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1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Papua New Guinea 2017 www.birdquest-tours.com Raggiana Bird-of-paradise at Varirata (tour participant Martin Partridge) Ultimate Papua New Guinea 9/14 – 31 July 2017 LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE For birders, the Island of New Guinea is virtually synonymous with Birds-of-paradise and our recent tour to Papua New Guinea provided us with views of 20 species of these remarkable birds. This included fabulous displaying Raggiana and Greater Birds-of-paradise, the exquisite King Bird-of-paradise, exceptional views of several Queen Carola’s Parotias, Blue Bird-of-paradise at two sites, Brown and Black Sicklebills, displaying Twelve-wired Birds-of-paradise and fantastical King of Saxony Birds-of-paradise, the latter taking the honour of Bird of the Trip. There were very many other highlights of course, not least the stunning Southern Crowned Pigeons, nine species of Fruit Doves, Chestnut-backed Jewel Babblers, an obliging Papuan Logrunner and Papuan Pitta and unusually close views of the gargantuan Pesquet’s Parrot and miniscule Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot. After recent taxonomic adjustments New Guinea is now home to seven endemic bird families and we succeeded in seeing members of each including the sensational Wattled Ploughbill and sublime Blue-capped Ifrit. Only in a place like PNG can species such as Flame Bowerbird, Palm Cockatoo, Nicobar Pigeon, Forbes’s Forest Rail and Golden Myna be regarded as the supporting cast.

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Page 1: Ultimate Papua New Guinea - Birdquest NEW GUINEA -ULTIMAT… · 2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Papua New Guinea 2017 Our pre-tour extension to New Britain began early in the morning

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Papua New Guinea 2017 www.birdquest-tours.com

Raggiana Bird-of-paradise at Varirata (tour participant Martin Partridge)

Ultimate Papua New Guinea

9/14 – 31 July 2017

LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE For birders, the Island of New Guinea is virtually synonymous with Birds-of-paradise and our recent tour to Papua New Guinea provided us with views of 20 species of these remarkable birds. This included fabulous displaying Raggiana and Greater Birds-of-paradise, the exquisite King Bird-of-paradise, exceptional views of several Queen Carola’s Parotias, Blue Bird-of-paradise at two sites, Brown and Black Sicklebills, displaying Twelve-wired Birds-of-paradise and fantastical King of Saxony Birds-of-paradise, the latter taking the honour of Bird of the Trip. There were very many other highlights of course, not least the stunning Southern Crowned Pigeons, nine species of Fruit Doves, Chestnut-backed Jewel Babblers, an obliging Papuan Logrunner and Papuan Pitta and unusually close views of the gargantuan Pesquet’s Parrot and miniscule Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot. After recent taxonomic adjustments New Guinea is now home to seven endemic bird families and we succeeded in seeing members of each including the sensational Wattled Ploughbill and sublime Blue-capped Ifrit. Only in a place like PNG can species such as Flame Bowerbird, Palm Cockatoo, Nicobar Pigeon, Forbes’s Forest Rail and Golden Myna be regarded as the supporting cast.

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Our pre-tour extension to New Britain began early in the morning at Port Moresby Airport where our flight to Hoskins was on time and we reached the comfortable beachfront resort at Walindi early in the afternoon. After a bite to eat we did some birding in the hotel grounds, seeing Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeons, Eclectus Parrots, Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Moustached Treeswift and others. Black Noddys were feeding offshore and Common and Sacred Kingfishers were along the beach. At first light we set off in a dive boat to visit two small islands that are home to several ‘tramp’ species. After 30 minutes we reached Restorff island and, viewing from the boat, soon found several Sclater’s Myzomelas, a Mangrove Golden Whistler, numerous Island Imperial Pigeons and a few Yellowish Imperial Pigeons plus a brief Nicobar Pigeon. Satisfied with this we travelled on to nearby Malu Malu and anchored there for 40 minutes, during which we found several more Nicobar Pigeons, some of which showed very well, along with a scarce Island Monarch and a single Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-dove. A brief return to Restorff gave us our final target in the shape of an impressive Beach Kingfisher. As the sea state was slight we motored out beyond Kimbe Island and deposited our chum supply there in the hope of attracting pelagic species. Perhaps due to the very light winds a 90-minute vigil produced just a Brown Booby, a couple of Lesser Frigatebirds and several Black Noddys. Back at Restorff Island some went snorkelling while our picnic lunch was prepared. The journey back to the resort gave us great views of roosting Black Noddys and dapper Black-naped Terns. Soon after we disembarked at Walindi a Moustached Treeswift was in the scope for those who had missed it yesterday while nearby a small group of Buff-faced Pygmy Parrots were foraging Nuthatch-like. After changing into proper birding garb some saw a Knob-billed Fruit Dove above the restaurant before we set off to nearby Numundo Fields where an Australian Reed Warbler was on view as a group of Buff-bellied Mannikins flew by, we eventually tracked down the latter for good scope views.

Common and Black-naped Terns with a Black Noddy in Kimbe Bay, NB. (Chris Kehoe)

The next morning we arrived at Garu WMA around sunrise having seen several Stephan’s Emerald Doves as we travelled through mile after mile of oil palms to reach Garu’s native forest. We spent the whole of the morning working our way along the main track at Garu, White-necked Coucals showed well and Purple-bellied Lorys and Eclectus Parrots were positively common. Our first Red-banded Flowerpecker was found, along with many Black Sunbirds and a Barred Cuckooshrike sat atop a large bare tree. Another bare treetop held several each of Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeons and Knob-billed Fruit Doves plus a couple of noisy Blue-eyed Cockatoos. A calling Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher refused to show itself but we did see a Pacific Koel, two groups of Buff-faced Pygmy Parrots and overflying Coconut and Red-flanked Lorikeets. After a long search we had a smart White-mantled Kingfisher in the scope while nearby several Finsch’s Imperial

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Pigeons showed unusually well and our sharp eyed local guides located a New Britain Dwarf Kingfisher and a skulky Violaceous Coucal. In the afternoon we visited Kilu Ridge where, with the assistance of ‘Boobook Joe - the landowner, we had decent scope views of a pair of roosting New Britain Boobook along with lots of Eclectus Parrots and a few Blue-eyed Cockatoos and Blyth’s Hornbills.

