PAPUA NEW GUINEA REP 15 - Bird Tours - BIRDQUEST NEW... · Our recent tour to Papua New Guinea produced an outstanding collection of ... lunch in a cafe near the airport there we

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Papua New Guinea 2015 www.birdquest-tours.com

Stella’s Lorikeet at Kumul (Charles Davies)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

12 – 28 JUNE / 2 JULY 2015

LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE Our recent tour to Papua New Guinea produced an outstanding collection of often astonishing birds. As ever, Birds-of-Paradise (Bops) featured prominently and we encountered 21 species including such delights as displaying Twelve-wired and Greater Bops, scope views of male Queen Carola’s Parotias, King-of-Saxony, King, Blue and Magnificent Bops, stunning Ribbon-tailed Astrapias and both Brown and Black Sicklebills. However, it is a testament to the quality of the other birds that only two Bops made it into the top five birds of the trip, the stunning Southern Crowned Pigeon actually winning quite comfortably. After recent taxonomic adjustments New Guinea is now home to seven endemic families and we found representatives of each; of these the remarkable male Wattled Ploughbill took top billing but almost as popular were vivid Crested Satinbirds, radiant Blue-capped Ifrits and dapper Crested Berrypeckers. Amongst the numerous other highlights were day-glo Flame Bowerbirds, nine species of gorgeous Fruit Doves, both Forbes’s and Chestnut Forest Rails, Gurney’s Eagle, Papuan Eagle, Papuan Harrier, Barred Owlet-Nightjar and even a brief Southern Cassowary. An extension to New Britain gave us a fine selection of island endemics and Melanesian specialities with Black Honey Buzzard, White-mantled Kingfisher, Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher and New Britain Boobook especially notable. The weather during the tour was generally good and apart from a couple of modest flight delays the tour logistics ran very smoothly. Due to the late arrival of the incoming flight from Singapore it was late morning before we reached Varirata NP but we were soon seeing our first quality birds there with Hooded Pitohuis, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Raggiana Bop, Boyer's Cuckooshrikes and Crinkle-collared Manucodes all watched near our parking place.


A short walk on one of the adjacent trails gave us a splendid Brown-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and, for some, a couple of furtive Rusty Mouse Warblers. We ate our picnic lunch at a scenic lookout, where Hooded Butcherbirds, Red-cheeked Parrots and our first New Guinea Friarbirds showed well, before setting off along the Viewpoint Trail. An early highlight here was a Barred Owlet-Nightjar peeping out of a hole and shortly afterwards a dinky Yellow-billed Kingfisher was on show. It then went rather quiet for a while until we met a nice mixed flock containing Chestnut-bellied Fantails, Spot-winged and dazzling Frilled Monarchs plus a Yellow-breasted Boatbill. Another flock nearby held a Grey Whistler. Back near the parking area a pair of Azure Kingfishers was seen well while a walk through the savanna habitat below the park entrance gave us White-spotted Mannikins, Forest Kingfisher, good views of Coconut Lorikeets, White-throated Honeyeaters, Black-faced and White-bellied Cuckooshrikes and Lemon-bellied Flycatchers. Eventually we returned to Port Moresby for dinner a much-needed rest.

Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher and Yellow-billed Kingfisher at Varirata (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Early the next morning we checked-in for our flight to Kiunga where we arrived just 15 minutes late at 11.10. After an early lunch at nearby Kiunga Guesthouse we set off north on the long drive to Tabubil. A couple of short roadside stops gave us Pacific Bazas, Blyth's Hornbills and our first Eclectus Parrot while a longer stop at Ok Menga eventually produced good scope views of the hoped-for Salvadori's Teal swimming in the rapids and perching on rocks. We arrived at Tabubil around dusk as heavy rain began to fall. Although it rained heavily all night it was thankfully dry and quite bright when we arrived at Dablin Creek. The strategy here is basically to stay in one place and scan the nearby trees and valley below and this provided us with a host of excellent species, albeit mostly as scope views. The major highlight here was a series of fine views of Queen Carola's Parotias including extended views of fabulous adult males. Also seen were Grey-headed, Black-shouldered and Golden Cuckooshrikes, a rather brief Obscure Berrypecker, Ornate Melidectes, Northern Fantail, Goldenface, Magnificent Bops, Variable Goshawk, Scrub Honeyeater, Superb Fruit Doves and Black Butcherbirds. Birds seen around our Tabubil Hotel either side of lunch included Australian Hobby, Brush Cuckoo and Great Woodswallow. In the afternoon we returned to Ok Menga and birded along the road between the river and the tunnel. All in all it was rather slow going though two Salvadori's Teals showed well and we found a couple of new birds such as Streak-headed Honeyeater and Papuan Black Myzomela plus catch-ups for some of Tawny-breasted Honeyeater and Southern Variable Pitohui. At dusk we heard two Shovel-billed Kingfishers at close range but as is so often the case they remained frustratingly unseen before darkness descended and they fell silent.


A return to Dablin Creek the next morning produced further views of Queen Carola's Parotias and Magnificent Bops plus another brief Obscure Berrypecker while additions to our list included a Long-tailed Honey Buzzard and a White-eared Bronze Cuckoo. After lunch we began the return journey to Kiunga but made a couple of short stops along the way. Roadside Orange-bellied Fruit Doves were the highlight before we reached Km17 where we spent the final two hours of the day along the trail there. An early highlight here was a reasonably obliging male King Bop while nearby a calling Blue Jewell Babbler came very close but remained unseen except when eventually flying away. Nearby, activity at the Greater/ Raggiana Bop lek was a bit subdued but we had some nice views of the former before continuing our journey to Kiunga.

Birding above the clouds at Dablin Creek, home of Queen Carola’s Parotia (Chris Kehoe)

Heavy rain the next morning briefly delayed our departure for Kwatu Camp but thankfully it stopped just after first light and we set off by open-top boat along the Fly River. This proved to be a highly productive journey. A Peregrine was an unexpected early find but we were soon seeing the first of several groups of Collared Imperial Pigeons perched in the bare tops of riverside trees. After about 40 minutes we found one of our main targets when a male Twelve-wired Bop danced about on a display pole, eventually showing very well as a female looked on, our first Golden Mynas perched prominently nearby. After entering the sedate Elevala River we started to see plenty of Blyth's Hornbills and quite soon afterwards were watching our top target, a quite superb and very popular Southern Crowned Pigeon perched in a riverside tree. Glossy-mantled Manucodes put in regular appearances while a further highlight before we disembarked near our rustic lodge was our first Palm Cockatoo which showed beautifully. We walked the final kilometre into camp along muddy and leechy trails where a Common Paradise Kingfisher was mostly uncooperative, but glimpsed by some. A small mixed flock contained Rufous-backed Fantail, Spot-winged Monarch and Yellow-bellied Gerygone and a couple of Black-sided Robin were also found. Birding around the lodge either side of lunch gave us a Little Bronze Cuckoo and a few other bits and pieces. Later in the afternoon we took the boat to another trail system where it was generally rather quiet though a lucky few saw an adult Southern Cassowary cross the trail about 20 metres in front of us before disappearing into the dense jungle. Otherwise, a Black-capped Lory and Red-flanked Lorikeets were seen quite well but a Hooded Pitta refused to show itself and we spent quite some time trying to coax a Blue Jewell Babbler into view but in the end it gave just a few brief looks to some. We returned to the lodge in heavy rain but set off along the nearby trails after dinner to look for nightbirds but none were seen or heard before heavy rain returned and continued for most of the night.


