Fruit-dove, perched Yellow-and-green Lorikeets, Pygmy Cuckoo-shrike, the highly unusual Piping Crow, and lots of Fiery-browed Starlings and Sulawesi Myzomelas. Lower level forests brought perched views of Barred Honey-buzzard, Sulawesi Serpent-eagle and Sulawesi Hawk-eagle, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, some very blue-looking Caerulean Cuckoo-shrikes, our only Sulawesi Cicadabird of the trip, a nice singing male Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, and our first scope views of Sulawesi Crested Myna and Ivory-backed Wood-swallow. Our third full day at Lore Lindu saw us return to the Anaso Track. We ascended in good time and were all rewarded by brilliant views of a Geomalia, first standing motionless by the now narrow path, eyeing us up, and then gently bounding in front of us in typical thrush style. A great moment. The rest of the morning paled into insignificance somewhat, but we did get much better looks at Greater Sulawesi Honeyeaters in an amazing flower-tree, scope views of Small Sparrowhawk, an encounter with a highly responsive Maroon-backed Whistler, and some rather brief looks at several Blue-faced Parrotfinches in a bird-wave. Overcast conditions and low cloud again cost us birding time later on.

The tiny but fierce-looking Small Sparrowhawk (Craig Robson)

Henry, who unfortunately couldn’t accompany us up the track, chipped-in with Spot-tailed Goshawk and Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker near Lake Tambing. Our last day at Lore Lindu saw us exploring various altitudes. Predawn owling brought extremely close views of Speckled Boobook, while our exploits after dark resulted in great views of a Sulawesi Masked Owl. In the forest we struggled to get good views of Spot-tailed Goshawk and Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker. An afternoon excursion to some ricefields across the valley from our accommodation turned up a few species of note. Our local guide Idris did a great job of working the wetter areas for us, with some nice flight views of Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake and, best of all, several Greater Painted-snipe - a rarity in the Sulawesi subregion. Several Dusky Moorhens were also good, as were some perched Ornate Lorikeets. After a couple more hours birding the following morning, we headed back to Palu to get our connecting flight back to Makassar. Unfortunately the flight was delayed, costing us our much anticipated visit to Makassar fishponds. We did our best but arrived just as darkness fell. The small number of Black-crowned Night-herons that we found there were scant consolation, but a write-in for the tour, and Savanna Nightjars were all over the place. Early the following morning, we flew to the north Moluccan island of Ternate, were transported to the harbour, and then rode a boat to Sidangoli on Halmahera. It was a pleasant crossing with nice views of a Bulwer’s


Petrel winging down the middle of the channel, and some flotsam-riding Aleutian Terns. Reaching the far shore, a good scan of the mangrove fringe revealed a handful of smart Beach Kingfishers and a Common Dollarbird; while low tide rock exposures supported Pacific Golden Plover and Greater Crested Terns. Met at the harbour by comfortable cars, we enjoyed lunch before setting off on the relatively long drive, albeit it on very good roads, to the north Halmaheran town of Tobelo. A few stops along the way brought our first immaculate White Cockatoo and a stooping Gurney’s Eagle. We arrived at the hotel in good time and, after an early dinner, drove to a remote coastal village where we were met by local guides. A walk through coconut groves under cover of darkness, and then a punt along a mangrove channel was our method of reaching one of the world’s best-known breeding beaches for the poorly known Moluccan Scrubfowl. Clouds cleared, the moon shone, and the scrubfowl revealed itself to us all, at ridiculously close quarters. Are they taking more care of the colony these days?

White Cockatoo at Foli, Halmahera (Craig Robson)

Having succeeded with the scrubfowl in the early evening, we were able to get to bed at a ‘normal’ time, and then set off fairly early the next day down to Daru, from where we took a sort of ‘ethnic’ boat across the bay to Foli. There were quite a few birds on the crossing, including numbers of Bridled Terns, but the movement of the vessel made a steady view all but impossible. The only available accommodation at Foli may be primitive, but this is more than made up for by the amazing birdiness of the area. Brush Cuckoo, Sacred Kingfisher and Slaty Flycatcher entertained us in the garden and, even during the early afternoon hours, there was a constant stream (if not deluge) of new and interesting species for us. Pigeons and parrots took centre-stage, with Brown Cuckoo-dove, Blue-capped and Grey-headed Fruit-doves, Spectacled, Cinnamon-bellied and Pied Imperial Pigeons, White Cockatoo, Eclectus, Red-cheeked and Great-billed Parrots, and perched Violet-necked Lories, Red-flanked Lorikeets and Moluccan Hanging-parrots. A singing Moluccan Cuckoo was good, but could not be tempted into view, while noisy Goliath Coucals on the other hand, showed really well, and we saw our first Blue-and-white Kingfisher, as well as many noisy Blyth’s Hornbills. Passerines are relatively few in this part of the world, but we found White-bellied and Halmahera Cuckoo-shrikes, Rufous-belied Triller, Northern Golden Bulbul, Spangled Drongo, Dusky-brown Oriole, Paradise Crow, White-naped Monarch, Moluccan and Metallic Starlings, White-streaked Friarbird, Black Sunbird, Cream-throated White-eye, and Black-faced Munia. Before we knew it, the sun was down, so we headed to a likely spot for nightbirds. Two very vocal Moluccan Owlet-nightjars soon started giving their frogmouth-like calls, and it wasn’t long before we got some fantastic views illuminated by the spotlight. Further along the road we tracked down a Halmahera Boobook (split from Moluccan) and enjoyed similarly great views, this time a scope-filler. Early the next morning we were taken to the latest Standardwing Bird of Paradise lek site, and positioned ourselves among the trees while it was still dark. As the forest awoke we were treated to a


great show. There was just a single male at first, tumbling onto exposed perches with fanned wings and splayed trimmings, but he was later joined by another male that he had to see-off. The show lasted for the best part of an hour, and we left well satisfied with a unique experience. The rest of our time at Foli was spent seeking-out the remaining north Moluccan specialities that we hadn’t seen. Other good birds in the vicinity of the standardwing lek included both Common Paradise and Sombre Kingfishers, Drab Whistler, and