Nicobar Pigeons at Malu Malu, NB. (Chris Kehoe) A return to Garu the next morning saw us targeting a few remaining forest species. We spent a considerable amount of time chasing two calling Black-capped Paradise Kingfishers but our eventual reward was just a series of brief flight views. Black-tailed Monarch proved almost as elusive but we did add the likes of Oriental Hobby and Dollarbird to our list along with many previously seen species. In the afternoon we visited Kulu River, stopping first on a ridge above there where we enjoyed good views of several White-rumped Swiftlets. Once at the river we worked hard trying to coax a Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher to show itself but though it approached very closely it remained well hidden in deep cover and eventually stopped calling. As we were departing the area a Melanesian Megapode was spotted feeding quietly in the half-light, a species that has become harder to find as traditional sites have been overexploited by locals. The discovery of Golden Masked Owls near Walindi in 2015 was a major ornithological event as this was a near-mythic species prior to then. Unfortunately, actually connecting with the owl is a very hit and miss affair and with just one previous sighting all year our hopes of finding one after dinner were not high. However, after just 30 minutes of driving around in the oil palms we were watching one sitting at the roadside where it stayed for over five minutes before flying off. Remarkably, we came across what was probably another individual a few minutes later and enjoyed further prolonged views. Straight after an early breakfast we returned to Hoskins airport where our flight to Port Moresby was just 20 minutes later and we arrived there late morning. Later in the afternoon we visited nearby Pacific Adventist University (PAU) grounds where new birds came thick and fast, especially as the temperature began to subside. Highlights at PAU included numerous Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds, great views of several Orange-fronted Fruit Doves, a pair of roosting Papuan Frogmouths, Black-backed Butcherbirds and a group of Grey-headed Mannikins. The supporting cast included Torresian Imperial Pigeons, many Australasian Green Figbirds, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Pied Herons and Masked Lapwings. A couple of Straw-necked Ibises here were a surprise, being quite a rarity in New Guinea.

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Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot at Walindi, NB (Chris Kehoe)

Once those arriving for the start of the main tour reached our hotel in Port Moresby we had some breakfast and set off to Varirata NP where we arrived an hour later. We first concentrated our attention on a fruiting tree at the picnic area where activity was good and almost the first bird we saw was a scarce Dwarf Koel while a dapper Pink-spotted Fruit Dove posed in a nearby tree. Boyer’s, Stout-billed and Barred Cuckooshrikes all put in appearances and soon afterwards our first Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, a young male, was on view. Further watching gave us the likes of Hooded Pitohui, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Great Cuckoo-Dove, Hooded Butcherbirds, Black Berrypecker and Mimic Honeyeaters while an impressive Long-tailed Honey Buzzard soared in the blue sky as Red-cheeked Parrots flew by. A visit to an adjacent short trail was productive too, some seeing a couple of noisy Growling Riflebirds while a mixed flock held Grey Whistler, Spot-winged and Frilled Monarchs, Chestnut-bellied Fantails, Green-backed, Fairy and Yellow-bellied Gerygones plus more Black Berrypeckers. Brown-headed Paradise Kingfishers were vocal but uncooperative so we decided to return later on. After a picnic lunch we drove to a scenic outlook and explored part of the trail there. It was rather quiet in the midday heat but a few previously seen species were found along with our first Pacific Baza, though the undoubted highlight was a Barred Owlet-nightjar poking its head out of a roost hole. Back at the picnic area the fruiting trees attracted Tawny-breasted Honeyeater and Black-fronted White-eyes while the Brown-headed Paradise Kingfishers gave a series of brief but good views. We concluded the day with a walk through the savanna habitat just outside the park where a female White-bellied Whistler was the highlight and Lemon-bellied Flyrobins, Coconut Lorikeets, White-throated Honeyeaters and Blue-winged Kookaburra were also seen. The next day was effectively a travel day, especially as our plane to Tabubil was diverted to Kiunga from where we had to transfer to Tabubil by road. Even so, we did manage an hour of evening birding at a drizzly Ok Menga where Mountain Peltops, Greater Bird of Paradise and Torrent Flyrobin were new and we had greatly improved views of Great Cuckoo-Dove. A further, and rather serendipitous highlight was a group of Australian Pratincoles milling about at Kiunga Airport while we awaited transport to Tabubil. We spent the next morning at Dablin Creek where the star attraction, Queen Carola’s Parotias, were unusually cooperative with up to 10 birds giving repeated good views, including a couple of fabulous males.

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There were many other highlights too including scarce Spotted Honeyeaters, Ornate Melidectes, a White-eared Bronze Cuckoo, several Grey-headed Cuckooshrikes, a fleeting Pesquet’s Parrot, a female Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, Black Fantail, White-rumped Robin and Slaty-headed Longbill. Calling Chestnut-backed Jewell Babblers shot across the road and a Variable Goshawk posed well. In the afternoon we returned to Ok Menga where it didn’t take too long to locate a pair of Salvadori’s Teal. A Torrent Lark gave good scope views for a while too and further along the road some had brief flight views of Pesquet’s Parrots. At dusk a Shovel-billed Kookaburra called for a while but remained unseen though a Chestnut-bellied Kookaburra showed quite well and as darkness descended a couple of Papuan Boobooks were found.

Frilled Monarch at Varirata (Chris Kehoe)

A morning back at Dablin Creek failed to deliver the hoped-for male Magnificent Bird-of-paradise but we had repeat views of several choice species plus additions to our list in the shape of Pale-billed Scrubwren, Crested Pitohui (or Bellbird) and Long-billed Honeyeater. During lunch at the hotel several Great Woodswallows were on show. After lunch we drove back to Kiunga, stopping along the way to view Little Ringed Plovers of the distinctive local race. Our main birding stop though was for a couple of hours at the famous Kilometre 17 trail where we had sensational views of displaying Greater Birds-of-paradise and a close perched Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon. At first light we were aboard a boat and setting off along the Fly River towards rustic Kwatu Camp. It didn’t take long to see our first Channel-billed Cuckoos and a most unexpected White Tern before we reached the narrower Elevala River where Grey-headed Goshawk, Palm Cockatoo and several Collared Imperial Pigeons showed well. Not long afterwards we were enjoying fine views of our first spectacular Southern Crowned Pigeon, always a major tour highlight. Moustached Treeswift, a female Flame Bowerbird and several Glossy Manucodes were also seen before we disembarked and walked into the camp. Scanning from the lodge clearing during lunch gave us a Trumpet Manucode, a handful of stunning Golden Mynas,

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Pinon’s Imperial Pigeons and many Orange-breasted Fig Parrots while some also saw a female Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise. After a short boat ride, we explored one of the nearby trails where a Black-sided Robin, Hooded Monarch and Rufous-backed Fantail were seen, albeit all rather briefly. We also had a couple of brief views of Common Paradise Kingfishers and a few more Southern Crowned Pigeons before rain set in and we retreated to the lodge. Heavy rain continued long into the night, scuppering any plans for night birding.

Pesquet’s Parrot near Kwatu Camp (Martin Partridge) The rainy theme continued the next morning too, indeed it was several hours after dawn before it had eased enough to allow the boat to be effectively bailed out, though we did see our first Golden Cuckooshrikes and a few other bits and pieces from the shelter of the lodge while we waited. At a nearby trailhead the rain returned soon after our arrival but from the shelter of a small lodge there we managed views of Dwarf Fruit Dove and Superb Fruit Dove along with Streak-headed and Long-billed Honeyeaters and Golden Monarchs. The weather finally improved after lunch and we visited a trail where a fantastic male King Bird-of-paradise was in residence and eventually gave great scope views. Nearby a calling Papuan Pitta was tracked down and showed well while back on the boat a couple of Large-billed Gerygones were seen before we ended the day with a visit to the display pole of a Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise that showed very well but rather briefly before persistent heavy rain returned. With so much rain in the previous days the river had risen by well over a metre which made some trails inaccessible so we began the next morning with a short walk near the lodge to another Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise display pole and enjoyed fine views. By the time we reached the trailhead visited yesterday the rain had returned but by dodging the heaviest downpours we were able to see some excellent birds from the cover of the small lodge. Fruit Doves sat prominently to dry off as best they could and amongst numerous Orange-bellied and a few Pink-spotted we located a handful of scarce Ornate Fruit Doves. Fig Parrots were

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also prominent with Orange-breasted and Double-eyed joined by a few stunning Large Fig parrots that gave rare perched views. A fruiting tree attracted a variety of birds, most notably a couple of Flame Bowerbirds that briefly included an eye-wateringly vivid male. Once the rain had finally stopped we set off along the trail. All in all it was rather quiet but we did enjoy outstanding views of Pesquet’s Parrots, a species more usually seen in flight only, and a busy group of Papuan Babblers. The return journey to Kiunga in the afternoon produced nothing new apart from a Whistling Kite but we were thankful that it remained dry and were equally thankful for a nice hot shower at Kiunga Guesthouse after a couple of nights in the bush.