Blyth’s Hornbills and Palm Cockatoo along the Elevala River (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Rainbow at the Elevala River (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

An hour scanning from the lodge from dawn, when a Large-tailed Nightjar flew past during our not so hearty breakfast, gave us a pair of Twelve-wired Bops, our first Double-eyed Fig Parrots and Yellow-eyed Starlings plus improved views of Orange-bellied Fruit Doves, all of which sat in a bare tree top opposite, plus a superb Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon. After a short boat ride we disembarked at another trail system. A Red-bellied


Pitta was heard here but refused to approach while a Hooded Pitta was less shy but still only seen by one person in dense ground cover. A pair of much hoped-for Pesquet's Parrots were a little more obliging when they flew into a nearby treetop and gave some quite good views for a few moments. Later on we found an unusually showy pair of White-bellied Thicket Fantails and some saw a brief White-bellied Pitohui. A Black-billed Brush Turkey showed well, surprisingly perched high in a tree, as we returned towards the boat. A short walk on the lodge trails after lunch gave us a rather uncooperative but noisy Sooty Thicket Fantail and some much more obliging Orange-breasted Fig Parrots. During the return boat journey to Kiunga we saw a Black-billed Coucal, two Large-billed Gerygones, a female Flame Bowerbirds and a few other bits and pieces. Early the next morning we took up positions on a small grassy hillock at Boystown Road where we scanned the woodland all around. Pink-spotted, Beautiful and Ornate Fruit Doves all posed for the scope while overhead were Red-flanked Lorikeets, Yellow-crowned Pygmy Parrots, Greater Streaked Lory and Papuan Spinetails. The undoubted highlight here though was a startlingly bright Flame Bowerbird that flew right overhead causing gasps. Lowland Peltops showed well and we had scope views of Grey-headed and Variable Goshawks plus Trumpet and Crinkle-collared Manucodes. A male Emperor Fairy Wren showed very fleetingly in the bushes next to our vantage point. After lunch and a short rest we returned to Km17 where we had good views of displaying Greater Bops, plus a few Raggianas (and presumed hybrids). A Brown Oriole here was surprisingly the first we'd seen while Zoe's Imperial Pigeon and Beautiful Fruit Doves were watched in the scope. Later on two different Hook-billed Kingfishers were heard but neither was at all cooperative though some had a brief flight view. Scanning near the road as dusk approached gave us several Pinon's Imperial Pigeons and a pair of perched Pacific Bazas while a Pheasant Coucal flew past.

Flame Bowerbird near Kiunga (Charles Davies) A brief return to Boystown Road the next morning gave us nothing new though nominate race White-Spotted Mannikins showed well and Lowland Peltops was seen again. Our flight to Mt. Hagen was on time and after lunch in a cafe near the airport there we drove up to Kumul Lodge for a three night stay. Once at Kumul we wasted no time in visiting an upstairs veranda overlooking the lodge’s justly famous birdtable. Within just a few minutes we were watching Brown Sicklebill, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Belford's Melidectes, Common Smoky Honeyeaters, Stella's Lorikeet and White-winged Robins, all at very close range. We lingered a bit longer, coffee arrived, and were rewarded with Grey-streaked Honeyeater, Brehm's Tiger Parrots, Island Thrush and Archbold’s Bowerbird. After several days of enjoyable but often challenging forest birding this was an absolute avian feast, we lingered still longer and added prized finds in the shape of Forbes's Forest Rail and Lesser Melampitta to our list, both of which skulked about below the bird table. Later in the evening we watched Large Scrubwrens near our rooms then tried for New Guinea Woodcock on the trails below the lodge but a combination of heavy rain and the overgrown state of the trails where the birds sometimes appear at dusk thwarted our efforts. The rain eventually stopped later in the night but apart from a distant Papuan Boobook no nightbirds were calling.


Regent Whistler at Ambua (Charles Davies) and White-winged Robin at Kumul (Jean Florent Mandelbaum)

After a pre-dawn departure we reached the bottom of a small track in the Minamba Valley soon after first light. After hiking up the track we settled at a flat area and scanned the ridge above where after about 20 minutes our target, a stunning male Blue Bop was in the scopes for several minutes before giving a series of flight views and disappearing. Nearby a female Superb Bop came and went a few times, Black Fantails flitted about and a skulking Papuan Grassbird was seen by most. As we made our way back to the road we stopped to admire several White-bibbed Fruit Doves. Scanning from the road below Kumul gave us a scarce Black-mantled Goshawk and our first Red-collared Myzomela and only Black Monarch were noted before we returned to the lodge and its very birdy garden. In addition to species seen previously we found a male Fan-tailed Berrypecker and a Brown-backed Whistler but best of all was a very showy pair of marvelous Blue-capped Ifrits. Later on, near our rooms and along the trails, we found another Lesser Melampitta, Papuan Scrubwrens and Mountain Mouse Warbler while Mountain Firetails were seen a couple of times.

Blue-capped Ifrit at Kumul (Chris Kehoe)


Torrent Flyrobin habitat in the Minamba Valley (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

After breakfast we returned to the Minamba Valley and spent a long time scanning a distant hillside where Lesser Bops were occasionally calling but in the end just a couple of people had unsatisfying flight views. Sadly, a once accessible lek site for this species is no longer in use. We did however add Long-tailed Shrike to our list before proceeding further down the valley to a site for Yellow-breasted Bowerbird, one of which eventually flew in a perched in a treetop. Also seen here were Papuan Grassbird, White-winged Fairywrens, Brown-breasted Gerygones and a family of Brown Goshawks. Returning towards Kumul we paused at a river crossing were Torrent Flyrobins, Marbled Honeyeater and Black-headed Whistler were all new. Either side of lunch we birded in the grounds at Kumul where Crested Berrypeckers showed very well but the real highlight was a sensational male Crested Satinbird that we managed to keep track of for about 20 minutes as it fed quietly in the canopy. We spent much of the rest of the afternoon exploring the trails below the lodge, it was rather quiet and we spent a lot of time trying to track down an occasionally calling Wattled Ploughbill but it frustratingly failed to appear and eventually fell silent. We did however see a female Crested Satinbird and, in an open area, three Brown Quails. At dusk there was once again no sight or sound of New Guinea Woodcocks, nor of any Mountain Owlet-nightjars that we searched for after dinner. The next morning we set off back to Mt. Hagen at first light. Once there we watched an Australian Hobby while waiting for the airport check-in to open. Our short flight to Tari was delayed for a little while as it was foggy there but we eventually arrived and then drove the short distance to lovely Ambua Lodge. Either side of lunch we birded in the lodge grounds for a couple of hours. Despite rather rainy weather we found plenty of new birds at the fruiting trees in the garden with highlights such as Lawes's Parotia, Short-tailed Paradigallas, Loria's Satinbirds, Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia and Spotted Berrypecker while the supporting cast included female Blue and Superb Bops. We spent the evening up at Tari Gap where it was dry and reasonably bright. We first went in search of Papuan Harrier which quickly obliged, a male giving some fine views. Soon afterwards we were enjoying scope views of a fantastically antennaed male King-of-Saxony Bop while nearby fruiting trees attracted a couple of attractive Plum-faced Lorikeets. Our first full-tailed male Ribbon-tailed Astrapias were much appreciated here, several Papuan Scrubwrens were performing and we had scope views of males of both Crested and Loria’s Satinbird before the light began to fade. Just before dinner a Papuan Boobook gave good spotlight views near our rooms which nicely rounded off an excellent afternoon in this extremely attractive and productive area.


In a rather misty and damp early morning we concentrated our efforts at the fruiting trees in the lodge garden. Most of the species seen yesterday were present again, including Blue Bop and the very uncommon Spotted Berrypecker, and we had brief views of a scarce Madarasz's Tiger Parrot in the misty canopy. In order to escape from the low cloud and drizzle we headed uphill and found fine weather at Tari Gap where we explored the trails. Our only Black-throated Robin showed well and Ashy Robins sang but gave only brief and fleeting views. Full-tailed male Ribbon-tailed Astrapias put on a good show but not so the noisy, mobile and ultimately frustrating Spotted Jewel Babbler that was only seen in flight as it moved from one dense patch of cover to another. Back on the road we watched several Regent Whistlers before returning to Ambua for lunch. In the afternoon we birded along the road below Tari Gap where the King-of-Saxony Bop put on a good show again and our first Black-throated Honeyeater and Canary Flyrobin was seen along with a few Brown Sicklebills that included our first male. Further along the road a small group of Hooded Cuckooshrikes eventually showed well and we had greatly improved views of Black-breasted Boatbill and Rufous-backed Honeyeaters. After dinner we drove to a nearby roadside quarry where two Archbold’s Nightjars gave decent spotlight views sitting on the quarry face. We tried nearby for Owlet-nightjars but without success.