The superb Great Cuckoo-dove (Craig Robson)

Halmahera Flowerpecker (split from Flame-breasted), while not much further along the main track, we had very nice looks at a sultry Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove, and the hefty Ivory-breasted Pitta put in some good, though rather brief appearances. The more distant reaches of the old logging track brought a smart Rufous Night-heron, a fly-by Moluccan Goshawk, impressive Gurney’s Eagles, our first encounter with a Dusky Scrubfowl inside the forest, some great views of Chattering Lory, the first looks at the rather uncooperative Sombre Kingfisher, the local form of Common Cicadabird, whacky Long-billed Crows, a couple of Moluccan Monarchs (split from Spectacled), and a cracking male Black-chinned Whistler (split from Common Golden). Further owling activities were adversely affected by rain, which cost us a considerable amount of birding time, but we did get good views of Moluccan Scops-owl on a predawn sortie. Despite this wet weather, our biggest stroke of luck probably occurred when we were sheltering from a shower, as a nice Purple Dollarbird chose to hang-out on an exposed branch next to our hiding place! From Foli, we drove for less than an hour to some considerably more comfortable accommodation at Subaim. From here, we drove down the well-surfaced Buli Road, to a large area of forest which leads up to a pass at 545m elevation. A combination of the forest quality and relatively high altitude at the site meant that there were some considerable differences in the avifauna to what we had encountered at Foli. Not only did we get great views of a displaying then perched Great Cuckoo-dove, and several superb Moluccan King Parrots, but we also found a singing Halmahera Leaf-warbler (split from Island), which was a new one for the Birdquest life list. We had brilliant views of a very responsive male Standardwing Bird of Paradise and also got scope views of Paradise Crow, which was quite common here. Inside the forest close to the road, we stumbled across a Dusky Scrubfowl nest-mound and had nice views of a bird that came in to investigate our intrusion. Other good birds were Black and Gurney’s Eagles, Halmahera Swiftlet (split from Moluccan), the immaculate Moustached Treeswift, very good numbers of Dusky Myzomelas (or honeyeaters), and more Halmahera Flowerpeckers.


After finishing-up near Subaim, we had about a three-hour drive to Sidangoli, from where we took a boat back across the straits to Ternate. A brief exploration of a lake south of town produced little of note, but we enjoyed a relatively luxurious overnight stay. Early the next morning we took a flight to Manado and then drove through the northern arm of Sulawesi to Kotamobagu. Along the way we found a variety of open country species, including Javan Pond-heron, Cinnamon Bittern, Spotted Kestrel, Sunda Teal, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, and Black-faced, Scaly-breasted and Chestnut Munias. We arrived at our hotel in good time, and then continued on to Tambun, home of the amazing Maleo. A Spotted Harrier entertained us during the journey and on arrival, we were met by experienced local guides. Despite the heat of the afternoon, a male Maleo was soon located and we scoped this amazing creature as it spied us from a secluded tree branch. The same trail also produced our first Blue-breasted Pitta and Red-backed Thrush. The prize of the afternoon however was the incredible Blue-faced Rail that our guides showed us, a species that has perhaps never been seen so well as in 2013. It certainly felt like a unique experience as we watched it foraging along a leafy trail in full view, for about half an hour.

A male Maleo at Tambun (Craig Robson)

The next morning began with a very early departure, this time for another mountain, Gunung Ambang. The last part of our ascent, as we followed our local guide, was along a narrow trail in the dark, finally reaching the point where we hoped to find Scaly-breasted Kingfisher. As the light came up slowly, two birds began giving their post-roost calls. Fortunately, we must have been well-positioned this year, as they continued calling for a long time, allowing us to track them both down and get some very nice views; the first (a presumed female) spotlit, and the male sitting furtively but on an exposed branch in full view. After enjoying the kingfisher, a species that can be a right pain to see, we continued up for the localized Matinan Flycatcher. This rather demure but none-the-less interesting jungle-flycatcher (misplaced in Cyornis) was quickly forthcoming, with two seen well just above us. After the flycatcher, we made great efforts to see a calling Sombre Pigeon which somehow eluded us. A calling Vinous-breasted Sparrowhawk also frustrated us, although Heidi did see an Accipiter gliding across the forested valley. There were plenty of other interesting


birds, with local forms of Red-eared Fruit-dove, Malia and Sulawesi Babbler, as well as Yellow-billed Malkoha, Bay Coucal, Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Ashy Woodpecker, Caerulean Cuckoo-shrike, Sulawesi Drongo, Chestnut-backed Bush-warbler, Rusty-bellied Fantail, Fiery-browed Starling, Lesser Sulawesi Honeyeater, and Sulawesi Leaf-warbler.

A female Green-backed Kingfisher (Craig Robson)

After lunch at the guide’s house, we drove to Toraut and our accommodation at Dumoga Bone National Park, situated right at the forest edge. We paused at a roadside marsh en route, and were pleased to find several Dusky Moorhens, Black-backed Swamphens, White-browed Crakes, and Yellow and Cinnamon Bitterns, as well as a Red Collared Dove and several Sacred Kingfishers. On arrival at our lodgings, we were shown a neat Speckled Boobook roosting in a derelict building, before we headed across the river to see what we could find in the lowland forest remnants. Three Spotted Harriers were looking for a place to roost and Isabelline Bush-hen performed incredibly well at the forest edge. We had our first views of Green-backed Kingfisher sitting quietly on a branch, and some of our best looks at Purple-winged Roller. Three Pied Cuckoo-shrikes performed really well. During our stay at Toraut, we spent quite a bit of time birding a road through forest patches at Tapakolintang. A couple of dawn starts at nice vantage points delivered Small Sulawesi (or Pygmy) Hanging-parrot, along with the much commoner Large Sulawesi (or Great), multiple good sightings of Yellow-breasted Racquet-tails, numerous Knobbed Hornbills, our first views of striking White-necked Mynas, and further distant scope views of Sulawesi Crested Myna. Other highlights along this road were a scoped Jerdon’s Baza, a glimpsed calling Spot-tailed Goshawk, Sulawesi Hawk-eagle, a brilliant Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, many Sulawesi Trillers and Ivory-backed Wood-swallows, and some great views of the local form of Crimson Sunbird. Further exploration of the forest remnants close to our accommodation brought a dozing riverside Lesser Fish-eagle, a couple of noisy Spot-tailed Goshawks, and a superb calling Oberholser’s Fruit-dove (split from Maroon-chinned). After dark, our considerable efforts were rewarded with great views of a Sulawesi Scops-owl glaring down at us. During another afternoon visit to Tambun, we were treated to even better scope views of a different male Maleo, our first looks at Sulawesi Black Pigeon, flocks of Grosbeak Starlings, and brilliant views of a superb pair of Red-backed Thrushes going to roost. Roadside marshes held a large flock of Wandering Whistling-ducks.