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise near Kwatu Camp (Martin Partridge)

Our final morning in the Kiunga area was spent at Boystown Road where several previously seen species such as Greater Streaked and Black-capped Lorys, Red-flanked Lorikeets and Trumpet Manucodes were seen while Lowland Peltops and Beautiful Fruit Dove were new for all and Emperor Fairy Wren for most, the latter giving a series of good views. After lunch we transferred to the airport where our flight to Mt Hagen was about 45 minutes late, acceptable by PNG standards. On arrival at Mt. Hagen a bus was waiting to take us on the 90-minute journey to Kumul Lodge where we arrived just after dark for a two night stay. After an early breakfast we boarded a minibus for a 30-minute journey into the Minamba Valley where we disembarked at first light and made our way uphill to a vantage point overlooking a wooded hillside favoured by Blue Bird-of-paradise. It wasn’t too long before we were enjoying excellent scope views of a male Blue Bop that remained in view for many minutes before flying right over us and disappearing into the valley below. Happy with this we made our way back down to the bus and returned to the lodge. The birdtable at Kumul is rightly famous and represents something of an antidote to the often challenging forest birding in PNG. We spent most of the morning there watching the close-range comings and goings of the likes of Ribbon-tailed Astrapias, Brehm’s Tiger Parrots, Island Thrushes, White-winged Robins, Belford’s Melidectes and Common Smoky Honeyeaters. In nearby fruiting and flowering trees we found a couple of female Crested Satinbirds, Grey-streaked Honeyeaters, Crested Berrypecker, Fan-tailed Berrypecker, Rufous-naped Whistler (or Bellbird), Regent Whistler and a couple of exquisite Blue-capped Ifrits, though the highlight of a most enjoyable and productive morning was probably a couple of obliging Forbes’s Forest Rails plodding about at the foot of a small trail below our rooms. After lunch we visited a nearby wooded

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slope where a couple of King-of-Saxony Birds-of-paradise were seen along with a Brown Sicklebill, Bar-tailed Cuckoo Dove, Fan-tailed Cuckoos and many Hooded Mannikins. After another early start we were on our way to a site for Lesser Bird of Paradise where we arrived at first light 45 minutes later. We waited on a hillside overlooking a favoured tree and saw several Pied Bushchats, a Yellow-breasted Bowerbird and a surprise in the shape of a scarce Pygmy Eagle that landed in the tree and was briefly mobbed by an Australian Hobby. However, the only Lesser Bop calls remained distant so we eventually made our way to another area where, after a short wait, a superb male was seen very well. We lingered in the area for over an hour, seeing a few female Magnificent Birds-of-paradise, a cracking male Superb Bird-of-paradise that flirted his iridescent breast plumes and also a Black-throated Whistler. Back at the lodge we learned Mt. Hagen airport had been closed indefinitely due to election related unrest so we made arrangements for a road transfer to Ambua tomorrow and carried on birding at Kumul rather than flying to Port Moresby as planned. Our extra afternoon and evening at Kumul proved rather productive with a group of Orange-crowned Fairywrens, Black-breasted Boatbill and Canary Flyrobin found along the trails while a White-bibbed Fruit Dove showed well near the lodge where some also saw a Bronze Ground Dove and a male Crested Satinbird. A late return to the trails produced a furtive Lesser Melampitta and a brief flight view of a New Guinea Woodcock.

White-bibbed Fruit Dove at Kumul and Lesser Bird-of-paradise at Minamba Valley (Martin Partridge)

We set off from Kumul at first light and finally reached Ambua Lodge at dusk. Despite being a travelling day, often on very bumpy roads, we did manage to see another Pygmy Eagle as well as adding Brown Falcon, Spotted Berrypecker, Great Cormorant and Papuan Harrier to our list along the way. We were birding in the lodge garden at first light where fruiting trees attracted females of Lawes’s Parotia, Loria’s Satinbird, Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia and Black Sicklebill along with numerous Great Woodswallows, a Spotted Berrypecker and several Yellow-billed Lorikeets and others. Later on, we travelled up the road towards Tari Gap, in rather warm and sunny conditions bird life was subdued but we did manage wonderful views of a calling male King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise, Black-breasted Boatbill and a furtive

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female Garnet Robin along with commoner fare. We returned to the same area in the afternoon where the undoubted highlight was a superb male Wattled Ploughbill while Black Sitellas, Red-collared Myzomelas, Papuan, Plum-faced and Goldie’s Lorikeets and a couple of sneaky Lesser Melampittas were seen along with another King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise and a few Ribbon-tailed Astrapias that included a full-tailed male. After dinner we went spotlighting in the lodge grounds where a Papuan Boobook and a Rufous Owl showed very well.

Greater Sooty Owl near Ambua (Martin Partridge)

We spent most of the next morning birding at various points along the road between Ambua and Tari Gap. At a clearing we found the hoped-for Short-tailed Paradigalla quite quickly along with several showy Brown Sicklebills and a couple of confiding Red-breasted Pygmy Parrots. Along a short trail we coaxed a Papuan Logrunner into view and also had brief views of a startlingly bright male Tit Berrypecker. Up at Tari Gap we finally added Papuan Grassbird to our list and had great views of a juvenile Papuan Harrier. Birding along the lodge access road during our lunch break gave us Macgregor’s Bowerbird, Island Leaf Warbler and Capped White-eye with Hooded Cuckooshrikes also seen as we were about to depart. At an area of private land half-an-hour below the lodge a superb Greater Sooty Owl showed beautifully but rain rather hampered our birding along the road above Ambua later on, though a reasonable selection of previously seen species was found and Island Leaf Warbler was new for most. The next morning was spent exploring the road and a lengthy trail at Tari Gap. Noisy but generally elusive Black-throated Honeyeaters were along the road and a Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo was seen before we ventured onto the trail. It didn’t take long to find a Black-throated Robin calling from the canopy but an Ashy Robin that circled us several times rarely sat still long enough for satisfying views. A small mixed flock contained a couple of Dimorphic Fantails and a Black Monarch. We eventually heard a calling Spotted Jewel Babbler and spent a long time trying to coax it into view though ultimately just had a brief fly-by view. It

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rained heavily during our lunch break back at Ambua but once it stopped there was a flurry of bird activity in the lodge garden there with several Birds-of-paradise busily feeding in the fruiting trees including Lawes’s Parotia and Superb Bird-of-paradise. Along the access road and an adjacent trail we found a dapper White-bibbed Fruit Dove and a small group of Grey Thornbills plus Black Monarch, Buff-faced Scrubwrens, a Slaty Robin and others. After dinner we had fine views of Papuan Boobook near our rooms again. We had time for about 90 minutes of birding at Ambua before departing for the airport and succeeded in finding several excellent birds including a fabulous female Blue-Bird-of-paradise, a Black Pitohui, Mountain Peltops and both Black Monarch and Black Fantail. Almost as we were about to board the bus a Mottled Whistler began calling and we had a series of views as it moved through the car park bushes and trees and thus completed the set of New Guinea’s endemic bird families. Our flight to Port Moresby finally departed about four hours late, not an infrequent occurrence, so we reached the capital too late for any birding and retired to our comfortable hotel instead.