Crested Berrypecker at Kumul (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

A bright and sunny dawn gave a chance to scan the forested slopes below the lodge and after a long search, a male Black Sicklebill was eventually located, it was very distant but remained in view for long enough for everyone to have repeat scope views. We then birded along the road just above the lodge which gave us a brief Mottled Whistler, fly-by Fairy Lorikeets, Sclater's Whistlers, Mid-mountain and Fan-tailed Berrypeckers and nuthatching Red-breasted Pygmy Parrots - the only ones we saw as anything other than flying blips. A Mountain Kingfisher called for a while but never approached. Up at Tari Gap the trails were again rather hard work but some had brief looks at Papuan Logrunner and everyone had good views of Dimorphic Fantails. After lunch we returned to the forest along the road near Tari Gap where a simply superb and much-wanted male Wattled Ploughbill performed perfectly for several minutes, we had spent a great deal of time looking and listening for this scarce and spectacular bird so to have such good views was very satisfying. Along a nearby trail we heard and eventually saw very well a pair of stunning Chestnut Forest Rails. Back at the road near the lodge the Mountain Kingfisher responded well and briefly posed for the scope.


Male Madarasz’s Tiger Parrot at Kumul (Charles Davies)

The next morning dawned rather dull and damp so we decided to head up to Tari Gap in the hope of finding better weather there and succeeded in doing so. A very brief Orange-headed Fairy Wren was seen by one person but everyone enjoyed good, if rather distant views of a calling Papuan Eagle perched in the open at the edge of a patch of forest. Most of group opted to visit the Huli tribesmen later in the morning and as well as the chief focus found Island Leaf Warbler, Black-fronted White-eyes and Papuan Sitellas in the village trees. Those who remained at the lodge struggled to find much in the continuing murk but eventually saw Slaty-headed Longbill and Slaty Robin while a busy bird party held Island Leaf Warbler, Black-breasted Boatbill and Black-fronted White-eyes with one person also seeing a female Tit-berrypecker and a Papuan Treecreeper near the car park. Just before lunch the sun finally broke through and a pair of Madarasz’s Tiger Parrots showed very well indeed in a fruiting tree right beside our rooms, this is a difficult species to see at all and rarely seen so well. We spent most of the afternoon searching the trails up at Tari Gap for skulkers but it was extremely quiet, though some saw a brief Ashy Robin and others an equally brief Macgregor's Bowerbird. When we eventually emerged onto the road we found it quite birdy there with several Brown-backed and Regent Whistlers on show, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo (the highland resident form is a potential split) posed nicely for a while but best of all was a busy group of very uncommon Black Sitellas. A couple of hours birding around Ambua Lodge before departure gave us a rather overdue Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo and, for one person, a Black Pitohui along with, by now,, more familiar garden birds there such as Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia, Lawes’s Parotia, Great Woodswallows and Superb Bops. Later, we drove to Tari, where Australian Pipits were at the airport, to catch a flight back to Port Moresby. However, due to a four hour flight delay it was already early evening when we reached the capital. Our late arrival meant plans to visit an area of marshy grassland an hour outside town were thwarted; we drove instead to an area of nearby open country just beyond the city where we found our first Whistling Kites, Black-backed Butcherbirds, Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds, Australian Figbirds and Torresian Imperial Pigeons - a rather productive hour of birding before we made our way to our comfortable city lodge at dusk.


Papuan Pig Dog (right) at Tari Gap (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

We spent the whole of the following day at Varirata National Park where we arrived at first light. In the bare treetops around the picnic area Pink-spotted Fruit Doves perched prominently, as did Streak-headed Honeyeaters and a roving flock of Boyer’s Cuckooshrikes showed well. A fruiting tree nearby held our attention for a while as our first Black Berrypecker appeared there along with the likes of Hooded Pitohuis and Raggiana Bops which included a very smart male. Just inside the forest it was rather quiet though the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher showed very well again and a lucky few saw a White-breasted Ground Dove hurrying away. We spent the rest of the morning working our way along the Viewpoint Trail. All in all it was rather hard going and little was calling but we had brief views of a ‘Papuan’ Variable Dwarf Kingfisher and a Wompoo Fruit-Dove fed with other fruit-doves in a tall fruiting tree. A couple of Growling Riflebirds were heard, as was an equally uncooperative Painted Quail-thrush, though it did approach quite closely before slipping away again. We ate our picnic lunch at the viewpoint before walking back to the picnic area along the ridge top road where a female Growling Riflebird was eventually seen by most. Back at the picnic area a superb Gurney’s Eagle appeared overhead while Dwarf and Beautiful Fruit Doves were both in the fruiting tree. Nearby a small bird party contained the likes of Chestnut-bellied Fantail and Frilled Monarch but also a Pygmy Longbill and two Fairy Gerygones, a nice late flurry. The next morning we first spent a few minutes at a flowering tree right opposite our lodge where a few Rufous-banded Honeyeaters appeared. A short drive took us to the campus of the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) where we spent several hours birding in attractive parkland interspersed with lakes. Several new species were quickly added to the list, including Wandering and Plumed Whistling Ducks, Comb-crested Jacanas, Dusky Moorhens and Australasian Grebes at the lakes. We enjoyed greatly improved views of the likes of Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds and Bar-shouldered Doves and a couple of Nankeen Night Herons showed well too, as did Whistling Kites Little Black and a single Little Pied Cormorants. Moving on we searched in vain for Spotted Whistling Duck but did find Grey Shrike-Thrush, Raja Shelducks and Australian White Ibises. Roosting Papuan Frogmouths were located with help from the locals and gave fantastic views. Back near the lakes we eventually found several Singing Starlings along with larger numbers of their Metallic cousins while continued searching gave us a small group of Grey-headed Mannikins in tall grassland. We returned to Port Moresby for lunch before driving to the airport where the main tour ended. Most of the group later took an on-time flight to Hoskins, where a couple of Buff-bellied Mannikins were seen as we waited for our bags, then drove to Walindi at that start of the four night New Britain extension. Arriving at our comfortable beachside hotel before dark we saw further Bismarck endemics in the shape of a Bismarck Crows, Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon and a New Britain Friarbird before the light faded.


Swatting up on Bismarck birds at Port Moresby Airport (Chris Kehoe)

Just before dawn the next morning we set off by boat to visit the small islands in Kimbe Bay. After about 40 minutes, and with numerous Black Noddies and a few Bridled and Greater-Crested Terns seen en route, we arrived at Restorff Island and scanned the trees there from the boat. It didn’t take long to see the first of many Island Imperial Pigeons which are amazingly abundant here and soon afterwards a few Sclater’s Myzomelas were also on view. Moving on we soon reached Malu Malu Island where a few Nicobar Pigeons were briefly visible on the beach with several more seen later in flight or briefly perched. Yellowish Imperial Pigeons showed well and our first Mangrove Golden Whistler eventually appeared though we went on to see several more later. In the distance a Brown Booby flew past and a couple of Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-Doves showed well in flight. Given the rather blustery wind and heavy swell we abandoned plans to head further out into the bay to search for more pelagic species and instead returned to Restorff Island to look for a few remaining target birds. On arrival at Restorff we disembarked and were soon watching a pair of Beach Kingfishers which flew about noisily and perched briefly. Two Island Monarchs appeared and several more Mangrove Golden Whistlers and a Shining Flycatcher were seen while a couple of Lesser Frigatebirds soared overhead. While lunch was prepared some people snorkeled from the shore, reporting it to be very productive. We returned to Walindi via an inshore route to avoid the increasingly heavy swell and found a nice tern roost containing several Black-naped Terns amongst the numerous Black Noddys plus a few Pacific Reef Herons. Once back on shore we soon set off to nearby Kilu Village and hiked up towards the ridge above in the company of ‘Boobook Joe’, the local landowner. After about 30 minutes were reached an area where we were shown a roosting New Britain Boobook, it was in rather deep shade but gave good scope views. Continuing up onto the ridge, with our first Blue-eyed Cockatoos along the way, we scanned the valley below seeing several Eclectus Parrots and Coconut Lorikeets, A few White-necked Coucals were found but a calling Violaceous Coucal, a much more elusive species, refused to show itself. The walk back to the road was enlivened by good views of a perched Knob-billed Fruit Dove. After dinner we drove around the nearby oil palm plantation where an ultra-rare Golden Masked Owl had been seen a couple of times in the previous few weeks by non-birders out looking for fireflies, there was no sign but we vowed to keep trying for this almost unknown species in the coming days.