We finished the tour proper at Tangkoko National Park, after a longish drive from Toraut. We arrived in time for some initial birding from a viewpoint overlooking forested volcanic mountains, where we met our chief local guide Bobby. The late afternoon was excellent for pigeons and we had scope views of White-bellied, Green and Silver-tipped Imperials, as well as the more familiar Grey-cheeked Green-pigeons. A scoped juvenile Sulawesi Goshawk was partially hidden. As darkness approached, we headed off to a site for the tricky Sulawesi Nightjar, and were rewarded with good spotlit flight views at fairly close range. Our full day at Tangkoko, supported by a team of experienced guides, was an eventful one. In the morning we enjoyed fantastic views of two different roosting Ochre-bellied Boobooks, some rather tame Philippine Scrubfowl, and

Roosting Ochre-bellied Boobook at Tangkoko (Craig Robson)

more Green-backed Kingfishers. One of the guides found a fearsome Wagler’s Palm-viper, while Bobby did well to spot a dozing family of three Bear Cuscus. We also had close encounters with the endangered Sulawesi Crested Macaque. An afternoon boat trip to a mangrove-fringed river mouth made a pleasant change to forest birding. The tide was very low, but once the boatmen got our boats over the sandbanks, we slipped along the creak until the magnificent Great-billed Kingfisher popped into view. It was very tame and confiding this year, and we also enjoyed close encounters with Grey-tailed Tattler and White-rumped Cuckoo-shrike, as well as more distant Lesser Frigatebirds, Great-billed Heron, Eastern Osprey (split by some), and a resident form of Peregrine Falcon. Returning to the trail system at Tangkoko proper, we were whisked away to a big old fig tree where we enjoyed a close-up encounter with the amazing Spectral Tarsier, a tiny primate. Our final morning saw us return to the viewpoint for dawn. It wasn’t long before pigeons were flying to-and-fro and our main target, the scarce endemic Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon, soon popped up to be scoped. A Small Sulawesi Hanging-parrot also put in a surprise perched appearance, as did Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, and we had much better scope views of Sulawesi Goshawk, this time an adult. Sulawesi Black Pigeon showed well for most of us. Heading back down to the trails, we stopped by the roadside for some great views of some tame Barred Rails. Back in the forest, we focused hard on finding the tiny multi-coloured Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, and our guides didn’t disappoint us, their hard work resulting in great scope views for us all. Before getting back to the accommodation to pack things up, we scoped a pair of Black-naped Fruit-doves, and a superb Stephan’s Dove was flushed-up onto a branch in clear sight. From Tangkoko, we headed back to Manado and spent our last night at Luley Resort, right on the coast north of the city. Even here, there were more birds to be found, with both Silver-tipped and Pied Imperial Pigeons, Pink-necked Green-pigeons and more White-rumped Cuckoo-shrikes. Henry gripped-us-off with two Great-billed Kingfishers sitting on the boardwalk hand-rails, and we all enjoyed scope studies of both sand-plover species, as well as massing Red-necked Phalaropes offshore.


Impressive forest along the Buli Road, Halmahera (Craig Robson)


SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leaders are indicated by the symbol (NL)

Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii One en route to Sidangoli and several off Manado. Red-throated Little Grebe (Little G) Tachybaptus ruficollis One at Foli and a family group on Ternate. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana One near Tangkoko and two at Luley Resort . Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef-egret Egretta sacra Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Javan Pond-heron Ardeola speciosa Little Heron (Striated H) Butorides striatus Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax Around 15 at Makassar fishponds. Rufous Night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus One seen well at Foli. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis One at a roadside marsh near Kotamobagu. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus A juvenile near Kotamobagu & an adult closer to Manado. Eastern Osprey (Australasian O) Pandion cristatus One at Tangkoko.

Sulawesi Goshawk and Philippine Scrubfowl at Tangkoko (Craig Robson)

Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni celebensis Scope views of a perched bird at Tapakolintang, north Sulawesi. Barred Honey-buzzard (Sulawesi H-b) Pernis celebensis Black Kite Milvus migrans affinis Scattered sightings on Sulawesi. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Lesser Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga humilis One of a pair showed well at Dumoga Bone, thanks to Pete. Sulawesi Serpent-eagle Spilornis rufipectus Regular scattered sightings.


Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Regular on Sulawesi; 2 youngish juveniles at Dumoga Bone suggest breeding nearby. Sulawesi Goshawk Accipiter trinotatus 1 perched at Lore Lindu for some, then scoped juvenile & adult at Tangkoko. Spot-tailed Goshawk Accipiter trinotatus Variable views at Lore Lindu, Dumoga Bone, and Tapakolintang. Grey-throated Goshawk Accipiter griseogularis 2 Accipiters en route from Sidangoli to Tobelo were probably this. Moluccan Goshawk Accipiter henicogrammus 1 in flight briefly at Foli; on a familiar territory. Heard along the Buli Rd. Small Sparrowhawk Accipiter nanus Twice seen perched at Lore Lindu; probably a male. Vinous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter nanus (H) Frustratingly heard at Gunung Ambang and Tangkoko. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Gurney’s Eagle Aquila gurneyi Six on Halmahera, and some good flight views. Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii An adult in the Sedoa River valley. Now in the genus Lophotriorchis. Sulawesi Hawk-eagle Spizaetus lanceolatus Many widespread sightings. Now in the genus Nisaetus. Spotted Kestrel Falco moluccensis Oriental Hobby Falco severus (NL) Some of us were lucky enough to see one at Tangkoko. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Two singles at Tangkoko, were of a resident form (but probably not ernesti). Wandering Whistling-duck Dendrocygna arcuata 60 at Doloduo, near Dumoga Bone. Sunda Teal Anas gibberifrons Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Just one at Lake Tambing. Philippine Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii Great views at Tangkoko, with several rather tame individuals. Dusky Scrubfowl Megapodius freycinet Some great looks at Foli and at a mound along the Buli Road. Moluccan Scrubfowl Eulipoa wallacei Incredible views, for the second year running, at the beach near Galela, Tobelo. Maleo Macrocephalon maleo Males were seen peering down at us from the trees at Tambun, on two evenings.