Blue Bird of Paradise at Ambua (Martin Partridge)

We reached Varirata NP at first light, ate our box breakfasts and made our way to the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise display area. The birds put on a marvelous performance today with up to five brilliantly adorned males showing off their finery to a few females. Happy with this we made our way to the picnic area and set off along the Circuit Trail where we spent the rest of the morning. Highlights along the trail included a Painted Quail Thrush, a smart male Growling Riflebird and a dapper Goldenface but also seen were Black Cuckooshrike, Black-winged Monarch, Drongo Fantail, several Chestnut-bellied Fantails, a couple of Dwarf Longbills, Papuan Black Myzomela and Long-billed Honeyeater. We eventually returned to the picnic area for lunch where a Gurney’s Eagle flew over and some saw a brief Rusty Pitohui. We spent the afternoon exploring the Viewpoint Trail but it was extremely quiet there though we did encounter a few previously seen species for good views.

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We began the final full day of the tour in the savanna habitat just outside Varirata where it didn’t take long to find a couple of very localised White-bellied Whistlers along with a Forest Kingfisher, Pheasant Coucal and White-throated Honeyeaters. Most of the morning was spent slowly working our way along the Viewpoint Trail where it was again rather quiet though the Barred Owlet-Nightjar was at home and we encountered a couple of small mixed flocks containing a stunning Goldenface, Frilled and Spot-winged Monarchs, several Fairy Gerygones and a couple of Grey Whistlers. We were almost back at the picnic area when we heard the distinctive calls of Chestnut-backed Jewell Babblers, one of which was coaxed into showing itself quite well to most of us. In the afternoon we returned to PAU, the first visit there for those on the main tour only. The species mix was very similar to our previous visit, with Papuan Frogmouths, Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds, Pied Herons and plenty of wildfowl on view, though Raja Shelduck, Hardhead, Australasian Little Grebe and Buff-banded Rail were all new. With a couple of hours available before we had to travel to the airport at the end of the tour we returned to Varirata. Arriving in the half-light we had a couple of views of Large-tailed Nightjar at the picnic area. As the light improved we had final views of the likes of Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, Hooded Pitohui, Boyer’s Cuckooshrike and Pink-spotted and Orange-bellied Fruit Doves while a brief Green-backed Honeyeater was the final addition to our list before it was time to leave. At the airport we gathered the votes for the Bird of the Trip. Bird of the trip results 1 – King-of-Saxony Bird-of-paradise 14 points 2 – Southern Crowned Pigeon 13 points 3 – King Bird-of-paradise 11 points 4 = Greater Bird-of-paradise 10 points 4 = Blue-capped Ifrit 10 points 4 = Blue Bird-of-paradise 10 points. 4 = Golden Masked Owl 10 points (New Britain extension)

King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise above Ambua (Martin Partridge)

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Watching a Pygmy Eagle near Kumul (Martin Partridge)

At Dablin Creek (Martin Partridge)

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Southern Crowned Pigeon near Kwatu Camp (Martin Partridge) 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). Plumed Whistling Duck ◊ Dendrocygna eytoni Up to 30 at PAU. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata About 10 at PAU. Raja Shelduck ◊ (White-headed S) Tadorna radjah One at PAU on our return there. Salvadori's Teal ◊ Salvadorina waigiuensis Good views of three Ok Menga. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Numerous at PAU, others on New Britain. Grey Teal Anas gracilis Three at PAU. Hardhead Aythya australis One at PAU on our return there. Black-billed Brushturkey ◊ (Yellow-legged B-t) Talegalla fuscirostris (H) Heard near Kiunga and at Varirata. Melanesian Megapode ◊ (M Scrubfowl, Volcano S) Megapodius eremita One at Kulu, New Britain. Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae One at PAU.

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Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Up to six at PAU. Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Two at PAU, a write-in.

Plumed Whistling Ducks and Masked Lapwing at PAU (Martin Partridge)

Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis A couple in the oil palms near Walindi, NB, one near Kwatu Camp. Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus A handful at PAU. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Occasional encounters, mainly in the lowlands. Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Seen twice near Kwatu Camp. Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea alba A few near Kiunga after a couple on New Britain. Intermediate Egret ◊ (Plumed E) Ardea intermedia A handful at PAU. Pied Heron ◊ Egretta picata Up to six at PAU. Little Egret Egretta garzetta A handful at PAU after a few on New Britain. Pacific Reef Heron (Eastern R Egret) Egretta sacra A few in Kimbe Bay, NB. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel A handful in Kimbe Bay, NB. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Two in Kimbe Bay, NB. Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos A few at PAU and one near Walindi, NB. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Common at PAU. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Two or three near Mendi as we drove to Ambua. Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus A couple in Kimbe Bay, NB. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus One in Mount Hagen. Pacific Baza (Crested Hawk) Aviceda subcristata Noted on New Britain, at Varirata and around Kiunga. Long-tailed Honey Buzzard ◊ (L-t B) Henicopernis longicauda Noted at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Pygmy Eagle Hieraaetus weiskei Singles in the Minamba Valley and near Mendi. Gurney's Eagle ◊ Aquila gurneyi An immature at Varirata. Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster Noted at Dablin Creek and Kiunga, several more on NB. Black-mantled Goshawk ◊ Accipiter melanochlamys (NL) One at Ambua. Grey-headed Goshawk ◊ Accipiter poliocephalus Two along the rivers near Kiunga. Papuan Harrier ◊ Circus spilothorax Five encounters in the Tari area.

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Black Kite Milvus migrans Several in the highlands, a couple elsewhere. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus A couple at PAU and one near Kiunga. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Widespread in small numbers. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster A pair near Kiunga after a couple on New Britain. Chestnut Forest Rail ◊ Rallicula rubra (H) Heard near Ambua. Forbes's Forest Rail ◊ Rallicula forbesi Two at Kumul Lodge.

Forbes’s Forest Rail at Kumul and Papuan Harrier at Tari Gap (Martin Partridge)

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis One at PAU. Australasian Swamphen (Pacific S) Porphyrio melanotus About 10 at PAU. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Several at PAU. Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles About 10 at PAU. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius One near Ok Menga. Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea About six at PAU.