Volcanic cones at Kimbe Bay at Dawn (Jean Florent Mandelbaum)

Black-Noddys and Black-naped terns in Kimbe Bay (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

The next morning we set off before dawn on the hour long drive to Garu Wildlife Management Area. Short stops along the way in the extensive oil palm plantations gave us a few Black Bitterns and Stephan’s Emerald Doves before we reached an area of native forest where we spent the rest of the morning birding along the quiet road there. Eclectus Parrots were numerous here and we soon started to see several Purple-bellied Lorys too, while our first Red-banded Flowerpeckers also put in an appearance as White-rumped Swiftlets zoomed overhead. A flowering tree attracted a lot of Red-flanked Lorikeets and an Ashy Myzomela while some also saw a brief Black-bellied Myzomela. Nearby a noisy Song Parrot flew over. Violaceous Coucals were heard but unresponsive and we began to hear Finsch’s Imperial Pigeons but they too were uncooperative, though while looking for one a Violaceous Coucal was found instead. Scanning of another flowering tree produced nothing new but a dramatic looking Black Honey Buzzard flew by while nearby a Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher responded well and gave prolonged views. We tried three places for White-mantled Kingfisher without success before diverting onto a forest trail where several Melanesian Megapodes were flushed and one sat up in a tree. Back on the road the White-mantled Kingfishers finally responded and gave some decent views up in the canopy of a large tree. After lunch back at Walindi we visited an area of riverine forest beside the Kilu River. All in all it was rather quiet; a flowering tree attracted plenty of Red-flanked Lorikeets and a few Ashy Myzomelas but nothing new. A single White-bellied Cuckooshrike was seen plus a White-browed Crake at a small stream where two larger, dark juvenile rails


were seen in an area where locals had recently observed the rare Pink-legged Rail but the adults never appeared so identification was unresolved. As dusk approached a Red-bellied Pitta called repeatedly from across another small river but refused to show itself despite a long wait. After dinner we tried once more for Golden Masked-Owl but met with no success.

Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon and Nicobar Pigeon on New Britain (Chris Kehoe)

Black Honey Buzzard (Charles Davies) and Eclectus Parrot on New Britain (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

We began the day with a ninety-minute pre-dawn search for the owl again but left empty-handed. We then visited a forest patch at Boku where Moustached Treeswifts showed well at our parking place and lots of White-rumped Swiftlets and Eclectus Parrots were again in evidence. We entered the forest but our search for Black-tailed Monarch was unsuccessful (though some saw one later on while looking for more Megapodes). Many Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeons were about and we heard some distant Finsch’s Imperial Pigeons with one person getting lucky with a bird perched briefly above the trail. After lunch we looked first at


the Walindi Fields but apart from a few Buff-rumped Mannikins, glimpses of Clamorous Reed Warblers and overhead Tree Martins it was rather quiet so we returned to the Kilu River in the hope that yesterday’s mystery rails might appear. None were seen but there were a couple of White-browed Crakes present and Blyth’s Hornbills, Blue-eyed Cockatoos and others were seen. After dinner we once again went in search of the Golden Masked Owl and although it was seen in flight by those in the front of the vehicle we couldn’t relocate it in an extended search - however, one indefatigable group member who returned to the area later with a lodge security guard did manage a brief perched view. After an early departure from Walindi we caught an early morning flight to Port Moresby where the tour concluded and the bird of the trip votes were gathered. Bird of the trip results 1 - Southern Crowned Pigeon 20 points 2 - Crested Satinbird 15 points 3 - Wattled Ploughbill 14 points 4 - King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise 12 points 5 - Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise 10 points

Bird of the Trip: the wonderful ‘Sclater’s’ Southern Crowned Pigeon near Kwatu Camp (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)


Local guide Thomas and a Huli tribesman at Ambua (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Huli birdmen at Tari Gap (Chris Kehoe)


Brown Sicklebill at Kumul (Jean Florent Mandelbaum) SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species). Southern Cassowary ◊ (Double-wattled C) Casuarius casuarius One crossed the trail near Kwatu, seen by some. Plumed Whistling Duck ◊ Dendrocygna eytoni Numerous at PAU. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Several at PAU. Raja Shelduck ◊ (White-headed S) Tadorna radjah Two or three at PAU. Salvadori's Teal ◊ Salvadorina waigiuensis Good scope views on two dates at Ok Menga. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Small numbers at widespread sites. Black-billed Brushturkey ◊ (Yellow-legged B-t) Talegalla fuscirostris Good views near Kwatu camp, others heard. Melanesian Megapode ◊ (M Scrubfowl, Volcano S) Megapodius eremita A handful on NB. Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Three at Kumul and another at Tari Gap. Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae A handful at PAU. Australian White Ibis Threskiornis moluccus A couple at PAU. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Several on NB.


Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus Scattered encounters in lowland areas. Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striata One near Kiunga. Eastern Cattle Egret (C E) Bubulcus coromandus Widespread encounters. Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea alba Small numbers on six dates. Intermediate Egret ◊ (Plumed E) Egretta intermedia Most prominent at PAU, a couple elsewhere. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Several at and around PAU, one on NB. Pacific Reef Heron (Eastern R Egret) Egretta sacra A few along the coast near Walindi, NB. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Several in Kimbe Bay. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster One inshore in Kimbe Bay, NB. Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Singles at PAU and on NB. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Numerous at PAU, a few others. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo One in flight at Minamba Valley. Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus Two on NB. Black-winged Kite (B-shouldered K) Elanus caeruleus One near Kumul.

Gurney’s Eagle at Varirata (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum) and Pacific Baza on New Britain (Charles Davies)

Pacific Baza (Crested Hawk) Aviceda subcristata Noted on six dates at widespread sites, some excellent views. Long-tailed Honey Buzzard ◊ Henicopernis longicauda Singles at Dablin Creek and Ambua, two near Kiunga. Black Honey Buzzard ◊ (New Britain B) Henicopernis infuscatus One over Garu WMA, NB. Papuan Eagle ◊ (N G Harpy E) Harpyopsis novaeguineae Scope views of a distant calling bird at Tari Gap. Gurney's Eagle ◊ Aquila gurneyi Great views of an adult at Varirata. Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster Noted on nine dates after the first at Dablin Creek. Brown Goshawk (Australasian G) Accipiter fasciatus Three in the Minamba Valley. Black-mantled Goshawk ◊ Accipiter melanochlamys A distant perched bird near Kumul. Grey-headed Goshawk ◊ Accipiter poliocephalus One or two at Boystown Road. Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus (NL) One in Tabubil. Papuan Harrier ◊ Circus spilothorax An cracking adult male at Tari Gap. Black Kite Milvus migrans Common near Mt. Hagen, a couple elsewhere. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus A couple near Port Moresby. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Widespread. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster One along the Fly River and a few on NB. Chestnut Forest Rail ◊ Rallicula rubra At least two on a trail near Tari Gap.