Common and Dusky Moorhens near Kotamobagu (Craig Robson)

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator rufilata Two flushed at Dumoga Bone. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis Two in ricefields near Lore Lindu (philippensis); 1 on Halmahera (yorki). Barred Rail Gallirallus torquatus Good roadside views at Tangkoko and Tambun. Blue-faced Rail Gymnocrex rosenbergii Walk-away views of a very confiding bird at Tambun. Voted bird of the tour. White-browed Crake Poliolimnas cinerea Rufous-tailed Bush-hen Amaurornis moluccanus (H) Isabelline Bush-hen Amaurornis isabellinus Great views of a vocal pair at Dumoga Bone. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus leucomelanus Occasional. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Several in ricefields near Wuasa, and a wetland near Kotabamobagu. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Many with the above species at the latter location, allowing great comparisons. Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus Several at wetlands near Kotabamobagu and Doloduo.


Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis 6 birds flushed from wet ricefields at Winowanga, near Lore Lindu. White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Numerous birds seen at Makassar. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Plenty at Makassar, also several on roadside paddies in northern Sulawesi. Lesser Sand-plover (Mongolian P) Charadrius mongolus Good looks at Luley Resort. Greater Sand-plover Charadrius leschenaultii Good looks, side-by-side with the last species, at Luley Resort. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Common Redshank Tringa totanus Three in the gloom at Makassar Fishponds. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Just one in ricefields in northern Sulawesi. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes Some close sightings, especially in coastal north Sulawesi. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 100’s were seen from the jetty of Luley Resort. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus A few around the fishponds at Makassar. White-winged Black Tern (W-w Tern) Chlidonias leucopterus Coastal waters; 3 en route to Foli & 1 off Manado.

Red-eared, Scarlet-breasted and Oberholser’s Fruit-doves; at Lore Lindu, Foli & Dumoga Bone respectively (Craig Robson)

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Quite common at sea throughout. Aleutian Tern Sterna aleutica 3 perched terns during the boat ride to Sidangoli where thought to be this species. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus c.20 during the crossing to Sidangoli. This last species now in genus Onychoprion. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Seen in good numbers at Makassar and also off Daru. Now in genus Sternulus. Greater Crested Tern Sterna bergii Several at sea around Halmahera. Rock Pigeon (introduced) Columba livia Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica A couple in open areas near Kotamobagu and Toraut. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Brown Cuckoo-dove Macropygia amboinensis Common throughout. Great Cuckoo-dove Reinwardtoena reinwardtii One in full display, then perched and scoped, along the Buli Road. Sulawesi Black Pigeon (White-faced Dove) Turacoena manadensis Seen at Tambun, Tapakolintang and Tangkoko. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Singles at Karaenta and Tangkoko. Stephan’s Dove Chalcophaps stephani Excellent perched views of one at Tangkoko, thanks to our guides. Peaceful Dove (Zebra D) Geopelia striata (NL) At the Luley Resort, Manado. Pink-necked Green-pigeon Treron vernans Small numbers in mangroves of NE Sulawesi.


Grey-cheeked Green-pigeon Treron griseicauda Red-eared Fruit-dove Ptilinopus fischeri 3 at Lore Lindu (centralis), & 1 at Gunung Ambang (fischeri). Very attractive. Oberholser’s Fruit-dove Ptilinopus epius A calling bird scoped at Dumoga Bone. Heard at Tambun & Tapakolintang. Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove Ptilinopus bernsteinii Three of these beauties at Foli. Superb Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus At Lore Lindu & G. Ambang (temminckii), and along the Buli Road (superbus). Blue-capped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus monacha Seen well at Foli, though less common than the next species. Grey-headed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus hyogaster Black-naped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus melanospila Often heard at Tangkoko & a pair scoped. Heard at Dumoga Bone.

Moustached Tree-swift, Large Sulawesi Hanging-parrot, Purple-bearded Bee-eater and Purple-winged Roller (Craig Robson)

White-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula forsteni Many from Tangkoko ‘viewpoint’; one poorly at Tapakolintang. Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon Ducula radiata Several good scope views from Tangkoko ‘viewpoint’. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea paulina Common enough in north Sulawesi. Spectacled Imperial Pigeon Ducula perspicillata Common on Halmahera. Cinnamon-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula basilica Several seen and often heard on Halmahera. Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor Small numbers on Halmahera, and common in mangroves at Luley Resort. Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon Ducula luctuosa Rather common in the forest at Tangkoko, and 2 at Luley Resort. Sombre Pigeon Cryptophaps poecilorrhoa (H) Heard at Gunung Ambang, but we couldn’t track it down. Violet-necked Lory Eos squamata Fairly numerous at Foli. Ornate Lorikeet Trichoglossus ornatus Best seen in fields near Lore Lindu; also at scattered north Sulawesi locations. Yellow-and-green Lorikeet Trichoglossus flavoviridis Easily seen near Lake Tambing, with good perched views. Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus Encountered on three days at Foli, with 5 birds seen. Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis intensior Reasonable numbers at Foli, but only seen perched once. White Cockatoo Cacatua alba At least 3 seen at Foli, and another during the drive from Sidangoli to Tobelo Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus Seen regularly at Foli, though only one female seen. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi cyanicollis Common and easily seen on Halmahera. Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail Prioniturus flavicans Seen at Tangkoko and Tapakolintang, where not uncommon. Golden-mantled Racquet-tail Prioniturus platurus Widespread sightings, but only seen perched at Tangkoko. Blue-backed Parrot Tanygnathus sumatranus Scattered sightings on Sulawesi. Great-billed Parrot Tanygnathus megalorhynchos megalorhynchos Small numbers on Halmahera. Moluccan King Parrot Alisterus amboinensis hypophonius Great views of 3 perched along the Buli Rd, Halmahera.