Australian Pratincole at Kiunga (Martin Partridge) and Comb-crested Jacana at PAU (Chris Kehoe)

New Guinea Woodcock ◊ Scolopax rosenbergii One briefly in flight below Kumul Lodge.

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Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Several on New Britain. Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Up to six at Kiunga Airport and five at Tari Airport. Black Noddy Anous minutus Numerous in Kimbe Bay, NB. White Tern Gygis alba One on the Fly River near Kiunga; an extraordinary record and a write-in. Greater Crested Tern (C T, Swift T) Thalasseus bergii Several in Kimbe Bay, NB. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana About 30 in Kimbe Bay, NB. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Numerous in Kimbe Bay, NB Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia A few in some towns. Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Macropygia amboinensis Widespread, mainly in the lowlands. Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove ◊ (Black-billed C-d) Macropygia nigrirostris Just a handful in the highlands.

Orange-fronted Fruit Dove at PAU (Chris Kehoe) MacKinlay's Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Macropygia mackinlayi One at Malu Malu, NB. Great Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Reinwardtoena reinwardti Noted at Varirata, Ok Menga and near Kiunga. Stephan's Emerald Dove Chalcophaps stephani Several in oil palms on New Britain. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida A few in Port Moresby and near Varirata. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis A handful at PAU. Nicobar Pigeon ◊ Caloenas nicobarica Good views of several on Malu Malu, a couple elsewhere on NB. Bronze Ground Dove ◊ (Western B G D) Alopecoenas [beccarii] beccarii (NL) Two singles at Kumul. Southern Crowned Pigeon ◊ Goura scheepmakeri Great views of six or more near Kwatu Camp. Pink-spotted Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus perlatus Several at Varirata and near Kiunga. Ornate Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus ornatus At least four near Kwatu Camp. Orange-fronted Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus aurantiifrons Several at PAU during our first visit. Superb Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus Two near Kwatu Camp and two at Varirata. Beautiful Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus pulchellus A handful near Kiunga and at Varirata. White-bibbed Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus rivoli A couple at Kumul and Ambua. Orange-bellied Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus iozonus Common near Kiunga, a few at Varirata. Knob-billed Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus insolitus About 10 in total on New Britain. Dwarf Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus nainus A handful near Kwatu Camp.

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Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula rubricera Common on New Britain. Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula rufigaster Good views at Km 17 and at Kwatu Camp, heard at Varirata. Finsch's Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula finschii About five at Garu, NB, unusually good views. Island Imperial Pigeon ◊ (Floury IP) Ducula pistrinaria Numerous on the islands in Kimbe Bay, NB. Pinon's Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula pinon Several near Kwatu Camp. Collared Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula mullerii Numerous along the rivers near Kiunga. Zoe's Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula zoeae Only seen near Kiunga but heard elsewhere. Torresian Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula spilorrhoa Small numbers at PAU. Yellowish Imperial Pigeon ◊ (Yellow-tinted IP) Ducula subflavescens Numerous on New Britain. Papuan Mountain Pigeon ◊ Gymnophaps albertisii Fairly common in the west and at higher elevations.

Pink-spotted Fruit Dove at Varirata (Chris Kehoe) and Rufous Owl at Ambua (Martin Partridge)

White-necked Coucal ◊ (Pied C) Centropus ateralbus A handful at Garu, NB, others heard. Ivory-billed Coucal ◊ (Greater Black C) Centropus menbeki One briefly near Kwatu Camp. Violaceous Coucal ◊ Centropus violaceus Good views of a couple at Garu and Walindi, NB. Black-billed Coucal ◊ (Lesser Black C) Centropus bernsteini Good views at Dablin Creek. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus A few below Varirata and at PAU. Dwarf Koel ◊ Microdynamis parva Great views of one at Varirata on two visits. Pacific Koel (Eastern K) Eudynamys orientalis A few near Kiunga. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae One at Garu, NB and two near Kiunga. Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo ◊ Chrysococcyx ruficollis Brief views at Tari Gap. White-eared Bronze Cuckoo ◊ Chrysococcyx meyerii One or two at Dablin Creek. Little Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus One near Kwatu Camp. White-crowned Cuckoo ◊ (W-c Koel) Cacomantis leucolophus One near Kwatu Camp. Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo ◊ Cacomantis castaneiventris (H) Heard at Ok Menga. Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis A couple near Kumul. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Widespread encounters. Greater Sooty Owl ◊ Tyto tenebricosa Great views of a roosting bird below Ambua. Golden Masked Owl Tyto aurantia One, probably two, near Walindi, NB. Rufous Owl ◊ Ninox rufa One at Ambua. Papuan Boobook ◊ Ninox theomacha Two at Ok Menga and two more at Ambua, others heard. New Britain Boobook ◊ (NB) (Russet Hawk Owl) Ninox odiosa A roosting bird at Kilu Ridge, NB. Papuan Frogmouth ◊ Podargus papuensis Great views at PAU, heard at Kwatu Camp. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus One or two at Varirata. Barred Owlet-Nightjar ◊ Aegotheles bennettii One at Varirata on two occasions.

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Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea Noted near Kwatu Camp after several on NB. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta Widespread, often common. Mountain Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus hirundinaceus Common in the highlands.

Papuan Boobook at Ambua (Martin Partridge)

White-rumped Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus spodiopygius About 10 at Kulu Ridge, NB. Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis Common at lower elevations. Papuan Spine-tailed Swift ◊ Mearnsia novaeguineae Several in the Kiunga area. Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Numerous in the Kiunga area, one at Garu, NB. Hook-billed Kingfisher ◊ Melidora macrorrhina (H) Heard at Km 17 and at Kwatu Camp. Common Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera galatea Three near Kwatu Camp but all rather fleeting. Little Paradise Kingfisher ◊ (Aru P K) Tanysiptera hydrocharis (H) Heard distantly near Kwatu Camp. Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera nigriceps Frustratingly brief views at Garu, NB. Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher ◊ Tanysiptera danae Two at Varirata. Shovel-billed Kookaburra ◊ (S-b Kingfisher) Clytoceyx rex (H) Heard at Ok Menga. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Two near Varirata. Rufous-bellied Kookaburra ◊ Dacelo gaudichaud A few near Kiunga. Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii A couple near Varirata. White-mantled Kingfisher ◊ (New Britain K) Todiramphus albonotatus Good scope views at Garu, NB. Beach Kingfisher ◊ Todiramphus saurophagus One on Restorff Is., NB. Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Widespread encounters. Yellow-billed Kingfisher ◊ (Lesser Y-b K) Syma torotoro Seen at Varirata, heard at Boystown Road. Mountain Kingfisher ◊ (M Yellow-billed K) Syma megarhyncha (H) Heard distantly at Ambua. Common Kingfisher ◊ Alcedo atthis A couple at Walindi, NB. New Britain Dwarf Kingfisher ◊ (NB) Ceyx sacerdotis Two at Garu, NB.