Forbes's Forest Rail ◊ Rallicula forbesi Three at Kumul.

female Chestnut Forest Rail at Tari Gap (Charles Davies)

Pale-vented Bush-hen ◊ (Rufous-tailed B-h) Amaurornis moluccana (H) Heard a couple of times. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea A couple at Kilu River, NB.. Australasian Swamphen (Purple S) Porphyrio [porphyrio] melanotus Present at a few wetlands. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa A handful at PAU. Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles A few around Port Moresby.

Comb-crested Jacana (Chris Kehoe) and Masked Lapwing (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum) at PAU.

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea About three at PAU. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (NL) Seen twice at Walindi, NB.


Black Noddy Anous minutus Common in Kimbe Bay, NB. Greater Crested Tern (C T, Swift T) Thalasseus bergii Several in Kimbe Bay, NB. Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus Three or four in Kimbe Bay, NB. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana About 20 in Kimbe Bay, NB. Common Tern Sterna hirundo A few in Kimbe Bay, NB. Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia A few in urban areas. Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove ◊ (Brown C D) Macropygia amboinensis Seen on seven dates at widespread sites. Bar-tailed Cuckoo-dove ◊ (Black-billed C-d) Macropygia nigrirostris A few, mainly in the highlands. Mackinlay's Cuckoo-dove ◊ Macropygia mackinlayi Good flight views at Malu Malu Island, NB Great Cuckoo-dove ◊ (Long-tailed C-d) Reinwardtoena reinwardtii Noted at Varirata and most days at Ambua. Stephan's Emerald Dove (S’s D) Chalcophaps stephani Fairly common in the oil palms on NB. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida A few in Port Moresby. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis A couple at around PAU. Nicobar Pigeon ◊ Caloenas nicobarica At least six at Malu Malu Island, NB. White-breasted Ground Dove ◊ (W-bibbed G D) Gallicolumba jobiensis One at Varirata but rather brief. Bronze Ground Dove ◊ Gallicolumba beccarii Two at Kumul. Pheasant Pigeon ◊ Otidiphaps nobilis (H) Heard distantly at Varirata. Southern Crowned Pigeon ◊ Goura scheepmakeri At least four near Kwatu Camp, sensational beasts! Wompoo Fruit Dove ◊ (Magnificent F D) Ptilinopus magnificus Good views at Varirata. Pink-spotted Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus perlatus Noted at Varirata, where numerous, and around Kiunga.

Island Imperial Pigeon on New Britain and Pink-spotted Fruit Doves at Varirata (Chris Kehoe)

Ornate Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus ornatus One in the scope at Boystown Road. Superb Fruit Dove (Eastern S F D) Ptilinopus superbus Noted on five dates after the first at Varirata. Beautiful Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus pulchellus Noted near Kwatu Camp, Km 17 and at Varirata.. White-bibbed Fruit Dove ◊ (W-breasted F D) Ptilinopus rivoli Several in the highlands and a couple on NB. Orange-bellied Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus iozonus A few near Kiunga. Knob-billed Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus insolitus Two seen and others heard on NB. Dwarf Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus nainus One near Kiunga and another at Varirata. Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula rubricera Several on NB.


Yellowish Imperial Pigeon on New Britain (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula rufigaster Good views at Kwatu Camp, others more briefly. Finsch's Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula finschii (NL) One seen and others heard on NB. Island Imperial Pigeon ◊ (Floury I P) Ducula pistrinaria Numerous on the Kimbe Bay Islands, NB. Pinon's Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula pinon Seen best at Km 17 with others elsewhere near Kiunga.

Knob-billed Fruit Dove on New Britain (Chris Kehoe) and ‘Southern’ Pinon’s Imperial Pigeon near Km 17 (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Collared Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula mullerii Numerous along the rivers near Kiunga, striking when seen well. Zoe’s Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula zoeae Seen near Kiunga and at Varirata, others heard but oddly scarce.


Torresian Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula spilorrhoa A few near Port Moresby. Yellowish Imperial Pigeon ◊ (Yellow-tinted I P) Ducula subflavescens Several on NB.

Collared Imperial Pigeon and Channel-billed Cuckoo at the Fly River (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Papuan Mountain Pigeon ◊ Gymnophaps albertisii Widespread encounters, mainly in the lowlands. White-necked Coucal ◊ (Pied C) Centropus ateralbus Several on NB. Ivory-billed Coucal ◊ (Greater Black C) Centropus menbek (H) Heard near Kiunga. Violaceous Coucal ◊ Centropus violaceus One seen and several heard on NB. Black-billed Coucal ◊ (Lesser Black C) Centropus bernsteini One near Kiunga, also heard. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Noted at Km 17 and at PAU. Pacific Koel (Eastern K) Eudynamys orientalis A handful around Kiunga. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae A few along the rivers near Kiunga. Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo ◊ Chrysococcyx ruficollis One at Ambua Lodge White-eared Bronze Cuckoo ◊ Chrysococcyx meyerii One at Dablin Creek. Little Bronze Cuckoo (Gould's B C) Chrysococcyx minutillus One at Kwatu Camp. White-crowned Cuckoo ◊ (W-c Koel) Cacomantis leucolophus (H) Heard at Varirata. Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Two singles near Ambua. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Noted on six dates at widespread sites, others heard. Golden Masked Owl Tyto aurantia Flight views for some and perched for one at Walindi, NB. a write-in. Papuan Boobook ◊ (Jungle Hawk Owl, Jungle B) Ninox theomacha Good views at Ambua, others heard. New Britain Boobook ◊ (Russet Hawk Owl) Ninox odiosa Good views of a roosting bird near Walindi, NB. Papuan Frogmouth ◊ Podargus papuensis Three roosting birds at PAU, great views. Archbold's Nightjar ◊ (Mountain N) Eurostopodus archboldi Two spotlighted near Ambua. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus One in flight at Kwatu Camp. Barred Owlet-nightjar ◊ Aegotheles bennettii Good views at a roost hole at Varirata. Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea A few encounters in lowlands throughout, especially on NB. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta Widespread at lower elevations. Mountain Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus hirundinaceus Common in the highlands. White-rumped Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus spodiopygius Fairly numerous on NB, more than usual. Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis Widespread at lower elevations. Papuan Spine-tailed Swift ◊ (P Spinetail, P Needletail) Mearnsia novaeguineae A few near Kiunga. Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Common near Kiunga, a few elsewhere. Hook-billed Kingfisher ◊ Melidora macrorrhina (NL) Seen briefly by some at Km 17, two others heard near Kiunga.


Papuan Frogmouth at PAU (Chris Kehoe) and Papuan Boobook at Ambua (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Common Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera galatea (NL) Seen briefly by some near Kwatu Camp. Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher ◊ (B-headed P K) Tanysiptera nigriceps Good views at Garu, NB. Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera danae Very good views at Varirata on both visits. Shovel-billed Kookaburra ◊ (S-b Kingfisher) Clytoceyx rex (H) Two heard at Ok Menga but typically uncooperative. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii (LO) Brief flight views at PAU. Rufous-bellied Kookaburra ◊ Dacelo gaudichaud A few near Kiunga, scarcer than usual.

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra at Kwatu and Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher on New Britain (Jean Florent Mandelbaum)

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii Good views at Varirata. White-mantled Kingfisher ◊ (New Britain K) Todiramphus albonotatus Three showed quite well at Garu, NB. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris A handful on NB. Beach Kingfisher ◊ Todiramphus saurophagus Two at Restorff Island, NB.


Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Widespread in small numbers, mainly in the lowlands. Yellow-billed Kingfisher ◊ (Lesser Y-b K) Syma torotoro Two at Varirata showed well. Mountain Kingfisher ◊ (M Yellow-billed K) Syma megarhyncha Good views of one near Ambua. Common Kingfisher ◊ Alcedo atthis A handful on NB. Variable Dwarf Kingfisher ◊ (Papuan D K, New Britain DK) Ceyx lepidus Brief views at Varirata. Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Two together at Varirata. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Occasionally seen in several mainly lowland areas. Blyth's Hornbill ◊ (Papuan H) Rhyticeros plicatus Numerous in the Kiunga area and on NB. Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Singles at Tabubil and Mt. Hagen. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus One along the Fly River near Kiunga. Palm Cockatoo ◊ Probosciger aterrimus A handful along the Elevala River, always a favourite ! Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita A few at Varirata and in the west. Blue-eyed Cockatoo ◊ Cacatua ophthalmica Four on New Britain, fewer than normal. Pesquet's Parrot ◊ (N G Vulturine P) Psittrichas fulgidus Two near Kwatu Camp. Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot ◊ Micropsitta keiensis A couple in flight near Kiunga. Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot ◊ Micropsitta bruijnii Two or three perched near Ambua, others in flight. Yellowish-streaked Lory ◊ (Yellow-s L, Greater Streaked L) Chalcopsitta sintillata A few in flight near Kiunga. Dusky Lory ◊ Pseudeos fuscata Flight views near Tabubil but this nomad was rather scarce this year. Coconut Lorikeet ◊ (Rainbow L) Trichoglossus haematodus Fairly common in the lowlands. Black-capped Lory ◊ (Western B-c L) Lorius lory Small numbers in the western lowlands. Purple-bellied Lory ◊ (Eastern B-c L) Lorius hypoinochrous Numerous on NB. Red-flanked Lorikeet ◊ Charmosyna placentis A few in the west, common on NB. Fairy Lorikeet ◊ (Little Red L) Charmosyna pulchella Two in flight near Ambua. Stella’s Lorikeet ◊ (Papuan L) Charmosyna stellae Several in the highlands, another firm favourite.

Red-cheeked Parrot at Varirata (top) Brehm’s Tiger Parrot at Kumul and Palm Cockatoo on the Elevala River (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)


Plum-faced Lorikeet ◊ (Whiskered L) Oreopsittacus arfaki Three near Tari Gap one evening. Yellow-billed Lorikeet ◊ Neopsittacus musschenbroekii Several around Ambua. Orange-billed Lorikeet ◊ Neopsittacus pullicauda A few around Ambua. Brehm's Tiger Parrot ◊ Psittacella brehmii Great views of several at Kumul, a couple near Tari Gap.

Black morph Stella’s Lorikeet (left), female Madarasz’s Tiger Parrot at Ambua (top) and Orange-breasted Fig Parrot at Kwatu (Charles

Davies)

Madarasz's Tiger Parrot ◊ Psittacella madaraszi Two at Ambua eventually showed very well. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi Fairly common in the lowlands. Blue-collared Parrot ◊ Geoffroyus simplex (H) Heard once at Dablin Creek. Song Parrot ◊ Geoffroyus heteroclitus Two in flight at Garu, NB. Eclectus Parrot ◊ Eclectus roratus Several in the lowlands, especially numerous on NB. Orange-breasted Fig Parrot ◊ Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii Several in the west, some great views. Double-eyed Fig Parrot ◊ (Red-faced F P) Cyclopsitta diophthalma Several around Kiunga. Large Fig Parrot ◊ (Yellow-naped F P) Psittaculirostris desmarestii One in flight at the Elevala River. Red-bellied Pitta ◊ (Papuan P, New Britain P) Erythropitta erythrogaster (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp and on NB. Hooded Pitta ◊ Pitta sordida Glimpsed by some near Kwatu Camp. White-eared Catbird ◊ Ailuroedus buccoides (NL) One at Dablin Creek. Archbold's Bowerbird ◊ Archboldia papuensis Good views at Kumul, more distantly above Ambua. MacGregor's Bowerbird ◊ Amblyornis macgregoriae (NL) A brief female at Tari Gap, also a bower there. Flame Bowerbird ◊ Sericulus ardens Great flight views of a stunning male and a few females near Kiunga. Yellow-breasted Bowerbird ◊ (Lauterbach's B) Chlamydera lauterbachi One in the Minamba Valley. Fawn-breasted Bowerbird ◊ Chlamydera cerviniventris Common at PAU where a bower was also seen. Papuan Treecreeper ◊ Cormobates placens (NL) One at Ambua.


Emperor Fairywren ◊ Malurus cyanocephalus Brief views of a male at Boystown Road. White-shouldered Fairywren ◊ Malurus alboscapulatus Several encounters at widespread sites. Orange-crowned Fairywren ◊ (O-c Wren) Clytomyias insignis (NL) One at Tari Gap. Ashy Myzomela ◊ (Bismarck M) Myzomela cineracea A handful on NB. Ruby-throated Myzomela ◊ (Red-throated) Myzomela eques One at Dablin Creek. Papuan Black Myzomela ◊ (B M) Myzomela nigrita Singles at Ok Menga and Varirata. Sclater's Myzomela ◊ (Scarlet-bibbed M) Myzomela sclateri Common on the Kimbe Bay Islands, NB. Black-bellied Myzomela ◊ (NB Red-headed M) Myzomela erythromelas A couple on NB but elusive. Red-collared Myzomela ◊ Myzomela rosenbergii Several in the highlands, very striking. Green-backed Honeyeater ◊ Glycichaera fallax Singles at Dablin Creek and Varirata. Grey-streaked Honeyeater ◊ (Black-backed H) Ptiloprora perstriata Several at higher elevations.

Tawny-breasted Bowerbird in Port Moresby and Grey-streaked Honeyeater at Kumul (Charles Davies)

Rufous-backed Honeyeater ◊ Ptiloprora guisei A few above Ambua. Plain Honeyeater ◊ Pycnopygius ixoides (LO) A couple at Boystown Road briefly. Marbled Honeyeater ◊ Pycnopygius cinereus One in the Minamba Valley. Streak-headed Honeyeater ◊ Pycnopygius stictocephalus Noted at Ok Menga and Varirata, others heard. Tawny-breasted Honeyeater ◊ Xanthotis flaviventer A few widespread encounters at mainly lower elevations. Meyer's Friarbird ◊ Philemon meyeri (H) Heard briefly at Boystown Road. New Guinea Friarbird ◊ (Helmeted F) Philemon novaeguineae Fairly common at lower elevations. New Britain Friarbird ◊ Philemon cockerelli A few seen and many more heard on NB. White-throated Honeyeater ◊ Melithreptus albogularis One or two near Varirata. Long-billed Honeyeater ◊ Melilestes megarhynchus A couple near Kiunga but elusive. Common Smoky Honeyeater ◊ Melipotes fumigatus Very common in the highlands. Rufous-banded Honeyeater ◊ Conopophila albogularis A few in Port Moresby. Black-throated Honeyeater ◊ Lichenostomus subfrenatus Just one near Tari Gap, easier when trees are flowering. Obscure Honeyeater ◊ Lichenostomus obscurus (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp. Sooty Melidectes ◊ (S Honeyeater) Melidectes fuscus (NL) Seen by some at Tari Gap. Yellow-browed Melidectes ◊ (Y-b Honeyeater) Melidectes rufocrissalis Numerous around Ambua. Belford's Melidectes ◊ (B’s Honeyeater) Melidectes belfordi Common at Kumul and Tari Gap. Ornate Melidectes ◊ Melidectes torquatus Noted at Dablin Creek and Minamba Valley, some good views. Scrub Honeyeater ◊ (S Meliphaga, S White-eared M) Meliphaga albonotata Several near Tabubil. Mimic Honeyeater ◊ (M Meliphaga, Mimetic M) Meliphaga analoga Several at Varirata matched this species. Puff-backed Honeyeater ◊ (P-b Meliphaga) Meliphaga aruensis (H) Heard at Varirata. Goldenface ◊ (Dwarf Whistler) Pachycare flavogriseum Fairly good views at Dablin Creek. Rusty Mouse-Warbler ◊ (Lowland M-w) Crateroscelis murina Seen briefly at Varirata, others heard.


