PAPUA NEW GUINEA
25 September to 21 October 2005
LEADER : Ian Burrows.
GROUP MEMBERS : Lars Imby, Markus Lagerqvist, Andrew Livermore, Chris McGuigan, Kevin McKereghan, Sandra McNeil, Paul Noakes & Donald Rehn.
This was the seventh Sicklebill Safaris Ltd. tour to Papua New Guinea. It was designed to find as many of the endemic species as possible, with special emphasis being placed on the birds of paradise and bowerbirds. Of the sites we visited, most were locally owned, according with Sicklebill Safaris' policy of supporting such minimum impact, sustainable tourism ventures where possible. This can only help to preserve and maintain these unique sites by providing the local people with a regular income from the intact forest, as opposed to the short-term reward and permanent habitat destruction caused by logging.
New Guinea is rightly regarded as an ornithological last frontier and during our visit we made a number of significant observations that will also be published elsewhere. Unlike most tour reports this one gives the location, number of birds seen of each species and descriptions of significant observations that were made. This is good baseline data for future visits.
On arrival at Port Moresby we based ourselves at The Hideaway Hotel which gave us easy access to the airport and was also on the right side of town to access Varirata National Park. After check-in we drove to the Kokoda Trail Monument on the Sogeri Plateau. It was a good introduction to PNG birding as we had excellent views of a Fawn-breasted Bowerbird attending a juvenile in a tree close by and we also saw our first Pink-spotted and Orange-bellied Fruit-Doves in a fruiting tree. Both Variable and Brown Goshawks appeared, giving us a good chance to appreciate their diagnostic features and we also got good views of Yellow-faced Mynas and a couple of Leaden Flycatchers.
We then moved on to Varirata National Park where we tried the Tree-house trail and were rewarded with two fine Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfishers which set us up for the rest of the day. The picnic area held Hooded Pitohui, Boyer's Cuckoo-shrike and a pair of Brahminy Kites. The Gare's Lookout trail was excellent, beginning with a vocal White-faced Robin which was very responsive to playback of its own voice. Further on, we saw the kitten-like head of a roosting Barred Owlet-nightjar protruding from a tree hole. On closer approach the bird popped out on to an exposed branch and gave us great views and an excellent photographic opportunity. A little way on from there we accidentally flushed a Large-tailed Nightjar from its two eggs which were laid in typical nightjar fashion on the bare ground. We also had good views of Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike and Cicadabird but the most surprising result was a White-crowned Koel which flew in to a playback of its own voice. This was the only sighting we had of this species on the tour although we heard plenty more. We then moved on to Varirata Lookout where a Long-tailed Buzzard performed well and we saw two male Raggiana Birds of Paradise at a lek site nearby.
Next day we tried the Boundary track and had great views of two more Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfishers and most of us got views of one of the several Painted Quail-thrushes that inhabit the first part of the trail. We also managed to bring a pair of Sooty Thicket-fantails in to view and a Wallace's Fairy-wren made a brief appearance in a small feeding flock. This active group also held White-eared Bronze-Cuckoo, Pale-billed Scrub-wren, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and two very vocal Dwarf Whistlers. Although not part of the flock, two Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrots were gleaning the tree branches nearby which set the tone for the rest of the tour - we were doing very well! Before we moved on we managed neck-straining views of a Yellow-billed Kingfisher, a flyover male Eastern Riflebird, a perched Dwarf Kingfisher and a great view of a Wompoo Fruit-Dove. We then explored the Gare's Lookout trail more thoroughly. We paid our respects to the roosting Barred Owlet-nightjar and took loads of photos of the incubating Large-tailed Nightjar. The trail to the Lookout was fairly uneventful apart from some Fairy Gerygones but a displaying Variable Goshawk and a flock of Grey Crows at the viewing point were very worthwhile. We managed to locate a Grey Crow nest below the Lookout which contained four eggs. It seems that this is the first nest of this species to be described (see in the annotated species list).