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Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus Noted near Kwatu Camp and at Varirata. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Widespread encounters. Blyth's Hornbill ◊ (Papuan H) Rhyticeros plicatus Several on New Britain and near Kiunga. Nankeen Kestrel (Australian K) Falco cenchroides One near Mount Hagen. Oriental Hobby Falco severus One at Garu, NB. Australian Hobby Falco longipennis One mobbed a Pygmy Eagle in the Minamba Valley. Brown Falcon Falco berigora One near Mendi. Palm Cockatoo ◊ Probosciger aterrimus Two near Kwatu Camp. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Several near Kiunga and a couple at Varirata. Blue-eyed Cockatoo ◊ Cacatua ophthalmica A handful on New Britain. Pesquet's Parrot ◊ Psittrichas fulgidus In flight at Ok Menga, fabulous perched views near Kwatu Camp. Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot ◊ Micropsitta keiensis A couple in flight at Boystown Road. Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot ◊ Micropsitta pusio Great views at Walindi and Garu, NB. Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot ◊ Micropsitta bruijnii Two in flight at Dablin Creek then great views above Ambua.

Red-breasted Pygmy Parrots near Ambua (Martin Partridge)

Eclectus Parrot ◊ Eclectus roratus Several near Kiunga and at Varirata, common on New Britain. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi Numerous at Varirata and near Kiunga. Blue-collared Parrot ◊ Geoffroyus simplex (H) Heard over Dablin Creek. Brehm's Tiger Parrot ◊ Psittacella brehmii Several at Kumul showed very well, another near Tari Gap. Madarasz's Tiger Parrot ◊ Psittacella madaraszi One at Ambua gave brief views. Plum-faced Lorikeet ◊ (Whiskered L) Oreopsittacus arfaki Great views above Ambua. Red-flanked Lorikeet ◊ Charmosyna placentis A few at Boystown Road, also on New Britain. Papuan Lorikeet ◊ Charmosyna papou Several above Ambua. Yellow-billed Lorikeet ◊ Neopsittacus musschenbroekii Numerous in the highlands. Orange-billed Lorikeet ◊ Neopsittacus pullicauda A handful at Kumul.

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Black-capped Lory ◊ (Western B-c L) Lorius lory Plenty in the lowlands though mainly in flight. Purple-bellied Lory ◊ (NB) (Eastern B-c L) Lorius hypoinochrous Common at Garu, NB. Yellowish-streaked Lory ◊ (Yellow-s L, Greater S L) Chalcopsitta scintillata Several near Kiunga. Dusky Lory ◊ Pseudeos fuscata Thirty in high flying flocks at Ok Menga. Goldie's Lorikeet ◊ Psitteuteles goldiei Brief flight views at Tari Gap. Coconut Lorikeet ◊ (Rainbow L) Trichoglossus haematodus Fairly numerous in the lowlands.

Brehm’s Tiger Parrot at Kumul (Martin Partridge)

Large Fig Parrot ◊ (Yellow-naped F P) Psittaculirostris desmarestii Great scope views near Kwatu Camp. Orange-breasted Fig Parrot ◊ (Dusky-cheeked F P) Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii Common near Kiunga. Double-eyed Fig Parrot ◊ (Red-faced F P) Cyclopsitta diophthalma A few near Kiunga. Papuan Pitta ◊ Erythropitta macklotii Great views near Kwatu Camp. Hooded Pitta ◊ Pitta sordida (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp and at Varirata. MacGregor's Bowerbird ◊ Amblyornis macgregoriae Two at Ambua. Flame Bowerbird ◊ Sericulus ardens Up to eight near Kiunga including a sparkling male. Yellow-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera lauterbachi A couple in the Minamba Valley and near Mendi. Fawn-breasted Bowerbird ◊ Chlamydera cerviniventris Several at PAU. Emperor Fairywren ◊ Malurus cyanocephalus A couple along Boystown Road, another near Kwatu Camp. White-shouldered Fairywren ◊ Malurus alboscapulatus A few after the first at Dablin Creek. Orange-crowned Fairywren ◊ (O-c Wren) Clytomyias insignis A bustling flock of up to 10 at Kumul. Ashy Myzomela ◊ (NB) (Bismarck M) Myzomela cineracea A handful on New Britain. Papuan Black Myzomela ◊ (B M) Myzomela nigrita A couple at Varirata. Sclater's Myzomela ◊ (NB) (Scarlet-bibbed M) Myzomela sclateri Several on the Kimbe Bay islands. Red-collared Myzomela ◊ Myzomela rosenbergii Several in the highlands. Green-backed Honeyeater ◊ Glycichaera fallax One at Varirata but rather brief. Rufous-backed Honeyeater ◊ Ptiloprora guisei A handful above Ambua. Grey-streaked Honeyeater ◊ (Black-backed H) Ptiloprora perstriata Fairly common in the highlands. Plain Honeyeater ◊ Pycnopygius ixoides A couple at Varirata. Streak-headed Honeyeater ◊ Pycnopygius stictocephalus A couple near Kwatu Camp.

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Spotted Honeyeater ◊ Xanthotis polygrammus At least two at Dablin Creek. Tawny-breasted Honeyeater ◊ Xanthotis flaviventer A few at Varirata. New Guinea Friarbird ◊ (Helmeted F) Philemon novaeguineae Common at lower elevations. New Britain Friarbird ◊ Philemon cockerelli A few on New Britain, many more heard. White-throated Honeyeater ◊ Melithreptus albogularis A handful in the savanna below Varirata. Long-billed Honeyeater ◊ Epthianura megarhynchus A handful in the far west and at Varirata. Common Smoky Honeyeater ◊ Melipotes fumigatus Numerous in the highlands. Rufous-banded Honeyeater ◊ Conopophila albogularis Several at PAU. Black-throated Honeyeater ◊ Caligavis subfrenata A handful in the highlands. Obscure Honeyeater ◊ Caligavis obscura (H) Heard at Boystown Road. Yellow-browed Melidectes ◊ (Y-b Honeyeater) Melidectes rufocrissalis Several at Ambua. Belford's Melidectes ◊ Melidectes belfordi Numerous at higher elevations.

Belford’s Melidectes and Crested Berrypecker at Kumul (Martin Partridge and Chris Kehoe)

Ornate Melidectes ◊ (Cinnamon-breasted M, O Honeyeater) Melidectes torquatus Several at mid-elevations. Mountain Honeyeater ◊ (M Meliphaga, Hill Forest H) Meliphaga orientalis A couple near Kumul. Scrub Honeyeater ◊ (S Meliphaga, S White-eared M) Meliphaga albonotata Several in the Tabubil area. Mimic Honeyeater ◊ (M Meliphaga, Mimetic M) Meliphaga analoga Numerous at Varirata, a few elsewhere. Puff-backed Honeyeater ◊ (P-b Meliphaga) Meliphaga aruensis A couple at Dablin Creek. Goldenface ◊ (Dwarf Whistler) Pachycare flavogriseum Two at Varirata. Rusty Mouse-Warbler ◊ (Lowland M-w) Crateroscelis murina (H) Heard at Dablin Creek and Varirata. Mountain Mouse-Warbler ◊ Crateroscelis robusta A few at Kumul and above Ambua. Pale-billed Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis spilodera Two at Dablin Creek. Papuan Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis papuensis Numerous at higher elevations. Large Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis nouhuysi A few around Kumul. Buff-faced Scrubwren ◊ Sericornis perspicillatus Several around Ambua. Brown-breasted Gerygone ◊ (Treefern G) Gerygone ruficollis A few at higher elevations. Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris Two near Kwatu Camp. Yellow-bellied Gerygone ◊ Gerygone chrysogaster Several at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Green-backed Gerygone ◊ Gerygone chloronota Noted at Varirata and Dablin Creek. Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa A handful at Varirata, one at Dablin Creek. Grey Thornbill* (Ashy Gerygone, Mountain G) Acanthiza cinerea A small flock at Ambua. Papuan Babbler ◊ (Rufous B, NG B) Garritornis isidorei A small flock near Kwatu Camp. Papuan Logrunner ◊ (NG L, Northern L) Orthonyx novaeguineae Great views below Tari Gap. Loria's Satinbird ◊ Cnemophilus loriae A couple at Ambua. Crested Satinbird ◊ Cnemophilus macgregorii A male and about five females at Kumul and Tari Gap.