Mountain Mouse-Warbler ◊ Crateroscelis robusta A few at Kumul and above Ambua. Papuan Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis papuensis Noted at Kumul and Tari Gap, where common. Large Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis nouhuysi Several at Kumul. Buff-faced Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis perspicillatus Most conspicuous at Ambua. Brown-breasted Gerygone ◊ Gerygone ruficollis Often heard and occasionally seen at higher elevations. Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris Three near Kwatu Camp. Yellow-bellied Gerygone ◊ Gerygone chrysogaster Noted at Varirata and near Kiunga, others heard. Ashy Gerygone ◊ (Mountain G, Grey Thornbill) Gerygone cinerea A couple at Tari Gap. Green-backed Gerygone ◊ Gerygone chloronota Poor views at Dablin Creek, others heard. Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa (NL) Noted at Varirata. Papuan Babbler ◊ (Rufous B, NG B) Garritornis isidorei (NL) Noted at Km 17. Papuan Logrunner ◊ (NG L, Northern L) Orthonyx novaeguineae Brief views for some at Tari Gap. Loria's Satinbird ◊ (L’s Bird-of-paradise) Cnemophilus loriae Three or four, one male, at and above Ambua. Crested Satinbird ◊ Cnemophilus macgregorii Two at Kumul and one near Tari Gap, the males were very popular.

Crested Satinbird at Kumul (Jean Florent Mandelbaum)

Obscure Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis arfakiana Brief views twice at Dablin Creek. Black Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis nigra A handful at Varirata but only on our second visit. Mid-mountain Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis longicauda Seen a couple of times around Ambua. Fan-tailed Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis versteri Several in the highlands, some fine males. Spotted Berrypecker ◊ Rhamphocharis crassirostris A pair on and off at Ambua, recently quite regular there. Pygmy Longbill ◊ (P Honeyeater) Oedistoma pygmaeum (NL) One at Varirata.


Spotted Berrypecker (Charles Davies) and Black-breasted Boatbill at Ambua (Chris Kehoe)

Yellow-bellied Longbill ◊ (Green-crowned L) Toxorhamphus novaeguineae One near Kwatu Camp, also heard. Slaty-headed Longbill ◊ Toxorhamphus poliopterus Singles at Dablin Creek and Ambua. Tit Berrypecker ◊ Oreocharis arfaki (NL) Just a single brief female at Ambua, difficult this year ! Crested Berrypecker ◊ (Eastern C B) Paramythia montium Repeated good views at Kumul and above Ambua. Spotted Jewel-Babbler ◊ Ptilorrhoa leucosticta Fleeting views for some of a noisily calling bird at Tari Gap. Blue Jewel-Babbler ◊ Ptilorrhoa caerulescens A few glimpses in the western lowlands, tricky birds !. Painted Quail-Thrush ◊ Cinclosoma ajax (H) Heard only once at Varirata but then uncooperative. Yellow-breasted Boatbill ◊ Machaerirhynchus flaviventer Seen a few times at Varirata. Black-breasted Boatbill ◊ Machaerirhynchus nigripectus Good views at and above Ambua. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus A few around Port Moresby. Great Woodswallow ◊ (NG W) Artamus maximus Common in the highlands, especially prominent at Ambua. Lowland Peltops ◊ Peltops blainvillii A couple at Boystown Road. Mountain Peltops ◊ Peltops montanus A couple at Dablin Creek. Black Butcherbird Cracticus quoyi Noted at Dablin Creek and Ambua. Black-backed Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus mentalis Several at and around PAU. Hooded Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus cassicus Most conspicuous at Varirata, a few others. Mottled Whistler ◊ (M Berryhunter) Rhagologus leucostigma Heard and seen by some near Ambua. Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae Several below Varirata with a few elsewhere. Stout-billed Cuckooshrike ◊ (Large-b C) Coracina caeruleogrisea Noted at Dablin Creek and Varirata. Boyer's Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina boyeri Several at Varirata with others at a few mainly lowland sites. White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis Singles near Varirata and on NB. Hooded Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina longicauda Three or four above Ambua. Black-shouldered Cicadabird ◊ (Papuan C) Coracina incerta One at Dablin Creek. Grey-headed Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina schisticeps Good views at Dablin Creek, a couple elsewhere Golden Cuckooshrike ◊ Campochaera sloetii Good views on two dates at Dablin Creek. Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Scattered records at lower elevations. Papuan Sittella ◊ (Varied S) Daphoenositta papuensis A few in the village below Ambua. Black Sittella ◊ Daphoenositta miranda Good views of a small flock at Tari Gap. Wattled Ploughbill ◊ Eulacestoma nigropectus Outstanding views of a male near Tari Gap after much searching. Rufous-naped Whistler ◊ (Rufous-naped Bellbird) Aleadryas rufinucha Several in the highlands. Black Pitohui ◊ Melanorectes nigrescens (NL) One at Ambua. Brown-backed Whistler ◊ Pachycephala modesta Several in the highlands. Grey-headed Whistler (Grey W) Pachycephala griseiceps A couple at Varirata. Sclater's Whistler ◊ Pachycephala soror A few in the highlands. Mangrove Golden Whistler ◊ (Black-tailed W) Pachycephala melanura Up to four on the Kimbe Bay islands, NB. Regent Whistler ◊ Pachycephala schlegelii Several in the highlands, a very attractive species. Black-headed Whistler ◊ Pachycephala monacha One in the Minamba Valley.


White-bellied Pitohui ◊ Pseudorectes incertus (NL) Brief views for some near Kwatu Camp.

Well worth the wait - the incomparable Wattled Ploughbill at Tari Gap (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Little Shrikethrush (Rufous S) Colluricincla megarhyncha Noted on eight dates after the first at Varirata. Grey Shrikethrush Colluricincla harmonica One at PAU. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach A few in the highlands. Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti A handful in and around PAU. Southern Variable Pitohui ◊ Pitohui uropygialis Noted at Varirata and Ok Menga, heard at Km 17. Hooded Pitohui ◊ Pitohui dichrous A few at Varirata. Brown Oriole ◊ Oriolus szalayi Most conspicuous at Varirata, fewer than usual this year. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus A handful in lowland forests. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Very widespread, often common. Northern Fantail ◊ Rhipidura rufiventris Noted at Dablin Creek and on NB. Sooty Thicket Fantail ◊ Rhipidura threnothorax Fleeting views of a noisy bird at Kwatu Camp. White-bellied Thicket Fantail ◊ Rhipidura leucothorax Unusually good views at Kwatu Camp. Black Fantail ◊ Rhipidura atra A handful in the highlands. Chestnut-bellied Fantail ◊ Rhipidura hyperythra A few seen and others heard at Varirata. Friendly Fantail ◊ Rhipidura albolimbata Fairly common at higher elevations. Dimorphic Fantail ◊ Rhipidura brachyrhyncha Seen twice at Tari Gap. Rufous-backed Fantail ◊ Rhipidura rufidorsa A couple near Kwatu Camp. Black Monarch ◊ (Fantailed M) Symposiachrus axillaris Just one near Kumul. Spot-winged Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus guttula Noted at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Hooded Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus manadensis (H) Heard once near Kwatu Camp. Black-tailed Monarch ◊ (Bismarck Pied M) Symposiachrus verticalis (NL) Seen by some at Boku, NB. Island Monarch ◊ (Islet M) Monarcha cinerascens A couple on Restorff Island, NB. Black-faced Monarch ◊ Monarcha melanopsis (NL) One at Varirata. Golden Monarch ◊ Carterornis chrysomela A couple near Kwatu Camp. Frilled Monarch ◊ Arses telescopthalmus Good views at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Shining Flycatcher (Common S F) Myiagra alecto A few along the rivers near Kiunga, others on NB. Grey Crow ◊ (Bare-eyed C) Corvus tristis Most conspicuous along the rivers near Kiunga, weird birds ! Torresian Crow Corvus orru Several near Port Moresby, a handful elsewhere.


Bismarck Crow ◊ (Island C) Corvus insularis Fairly common on NB. Lesser Melampitta ◊ Melampitta lugubris Brief views of two at Kumul, heard near Tari Gap.