Large Sulawesi Hanging-parrot (Great H-P) Loriculus stigmatus Common on Sulawesi. Moluccan Hanging-parrot Loriculus amabilis 12 on Halmahera. Monotypic now, with Sula Hanging-parrot split-off. Small Sulawesi Hanging-parrot (Pygmy H-P) Loriculus stigmatus 5-6 seen in north Sulawesi. Perched views of 1.

Speckled Boobook and Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill (Craig Robson)

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus (NL) Henry saw one at Tangkoko. Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis Frequently encountered on Sulawesi. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Several sightings on Halmahera. Moluccan Cuckoo Cacomantis heinrichi (H) A calling bird at Foli was unresponsive. Gould’s Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx russatus (H) Calling a couple of times at Lore Lindu, but wouldn’t show. Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus musschenbroeki (H) Heard once at Foli. Black-billed Koel Eudynamys melanorhyncha Several sightings in northern Sulawesi. Yellow-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus calyorhynchus Seen well at various Sulawesi forest locations. Goliath Coucal Centropus goliath Rather visible at Foli this year. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis javanensis A few seen, often heard. Bay Coucal Centropus celebensis celebensis Seen well in north Sulawesi. Sulawesi Masked Owl Tyto rosenbergii Nice scope views of a perched bird at Wuasa; well picked-out by Heidi. Sulawesi Scops-owl Otus manadensis Seen very well by our accommodation at Dumoga Bone; eventually! Moluccan Scops-owl Otus magicus Nice spotlit view at Foli. Ochre-bellied Boobook Ninox ochracea Two nervous roosting birds in slightly different areas at Tangkoko. Halmahera Boobook Ninox hypogramma A great look on our first evening at Foli. Speckled Boobook Ninox punctulata Seen at point-blank range at Wuasa, and then at a day-roost at Dumoga Bone. Cinnabar Boobook Ninox ios Very good views of two calling near Lake Tambing, also heard at Ambang. Moluccan Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles crinifrons Some great views of two birds found on our first evening at Foli.


Heinrich’s Nightjar (Satanic N) Eurostopodus diabolicus A well-hidden roosting pair along the Anaso Track. Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis macropterus Frequently encountered. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus schlegelii Many sightings on Halmahera. Sulawesi Nightjar Caprimulgus celebensis Good spotlit flight views of one at Tangkoko. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis affinis Stunning looks at several as it got dark at Makassar fishponds

Ruddy Kingfisher (Craig Robson) and Great-billed Kingfisher (Andrew Self)

Uniform Swiftlet Collocalia vanikorensis waigeuensis A few scattered sightings on Ternate and Halmahera. Halmahera Swiftlet Collocalia infuscata Just a few were identified on Halmahera and Ternate. Sulawesi Swiftlet Collocalia sororum Locally abundant on Sulawesi. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta Common throughout. Purple Needletail Hirundapus celebensis Widespread and in some numbers locally on Sulawesi. House Swift Apus nipalensis Only seen around Makassar city. Asian Palm-swift Cypsiurus balasiensis A few around Tambun. Grey-rumped Tree-swift Hemiprocne longipennis Frequently seen on Sulawesi. Moustached Tree-swift Hemiprocne mystacea Seen particularly well along the Buli Road, Halmahera. Green-backed Kingfisher Actenoides monachus Great looks at multiple examples at Tangkoko, and Dumoga Bone. Scaly-breasted Kingfisher Actenoides princeps Good views of two at Gunung Ambang, presumably a pair. Common Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea Two seen in the forest at Foli. Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher Cittura cyanotis Very good views of one at the roadside at Tapakolintang. Great-billed Kingfisher Halcyon melanorhyncha A superbly tame bird near Tangkoko. Henry had 2 at Luley Resort. Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda A right performer at Bantimurung; two birds. Blue-and-white Kingfisher Halcyon diops Some nice looks at these at Foli; but only three seen this year. Sombre Kingfisher Halcyon funebris Two seen separately at Foli, and quite different experiences. Collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris Beach Kingfisher Halcyon saurophaga Six seen and another heard, along the mangrove edge at Sidangoli Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta One at Foli and three at a marsh near Kotamobagu. Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx fallax An endemic jewel, located by our dedicated team of guides at Tangkoko. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis hispidoides Widespread sightings of this distinctive form on Sulawesi and Ternate. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus A few near Makassar and Palu. Purple-bearded Bee-eater Meropogon forsteni Nice views of these beauties up the Anaso Track and at G. Ambang.


Purple-winged Roller Coracias temminckii Small numbers and regular sightings in north Sulawesi. Common Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Three in the vicinity of Sidangoli. Purple Dollarbird Eurystomus azureus Scope views of one at Foli. Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill Penelopides exarhatus Several nice encounters; the nominate form, and southern sanfordi. Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix Common. Blyth’s Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus Common. Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos temminckii Scattered sightings. Ashy Woodpecker Mulleripicus fulvus Nice looks at Lore Lindu (wallacei), and in north Sulawesi (fulvus).