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Black Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis nigra Several at Varirata and one near Kumul. Mid-mountain Berrypecker* ◊ (Lemon-breasted B) Melanocharis longicauda a couple near Tari Gap. Fan-tailed Berrypecker ◊ Melanocharis versteri Several in the highlands. Spotted Berrypecker ◊ Rhamphocharis crassirostris One near Mendi and a couple at Ambua. Dwarf Longbill ◊ (Spectacled L, D Honeyeater) Oedistoma iliolophus Noted a couple of times at Varirata.

Wattled Ploughbill near Tari Gap and Blue-capped Ifrit at Kumul (Martin Partridge)

Papuan Logrunner near Tari Gap (Martin Partridge) and Friendly Fantail at Kumul (Chris Kehoe)

Yellow-bellied Longbill ◊ (Green-crowned L) Toxorhamphus novaeguineae (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp. Slaty-headed Longbill ◊ (S-chinned L, Grey-winged L) Toxorhamphus poliopterus One at Dablin Creek. Tit Berrypecker ◊ Oreocharis arfaki Two below Tari Gap. Crested Berrypecker ◊ (Eastern C B) Paramythia montium Great views at Kumul, a handful near Tari Gap Spotted Jewel-babbler ◊ Ptilorrhoa leucosticta Fleeting glimpses at Tari Gap, heard at Ambua. Chestnut-backed Jewel-babbler ◊ Ptilorrhoa castanonota Views for some at Dablin Creek and Varirata. Painted Quail-thrush ◊ Cinclosoma ajax Brief views for some at Varirata but typically elusive. Yellow-breasted Boatbill ◊ Machaerirhynchus flaviventer A couple at Varirata. Black-breasted Boatbill ◊ Machaerirhynchus nigripectus Several in the highlands.

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White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus A few around Port Moresby and Kiunga, also on NB. Great Woodswallow ◊ (New Guinea W) Artamus maximus Numerous at Ambua in particular. Lowland Peltops ◊ Peltops blainvillii One at Boystown Road. Mountain Peltops ◊ Peltops montanus A few at Dablin Creek and Ambua. Black Butcherbird Melloria quoyi Noted at Dablin Creek and near Ambua. Black-backed Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus mentalis Small numbers at PAU. Hooded Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus cassicus A few at Varirata and around Kiunga.

Greater Birds-of-paradise at Km 17 (Martin Partridge)

Mottled Berryhunter ◊ (M Whistler) Rhagologus leucostigma One at Ambua. Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae A few near Varirata. Stout-billed Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina caeruleogrisea A couple at Varirata and near Tabubil. Barred Cuckooshrike ◊ (Yellow-eyed C) Coracina lineata A handful at Varirata and one on New Britain. Boyer's Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina boyeri Conspicuous at Varirata, a few elsewhere. White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis Several at Varirata and PAU, one on New Britain. Hooded Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina longicauda Up to 10 near Ambua. Common Cicadabird (Slender-billed C) Coracina tenuirostris (NL) One at Varirata. Black-shouldered Cicadabird ◊ (Papuan C) Coracina incerta A couple below Kumul. Grey-headed Cuckooshrike ◊ (G-h Cicadabird) Coracina schisticeps Several in the west. Black Cicadabird ◊ (B Cuckooshrike, NG C) Coracina melas Two or three at Varirata. Black-bellied Cuckooshrike ◊ (B-b Cicadabird) Coracina montana A couple above Ambua. Golden Cuckooshrike ◊ Campochaera sloeti A few near Kwatu Camp. Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Several at various lowland sites. Black Sittella ◊ Daphoenositta miranda A flock of six below Tari Gap. Wattled Ploughbill ◊ Eulacestoma nigropectus Two, including a stunning male, below Tari Gap. Rufous-naped Whistler ◊ (R-n Bellbird) Aleadryas rufinucha A few at Kumul and near Tari Gap. Crested Pitohui ◊ (Piping Bellbird) Ornorectes cristatus One at Dablin Creek. Black Pitohui ◊ Melanorectes nigrescens (NL) One at Ambua. Brown-backed Whistler ◊ Pachycephala modesta Several in the highlands.

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Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex A few at Varirata, one near Kwatu Camp. Sclater's Whistler ◊ Pachycephala soror A handful in the highlands. Mangrove Golden Whistler ◊ (NB) Pachycephala melanura A couple on the Kimbe Bay islands, NB. Regent Whistler ◊ Pachycephala schlegelii Several in the highlands, a real stunner. Black-headed Whistler ◊ Pachycephala monacha One in the Minamba Valley. White-bellied Whistler ◊ Pachycephala leucogastra A handful in the savanna below Varirata.

Black Sicklebill at Ambua and Ribbon-tailed Astrapia at Kumul (Martin Partridge)

White-bellied Pitohui ◊ Pseudorectes incertus (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp but out of reach. Rusty Pitohui ◊ Pseudorectes ferrugineus (NL) One at Varirata. Little Shrikethrush (Rufous S) Colluricincla megarhyncha A couple at Varirata and Ambua. Grey Shrikethrush Colluricincla harmonica Noted at PAU and in the Minamba Valley. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach A handful in the highlands. Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti Several at PAU. Hooded Pitohui ◊ Pitohui dichrous Good views at Varirata. Brown Oriole ◊ Oriolus szalayi Widespread, mainly at lower elevation. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Several in the lowlands. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Common and widespread. Northern Fantail ◊ Rhipidura rufiventris One at Walindi, NB; another at Dablin Creek. Sooty Thicket Fantail ◊ Rhipidura threnothorax (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp. White-bellied Thicket Fantail ◊ Rhipidura leucothorax (H) Heard at Ok Menga. Black Fantail ◊ Rhipidura atra One at Dablin Creek and a few near Ambua. Chestnut-bellied Fantail ◊ Rhipidura hyperythra Several at Varirata. Friendly Fantail ◊ Rhipidura albolimbata Several in the highlands. Dimorphic Fantail ◊ Rhipidura brachyrhynch A couple near Kumul and at Tari Gap. Drongo Fantail ◊ (Pygmy Drongo, Mountain D) Chaetorhynchus papuensis Black Monarch ◊ (Fan-tailed M) Symposiachrus axillaris A couple in the Ambua area. Spot-winged Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus guttula a few at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Hooded Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus manadensis (H) Heard near Kwatu Camp. Black-tailed Monarch ◊ Symposiachrus verticalis One at Garu, New Britain. Island Monarch ◊ (Islet M) Monarcha cinerascens One on Malu Malu, New Britain. Black-faced Monarch ◊ Monarcha melanopsis One at Varirata. Black-winged Monarch ◊ Monarcha frater Two at Varirata. Golden Monarch ◊ Carterornis chrysomela A couple near Kwatu Camp. Frilled Monarch ◊ Arses telescopthalmus Good views at Varirata and near Kwatu Camp. Torrent-lark ◊ Grallina bruijnii Good scope views of a male at Ok Menga.