Friendly Fantail at Ambua and Shining Flycatcher on New Britain (Charles Davies)

Frilled Monarch at Kwatu Camp and White-winged Fairy Wren at Dablin Creek (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

Blue-capped Ifrit ◊ (B-c Ifrita) Ifrita kowaldi Great views at Kumul, several others near Tari Gap, more than usual. Glossy-mantled Manucode ◊ (Glossy M) Manucodia ater Several along the rivers near Kiunga. Crinkle-collared Manucode ◊ Manucodia chalybatus Noted at Varirata and at near Kiunga. Trumpet Manucode ◊ Phonygammus keraudrenii A few in the scope at Boystown Road. Short-tailed Paradigalla ◊ Paradigalla brevicauda Great views at Ambua where two regularly in the lodge garden. Ribbon-tailed Astrapia ◊ Astrapia mayeri Close views of females at Kumul, stunning full-tailed males at Tari Gap. Princess Stephanie's Astrapia ◊ (S’s A) Astrapia stephaniae A handful around the lodge at Ambua, mostly females. Queen Carola's Parotia ◊ (C’s P) Parotia carolae Great scope views of several at Dablin Creek, some superb males. Lawes's Parotia ◊ Parotia lawesii One or two females repeatedly at Ambua Lodge. King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise ◊ Pteridophora alberti Two amazing males and several females above Ambua. Superb Bird-of-paradise ◊ Lophorina superba Several females and a brief male at Ambua, a couple elsewhere.


Magnificent Riflebird ◊ Ptiloris magnificus A female at Boystown Road, others heard there. Growling Riflebird ◊ (Eastern R) Ptiloris intercedens Brief views for some at Varirata, several others heard there. Black Sicklebill ◊ Epimachus fastosus Distant but prolonged scope views of a shiny male below Ambua.

Short-tailed Paradigalla at Ambua and Greater Bop (or Greater x Raggiana) at Km17 (Charles Davies)

King-of-Saxony Bop at Tari Gap and Twelve-wired Bop at the Fly River (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)


Brown Sicklebill ◊ Epimachus meyeri Several females at Kumul and above Ambua, one scoped male at the latter. Magnificent Bird-of-paradise ◊ Diphyllodes magnificus A very smart male and a few females at Dablin Creek. King Bird-of-paradise ◊ Cicinnurus regius Males at Km 17 and near Kwatu Camp. Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise ◊ Seleucidis melanoleucus Two displaying males and a female near Kiunga. Greater Bird-of-Paradise ◊ Paradisaea apoda Several females and a couple of displaying males near Kiunga. Raggiana Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea raggiana Several at Varirata and near Kiunga where also probable hybrids. Lesser Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea minor (NL) Brief and distant views for some at Minamba Valley. Blue Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea rudolphi A male at Minamba Valley and a female in the garden at Ambua.

female Ribbon-tailed Astrapia at Kumul (Charles Davies)

Ashy Robin ◊ (Black-capped R) Heteromyias albispecularis Brief views on two dates at Tari Gap. Black-sided Robin ◊ (B-bibbed R) Poecilodryas hypoleuca Two near Kwatu Camp. Black-throated Robin ◊ Poecilodryas albonotata A couple at and above Ambua. White-winged Robin ◊ Peneothello sigillata Several in the highlands, easy at Kumul. Slaty Robin ◊ (Blue-grey R) Peneothello cyanus A few at and near Ambua. White-rumped Robin ◊ Peneothello bimaculata (H) Heard at Dablin Creek but unresponsive. Torrent Flyrobin ◊ (T Flycatcher, River F) Monachella muelleriana A couple in the Minamba Valley. Canary Flyrobin ◊ (Papuan Flycatcher, Montane F) Microeca papuana Several in the highlands. Lemon-bellied Flyrobin ◊ (L-b Flycatcher) Microeca flavigaster A couple in the savannah near Varirata. Garnet Robin ◊ Eugerygone rubra (H) Heard once near Tari Gap but uncooperative. Lesser Ground Robin ◊ Amalocichla incerta (H) Heard distantly and briefly below Tari Gap. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Widespread, sometimes common. Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans A few near Walindi, NB. Island Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus maforensis A handful at and around Ambua. Clamorous Reed Warbler (Australian R W) Acrocephalus stentoreus Heard and seen briefly near Walindi, NB. Papuan Grassbird ◊ Megalurus macrurus A few in the highlands. Black-fronted White-eye ◊ Zosterops minor Noted near Ambua and at Varirata. Capped White-eye ◊ (Western Mountain W-e, Dark-capped W-e) Zosterops fuscicapilla


Papuan White-eye ◊ (New Guinea W-e) Zosterops novaeguineae (NL) Four in the village below Ambua. Metallic Starling (Shining S) Aplonis metallica Locally common, especially on NB. Yellow-eyed Starling ◊ Aplonis mystacea A handful near Kwatu Camp. Singing Starling ◊ Aplonis cantoroides A handful at PAU. Yellow-faced Myna ◊ Mino dumontii Widespread at lower elevations. Long-tailed Myna ◊ (Melanesian M) Mino kreffti Several on NB. Golden Myna ◊ Mino anais Several near Kiunga. Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus Oddly scarce this year but a couple seen at Kumul and Tari Gap. Pied Bush Chat (P C, P Bushchat) Saxicola caprata Widespread in small numbers but mainly in the highlands. Red-capped Flowerpecker ◊ Dicaeum geelvinkianum Several at various mainly lower elevation sites. Red-banded Flowerpecker ◊ (Bismarck F) Dicaeum eximium A handful each day on NB. Black Sunbird ◊ Leptocoma sericea Several, mainly at lower elevations. Olive-backed Sunbird (Yellow-bellied S) Cinnyris jugularis A handful on NB. House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Scattered records in towns. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced) Passer montanus More widespread than the previous species. Mountain Firetail ◊ Oreostruthus fuliginosus About three at Kumul.

White-spotted Mannikin (little known form bigilalae) near Varirata and Golden Myna at the Fly River (Charles Davies)

White-spotted Mannikin ◊ Lonchura leucosticta Six at Varirata and four at Boystown Road. See note. Grey-headed Mannikin ◊ Lonchura caniceps A handful at PAU took some finding. Hooded Mannikin ◊ Lonchura spectabilis Several in the highlands. Buff-bellied Mannikin ◊ (Bismarck M, Thick-billed M) Lonchura melaena Noted twice on NB. Australian Pipit Anthus australis Noted at Mt. Hagen and Tari Airports. MAMMALS Speckled Dasyure (Long-clawed Marsupial Mouse) Neophascogale lorentzii Two near Tari Gap. Black-tailed Dasyure Murexia melanurus One at Kumul. Common Spotted Cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus One at Kumul. Bismarck Bare-backed Fruit Bat (New Britain Naked-b B) Dobsonia praedatrix Several on New Britain. Calaby’s Pademelon Thylogale calabyi (NL) One at Kumul seen by a couple of people.


NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST additional to or updating those in the tour checklist White-spotted Mannikin Lonchura leucosticta The forms concerned are the very poorly known bigilalae (SE Pen.) and nominate leucosticta (i.e. near Kiunga). Some authors (including HBW/BLI) regard this species as conspecific with Streak-headed Mannikin L. tristissima while others (including Beehler et al.) accept the split but include the little known bigilalae as a race of tristissima rather than the present species. In fact bigilalae is so little known that Beehler et al. consider it in need of verification. The few published descriptions of bigilalae stress that it has spots on the flanks (contra. some of the birds we have seen near Varirata, see image above); compared to L. l. leucosticta it is noticeably darker but still with copious white spotting on the head, face and mantle, areas where the even darker tristissima is merely very finely streaked. Although somewhat intermediate between nominate leucosticta and tristissima in appearance, bigilalae is believed to be geographically isolated from all other forms so it is not inconceivable that it represents a third species. For now we follow the IOC taxonomy which seems as plausible as any.

Sunshine, mist and our trusty bus near Tari Gap (Jean-Florent Mandelbaum)

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA REP 15 - Bird Tours - BIRDQUEST NEW... · Our recent tour to Papua New Guinea produced an outstanding collection of ... lunch in a cafe near the airport there we