Piping Crow at Lore Lindu and Paradise Crow on Halmahera (Craig Robson)

Blue-breasted Pitta (Red-bellied P) Pitta erythrogaster celebensis Singles at Tambun and Tangkoko. Ivory-breasted Pitta Pitta maxima Nice but brief encounter at Foli; rather more fleeting views elsewhere on Halmahera. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Occasionally noted. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Common throughout. Manchurian Wagtail Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschuensis Widespread in wet ricefields. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Just one along the Buli Road, Halmahera. Caerulean Cuckoo-shrike Coracina temminckii In the Lore Lindu area (rileyi), and at G. Ambang (nominate). Pied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina bicolor Good views at Dumoga Bone; heard at Tangkoko. White-rumped Cuckoo-shrike Coracina leucopygia Three around Tangkoko, and five at Luley Resort. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis papuensis Several sightings at Foli. Halmahera Cuckoo-shrike Coracina parvula Quite common on Halmahera, with 12 logged. Pygmy Cuckoo-shrike Coracina abbotti Six in the Lore Lindu area. Common Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris grayi Seven at Foli. Sulawesi Cicadabird Coracina morio morio Very good views of a female in the Sedoa River Valley. Sulawesi Triller Lalage leucopygialis Good numbers in the north. White-shouldered Triller Lalage sueurii A pair in open country near Makassar. Rufous-bellied Triller Lalage aurea One of the commoner species in the forest on Halmahera.


Rufous-bellied Triller and White-rumped Cuckoo-shrike (Craig Robson)

Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster aurigaster Common in parts of Sulawesi, but presumed introduced. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier (NL) Two were seen in a park in Palu. Northern Golden Bulbul Ixos longirostris chloris Not uncommon in the forest on Halmahera. Sulawesi Drongo Dicrurus montanus Often encountered in the higher forests at Lore Lindu and Gunung Ambang. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus atrocaeruleus Quite common on Halmahera. Hair-crested Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus leucops Widespread on Sulawesi; the distinctive white-eyed form. Dusky-brown Oriole Oriolus phaeochromus A few seen in the forest at Foli. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis celebensis Regularly encountered on Sulawesi. Slender-billed Crow Corvus enca Commonly found in northern Sulawesi; with its striking calls. Piping Crow Corvus typicus Great looks at very vocal birds near Lake Tambing. Long-billed Crow Corvus validus Quite a few of these funny crows on Halmahera. Paradise Crow Lycocorax pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus An elusive Halmahera speciality, seen well through the scope. Standardwing Bird of Paradise (Standardwing) Semioptera wallacii A striking display at the lek at Foli. Sulawesi Babbler Trichastoma celebense Regularly encountered in several localities on Sulawesi. Malia Malia grata Nice views on several occasions at Lore Lindu (stresemanni), and Gunung Ambang (recondita). Geomalia Geomalia heinrichi Fantastic views for us all, along the Anaso Track, Lore Lindu. Surprisingly confiding. Great Shortwing Heinrichia calligyna An early score at Lore Lindu with a very responsive male. Further fleeting views. Red-backed Thrush Zoothera erythronota Great views of a pair at Tambun, and a couple at Tangkoko. Sulawesi Thrush Cataponera turdoides abditiva Two singles showed well in bird flocks at Lore Lindu. Pied Chat Saxicola caprata albonotata A pair near Lore Lindu. Flyeater (Golden-bellied Gerygone) Gerygone sulphurea flaveola Chestnut-backed Bush-warbler Bradypterus castaneus castaneus At Lore Lindu and Gunung Ambang. Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus At Lore Lindu (cf. stentor) & G. Ambang (riedeli); 2 fledged juvs. At latter. Sulawesi Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus sarasinorum nesophilus Quite common in montane forests. Halmahera Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus henrietta A single singing bird along the Buli Road, Halmahera. Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis celebensis (H) Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis constans Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis rustica (H)


Black-chinned Whistler on Halmahera (Andrew Self)

Island Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis Regular sightings at Lore Lindu. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Several seen at Lore Lindu (jugosae) & also at G. Ambang (annalisa). Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Blue-fronted Flycatcher Cyornis hoevelli A few seen at Lore Lindu. Matinan Flycatcher Cyornis sanfordi Great views of two at Gunung Ambang. Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher Cyornis omissus Nice close views of a singing male in the Sedoa Valley. Pale Blue Monarch Hypothymis puella puella Scattered. White-naped Monarch Monarcha pileatus pileatus A few of these lovelies seen at Foli and along the Buli Road. Moluccan Monarch Monarcha bimaculatus bimaculatus Several birds seen at Foli. Split from Spectacled now. Slaty Flycatcher (Moluccan F) Myiagra galeata Small numbers on Halmahera Shining Monarch Piezorhynchus alecto alecto (H) An unseen male at Foli. Sometimes placed in Myiagra. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys A common bird on Halmahera, somehow building its nests on telephone lines! Rusty-bellied Fantail Rhipidura teysmannii toradja Common at Lore Lindu & G. Ambang. Unfinished nest at former. Citrine Flycatcher (C Canary-f) Culicicapa helianthea helianthea Frequent at Lore Lindu and Gunung Ambang. Yellow-flanked Whistler (Hylocitrea) Hylocitrea bonensis A foraging group found near the start of the Anaso Track. Maroon-backed Whistler Coracornis raveni One came in for a look at us at Lore Lindu. Yellow-vented Whistler Pachycephala sulfuriventer Common at Lore Lindu, also seen at Gunung Ambang. Black-chinned Whistler Pachycephala mentalis A male was seen very well on Halmahera; others heard. Drab Whistler Pachycephala griseonota cinerascens A singing bird gave in at Foli. White-breasted Wood-swallow Artamus leucorhynchus Frequent: Sulawesi (albiventer) & Halmahera (leucopygialis). Ivory-backed Wood-swallow Artamus monachus Good numbers in the Sedoa River Valley and at Tapakolintang. Moluccan Starling Aplonis mysolensis mysolensis Small numbers on Halmahera. Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica metallica The commoner Starling on Halmahera, with its red eye. Sulawesi Crested Myna Basilornis celebensis Four separate sightings in the Sedoa Valley and at Tapakolintang. White-necked Myna Streptocitta albicollis torquata Many sightings in north Sulawesi. Fiery-browed Starling Enodes erythrophris Regularly encountered in the higher forests at Lore Lindu and G. Ambang. Grosbeak Starling Scissirostrum dubium Many seen in north Sulawesi.