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Shining Flycatcher (Common SF) Myiagra alecto Several near Kiunga and on New Britain. Grey Crow ◊ (Bare-eyed C) Corvus tristis A few in the far west and one at Varirata. Torresian Crow Corvus orru Small numbers around Port Moresby. Bismarck Crow ◊ (Island C) Corvus insularis Several on New Britain. Lesser Melampitta ◊ Melampitta lugubris Seen quite well at Kumul and near Tari Gap. Blue-capped Ifrit ◊ (B-c Ifrita) Ifrita kowaldi Great views at Kumul and near Tari Gap. Glossy-mantled Manucode ◊ (Glossy M) Manucodia ater Numerous along the rivers near Kiunga. Crinkle-collared Manucode ◊ Manucodia chalybatus Noted a couple of times at Varirata. Trumpet Manucode ◊ Phonygammus keraudrenii Small numbers near Kwatu Camp. Short-tailed Paradigalla ◊ Paradigalla brevicauda A couple above Ambua. Ribbon-tailed Astrapia ◊ Astrapia mayeri Several at Kumul and above Ambua.

Brown Sicklebill near Ambua and Raggiana Bird of Paradise at Varirata (Martin Partridge)

Princess Stephanie's Astrapia ◊ Astrapia stephaniae A few at and above Ambua. Queen Carola's Parotia ◊ Parotia carolae Fantastic views of up to 10 at Dablin Creek. Lawes's Parotia ◊ Parotia lawesii At least three at Ambua. King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise ◊ Pteridophora alberti A couple near Kumul and wonderful views near Ambua. Superb Bird-of-paradise ◊ Lophorina superba A cracking male below Kumul and a handful at Ambua. Magnificent Riflebird ◊ Ptiloris magnificus (H) Heard at Boystown Road. Growling Riflebird ◊ (Eastern R) Ptiloris intercedens Many heard and a few seen at Varirata. Black Sicklebill ◊ Epimachus fastosus A female in the garden at Ambua each day. Brown Sicklebill ◊ Epimachus meyeri One near Kumul and several above Ambua. Magnificent Bird-of-paradise ◊ Diphyllodes magnificus Females at Dablin Creek and in the Minamba Valley. King Bird-of-paradise ◊ Cicinnurus regius A stunning male in the scope near Kwatu Camp. Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise ◊ Seleucidis melanoleucus Great views of dancing males near Kwatu Camp. Greater Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea apoda Plenty in the west, a superb performance by several males at Km 17. Raggiana Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea raggiana An equally impressive display at Varirata, common there.

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Lesser Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea minor A fine male in the Minamba Valley. Blue Bird-of-paradise ◊ Paradisaea rudolphi Scope views of a male below Kumul and a showy female at Ambua. Ashy Robin ◊ (Black-capped R) Heteromyias albispecularis Very fleeting views at Tari Gap. Black-sided Robin ◊ (B-bibbed R) Poecilodryas hypoleuca A showy bird near Kwatu Camp. Black-throated Robin ◊ Poecilodryas albonotata Just one at Tari Gap. White-winged Robin ◊ Peneothello sigillata Several at Kumul.

Golden Myna near Kiunga and White-winged Robin at Kumul (Martin Partridge)

Slaty Robin ◊ (Blue-grey R) Peneothello cyanus Good views at Ambua. White-rumped Robin ◊ Peneothello bimaculata Brief views at Dablin Creek. Torrent Flyrobin ◊ (T Flycatcher, River F) Monachella muelleriana A couple at Ok Menga. Canary Flyrobin ◊ (Papuan Flycatcher, Montane F) Microeca papuana A couple in the highlands. Olive Flyrobin ◊ (O Flycatcher) Microeca flavovirescens One at Varirata. Lemon-bellied Flyrobin ◊ (L-b Flycatcher) Microeca flavigaster A handful near Varirata. Garnet Robin ◊ Eugerygone rubra A rather brief individual below Tari Gap. Papuan Scrub Robin ◊ Drymodes beccarii (H) Heard at Varirata but very uncooperative. Lesser Ground Robin ◊ Amalocichla incerta (H) Heard distantly at Tari Gap, oddly silent. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Scattered records, mainly in the lowlands. Island Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus maforensis A few around Ambua. Australian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus australis A couple near Walindi, NB. Papuan Grassbird ◊ Megalurus macrurus Good views at Tari Gap. Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis One near Walindi, NB. Black-fronted White-eye ◊ Zosterops minor Several at Varirata. Capped White-eye ◊ (Western Mountain W-e, Dark-c W-e) Zosterops fuscicapilla A few at Ambua. Metallic Starling (Shining S) Aplonis metallica Common around Kiunga, several elsewhere. Yellow-eyed Starling ◊ Aplonis mystacea Rather brief views of a group near Kwatu camp. Singing Starling ◊ Aplonis cantoroides A few at PAU. Yellow-faced Myna ◊ Mino dumontii Several in the lowlands. Long-tailed Myna ◊ (Melanesian M) Mino kreffti Several on New Britain. Golden Myna ◊ Mino anais Up to 10 near Kwatu Camp Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus Several at Kumul and one at Tari Gap. Pied Bush Chat (P Chat) Saxicola caprata Several in the highlands Red-capped Flowerpecker ◊ ++ Dicaeum geelvinkianum Fairly common and widespread. Red-banded Flowerpecker ◊ (Bismarck F) Dicaeum eximium A handful on New Britain. Black Sunbird ◊ Leptocoma aspasia Widespread in small numbers. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis A few on New Britain. House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Occasional encounters.

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Eurasian Tree Sparrow (introduced) Passer montanus Occasional encounters. Grey-headed Mannikin ◊ Lonchura caniceps Half-a-dozen at PAU on the pre-tour extension. Hooded Mannikin ◊ Lonchura spectabilis Several in the highlands. Buff-bellied Mannikin ◊ (Bismarck M, Thick-billed M) Lonchura melaena About 20 near Walindi, NB. Australian Pipit Anthus australis A couple at Tari Airport. Mammals Speckled Dasyure (Long-clawed Marsupial Mouse) Neophascogale lorentzii A couple above Ambua. Agile Wallaby Macropus agilis Two at Varirata. Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus Several near Kwatu Camp. Bismarck Bare-backed Fruit Bat (New Britain Naked-b B) Dobsonia praedatrix Several on New Britain.