Ivory-backed Wood-swallow and Lesser Sulawesi Honeyeater (Craig Robson)

Lesser Sulawesi Honeyeater Myza celebensis celebensis Frequent at Lore Lindu, and also seen at Gunung Ambang. Greater Sulawesi Honeyeater Myza sarasinorum chionogenys Something of a sneak. A few along the Anaso Track. White-streaked Friarbird Melitograis gilolensis A rather solitary, small Friarbird. Many seen in the end on Halmahera. Dusky Honeyeater (D Myzomela) Myzomela obscura simplex 12+ in one flowering tree along the Buli Rd. Sulawesi Myzomela Myzomela chloropeta chloropeta Pretty common around Lore Lindu. Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis celebensis This and the next species were common. Black Sunbird Nectarinia aspasia North Sulawesi (grayi); rest of Sulawesi (porphyrolaema); Halmahera (auriceps). Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis Seen commonly on Halmahera (frenata), and north Sulawesi (plateni). Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja Dark-bellied race. Near Lore Lindu (becarii), and in the north (flavostriata). Yellow-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum aureolimbatum aureolimbatum Regularly encountered on Sulawesi. Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker Dicaeum nehrkorni Just one or two, seen by some of us, at Lake Tambing. Halmahera Flowerpecker Dicaeum schistaceiceps Several this time on Halmahera. See note. Grey-sided Flowerpecker Dicaeum celebicum celebicum Common on Sulawesi. Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus montanus Fairly common at Lore Lindu, also seen at Gunung Ambang. Lemon-bellied White-eye Zosterops chloris Lowland central (mentoris) & south (intermedius) Sulawesi; frequent. Black-ringed White-eye Zosterops anomalus Seen well at Karaenta Forest; 4 seen, 2 heard Cream-throated White-eye Zosterops atriceps fuscifrons Regularly encountered on Halmahera. Black-fronted White-eye Zosterops atrifrons atrifrons Quite common on Sulawesi. Streak-headed Dark-eye Lophozosterops squamiceps striaticeps 10 seen along the Anaso Track. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Commonly found around villages and cultivation. Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar One in ricefields near Bantimurung. There are other recent records. Introduced? Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa At least 3 in a bird flock lower down the Anaso Track. Black-faced Munia Lonchura molucca Well scattered sightings on Sulawesi and Halmahera. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata particeps Scattered sightings in suitable habitat on Sulawesi. Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla brunniceps Rather common on Sulawesi. Pale-headed Munia Lonchura pallida A couple in the hotel garden at Makassar, and one that Kevin saw at Palu. Mountain Serin Serinus estherae (H) Several overhead along the Anaso Track, but evaded us in the dull conditions.


Sulawesi Crested Macaque at Tangkoko (Craig Robson)

MAMMALS Bear Cuscus Ailurops ursinus A pair and their youngster at Tangkoko, thanks to Bobby. Whitish Dwarf Squirrel Prosciurillus leucomus Just one at Tangkoko. Sulawesi Dwarf Squirrel Prosciurillus murinus The little squirrel we saw most often. Sulawesi Giant Squirrel Rubrisciurus rubriventer The larger squirrels we found in the forests Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Dian’s Tarsier Tarsius dianae (H) Heard at dusk near our accommodation at Wuasa. Montane C Sulawesi only. Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrum At least eight emerging from their roost in a fig tree at Tangkoko. Moor Macaque Macaca maura One big one at Karaenta forest. Sulawesi Crested Macaque Macaca nigra Two or three troops totalling 35+ animals at Tangkoko. Gorontalo Macaque Macaca nigrescens (H) Heard at Tapakolintang. Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus At least 2 from a coastal restaurant near Manado. NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Most authors lump this form (found in much of Asia and Australasia) in Western Great Egret A. alba, using the name Great Egret for the enlarged species. Either way, it is no longer considered to be in the genus Egretta. Eastern Osprey (Australasian O) Pandion cristatus According to Wink et al. (2004), genetic distances between subspecies of Osprey (1.9-3.8%) are equivalent to, or greater than, those seen between members of several closely related sister species within Aquila and Hieraeetus. This, combined with small but consistent differences in plumage and morphology, led Wink et al. (2004) and Wink & Sauer-Gürth (2004) to suggest that three species of Osprey could be recognized. Gill and Donsker (2012) recognize two species, including the monotypic cristatus. They lump the other forms in Western Osprey P. haliaetus. Barred Honey-buzzard Pernis celebensis Note that if the Philippine form is split as P. steerei, then this form would be Sulawesi Honey-buzzard, P. celebensis. Grey-throated Goshawk Accipiter griseogularis Coates & Bishop lump it n Grey Goshawk A. novaehollandiae using “Variable Goshawk” for the enlarged species.


Maleo Macrocephalon maleo Lays eggs in soil that is volcanically heated to 32-36°C, the chicks hatching after 60 days and able to fly almost immediately! WCS and government researchers are doing a great job of protecting the birds at Tambun, where 50-60 pairs are said to visit, and the hatchery can hold 260 eggs in a year! The entire population is estimated at just 5000, and is declining due to exploitation and human disturbance. In some areas, populations have declined by <90% since 1950! Rufous-tailed Bush-hen Amaurornis moluccanus Coates & Bishop lump this form in Plain Bush-hen A. olivaceus, using “Common Bush-hen” for the enlarged species. Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus Some authors lump this form (along with African Swamphen P. madagascariensis, Grey-headed Swamphen P. poliocephalus, Philippine Swamphen P. pulverulentus and Australian Swamphen P. melanotus) in Western Swamphen P. porphyrio, using the name Purple Swamphen for the enlarged species. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis There appear to be only two previously documented records from Sulawesi. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus These birds are of the race variegatus that shows a heavily barred underwing and lightly barred rump. Common Tern Sterna hirundo The form concerned, longipennis, is morphologically distinct and may in the future be treated as a full species. Brown (or Slender-billed) Cuckoo-dove Macropygia amboinensis The two forms seen on this tour, albicapilla the pale-headed form on Sulawesi and albiceps on Halmahera, are significantly different in plumage and voice and may represent separate species. Oberholser’s Fruit-dove Ptilinopus epius This form (epia in Coates & Bishop) was previously lumped with Sula Fruit-dove P. mangoliensis and Banggai Fruit-dove P. subgularis; with the name Maroon-chinned Fruit-dove P. subgularis being applied to the enlarged species. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea The interesting paulina subspecies sports an attractive rufous nape that forms a shaggy mane, surely a tempting split! Spectacled (or White-eyed) Imperial Pigeon Ducula perspicillata It has recently been suggested that Spectacled Imperial Pigeon comprises two species: the current form (which in that case is sometimes referred to as Buru Imperial Pigeon), and Seram Imperial Pigeon D. neglecta. Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus Endemic to the north Moluccas, and classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by Birdlife International. A declining species, threatened by habitat destruction and human exploitation. From its estimated population of 46,000 - 295,000 it is thought that trappers may catch as many as 10% per year, which is clearly an unsustainable rate of harvest! Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus musschenbroeki Coates & Bishop have this form lumped in Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo S. lugubris, using the name Drongo Cuckoo for the enlarged species. Halmahera Boobook Ninox hypogramma Following recent studies, the former Moluccan Boobook N. squamipila has been split into four highly distinctive species: the current form, Buru Boobook Ninox hantu (Buru), Seram Boobook Ninox squamipila (Seram), and Tanimbar Boobook Ninox forbesi (Tanimbar Is). Cinnabar Boobook Ninox ios Only described in 1999 from Gunung Ambang, the undescribed Lore Lindu birds show a slight plumage difference to the northern birds, in that they are speckled with cream on the belly. Sulawesi Swiftlet Collocalia sororum Coates & Bishop lump this form in Halmahera Swiftlet C. infuscata, using the name Moluccan Swiftlet for the enlarged species. Now in the genus Aerodramus.


Manchurian Wagtail Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis Recently, some authors have proposed that the various forms in the whole Yellow Wagtail M. flava/M. tschutschensis complex should be split off as separate species. Whilst we have not totally adopted this treatment, we have treated each of the proposed splits as ‘allospecies’. Each allospecies has a distinct English name (most of which were already in widespread colloquial use) and is identified in its scientific name by a trinomial with the superspecies name preceding it in square brackets. We have adopted this treatment to facilitate the accurate recording of the forms encountered. Note that Coates & Bishop lump Eastern Yellow Wagtail M. tschutschensis in Western Yellow Wagtail M. flava, using the name Yellow Wagtail for the enlarged species. Also, note that the form formerly known as simillima is generally included in tschutschensis. Northern Golden Bulbul Ixos longirostris Coates & Bishop lump this form, along with Buru Golden Bulbul I. mystacalis, in Seram Golden Bulbul I. affinis, using the name Golden Bulbul for the enlarged species. All the forms are now in the genus Thapsinillas. Standardwing Bird of Paradise (Standardwing) Semioptera wallacii Two males at a new lek site near Foli. We also had great views of a male right by the Buli Road, right in the open. Sulawesi Babbler Trichastoma celebense We saw three different races: celebense at Tangkoko, finschi at Karaenta, and rufofuscum at Lore Lindu. Malia Malia grata After suggestions that these strange Sulawesi endemics are related to babblers or bulbuls, they have now been found to be related to grassbirds and certain other warblers in the Locustellidae. Flyeater Gerygone sulphurea The flaveola form is endemic to the Sulawesi subregion. Birds at Lore Lindu have a clearly different song to those found around the coasts (mainly mangroves), which have songs more like those in other parts of the species’ range. Mountain Tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus Not a tailorbird, but a warbler related to Abroscopus etc. Now called Phyllergates cucullatus. Halmahera Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus henrietta Coates & Bishop lump this form in Island Leaf-warbler. P. poliocephalus. Matinan Flycatcher Cyornis sanfordi The placing of this form in Cyornis is quite ridiculous, as it is clearly a Rhinomyias, and related to other regionally endemic flycatchers such as Sumba and Flores Jungle-flycatchers. Moluccan Monarch Monarcha bimaculatus bimaculatus Coates & Bishop lump this form in Spectacled Monarch M. trivirgatus. Yellow-flanked Whistler (Hylocitrea) Hylocitrea bonensis This has been found to be unrelated to Whistlers, and more closely related to Waxwings, and has been placed in its own family Hylocitridae. The common name Hylocitrea is thus more appropriate. Black-chinned Whistler Pachycephala mentalis Coates & Bishop lump this form in Australian Golden Whistler P. pectoralis, using the name common Golden Whistler for the enlarged species. Black-chinned is endemic to the north Moluccas. Halmahera Flowerpecker Dicaeum schistaceiceps Coates & Bishop lump this form in Buru Flowerpecker D. erythrothorax, using the name Flame-breasted Flowerpecker for the enlarged species.


APPENDIX 2 – Other fauna & flora recorded REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Wagler’s Palm-viper Tropidolaemus wagleri celebensis One cracker at Tangkoko. Reticulated Python Python reticulatus Henry nearly trod on one at Foli! Striped Bronzeback Dendrelaphis caudolineatus terrificus One of these small stripy snakes at Tangkoko. Moluccan Gecko Gehyra marginata A large plain gecko at the Foli homestay. Tockay Gecko Gekko gecko Dumoga Bone at least. Water Monitor Varanus salvator A monitor seen on the road at Tambun belongs in this species complex. Common Asian Toad Bufo melanostictus Widespread sightings of this large non-native species.

Wagler’s Palm-viper at Tangkoko (Craig Robson)

BUTTERFLIES Common Birdwing Troides helena The big one with yellow on the hindwings at Lore Lindu. Ascalaphus Swallowtaill Papilio ascalaphus Caper White Belenois java Giant Swordtail Graphium androcles Amazing streamer-tailed butterfly at Tapakolintang etc. Tree nymph Idea blanchardii blanchardii Tangkoko at least. Striped Tiger Danaus genutia leucoglene Constable Dichorragia nesimachus pelurius Lore Lindu.


Spectral Tarsier (Heidi Doman)

TOP 5 BIRDS Blue-faced Rail Moluccan Scrubfowl Great Cuckoo-dove Red-backed Thrush Geomalia

SULAWESI & HALMAHERA - Birdquest -SULAWESI- REP 13... · kingfisher included the cracking little...

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