Next day we were at the National Park again where we explored the Circuit track. We were very surprised to find another Barred Owlet-nightjar in a patch of tangled ferns on the edge of the true forest. The trail was very quiet apart from a Stout-billed Cuckoo-shrike and a couple of Rusty Pitohuis so we then tried the Varirata Lookout or Stream trail. Here we had excellent views of Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, a pair of Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfishers, an Azure Kingfisher and a Crinkle-collared Manucode.
We spent the afternoon at the Pacific Adventist University where we had excellent views of a good range of marshland and savanna species including Great, Intermediate and Little Egrets, Pied Herons, Cattle Egrets and 8 Rufous Night-Herons. A Buff-banded Rail was seen by the settling ponds and 12 Spotted Whistling Ducks were roosting in the nearby Albizzia trees accompanied by 5 White-headed Shelducks. The ornamental ponds held at least 100 Pacific Black Ducks, only 8 Wandering Whistling Ducks, 10 Grey Teal, an Australasian Grebe and Comb-crested Jacanas with chicks. Other highlights there were the pair of Papuan Frogmouths, the huge flock of Grey-headed Munias which also held 9 Chestnut-breasteds, our only Yellow-tinted Honeyeater and the Fawn-breasted Bowerbird's bower which was so ably described by the genial resident ornithologist Dr. Mike Tarburton.
Our next destination was Kikori where we stayed at the Oil Search base at Kopi. The weather was typically wet for Gulf Province but we were able to explore the area without getting too soggy thanks to the big covered lorry supplied by Ken Webb and driven for us by Elton. Big birds are something of a speciality here and we got off to a great start, much to Chris's delight, with a sub-adult Southern Cassowary standing on the roadside. We also saw lots of Eclectus Parrots, Palm Cockatoos, Blyth's Hornbills and Vulturine Parrots and an early drive along the Pipeline road rewarded us with two Southern Crowned Pigeons. We also had stunning views of a male Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise on a dead tree just after dawn which will linger long in the memory. Other gems seen along the Pipeline road included a Blue Jewel-babbler, a pair of Hooded Pittas, Coroneted and Beautiful Fruit-Doves, Double-eyed and Orange-breasted Fig-Parrots, a tree full of Dusky Lories, many Golden Cuckoo-shrikes and several Lowland Peltops. Perhaps the biggest surprise was to see a large raptor cruising over the forest which we confidently identified as a sub-adult Gurney's Eagle, only to then see a black adult soar over, closely followed by another one. One Gurney's eagle is good but three together is unreal! Other birds of note here included 8 Yellow-eyed Starlings in a flock of Metallics, 3 Dwarf Koels and yet more Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeons.
After watching an interesting wader movement through the Kikori airstrip where we saw Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Pacific Golden Plovers and a Red-necked Stint we then flew on to Kiunga. This is an excellent birding hotspot near the West Papuan border. We were based at Kiunga Guest House and after checking in we paid an afternoon visit to K17 on the Tabubil road. This produced five male and two female Greater Birds of Paradise and three male Raggiana Birds of Paradise. We were also treated to great views of Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Long-billed Cuckoo and Trumpet Manucode. Next morning we explored the Boystown road where Greater Streaked Lories fed in a nearby flowering tree and we had excellent 'scope views of them plus a good range of other species including Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Yellow-gaped Honeyeater, Obscure Honeyeater, a flyover male Flame Bowerbird, long-range views of a female-plumaged Flame Bowerbird and more Greater Birds of Paradise. An afternoon walk along the Gre-Drimgas road was fairly mundane although we had good views of a White-throated Needletail and yet another Gurney's Eagle drifted over the forest. A patient wait until dark produced excellent views of a Papuan Nightjar hawking insects over a clearing to end the day on a high note.
Next day we set off up the Elevala River for a two night stay at Ekame Lodge. The boat trip produced large numbers of Imperial Pigeons which were most probably Collared but we also saw a lot of Pinons overhead. An adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle was a stirring sight in a riverside tree but othewise the journey up was fairly quiet. After settling in at Ekame Lodge we then explored the trails upriver. As usual here, we were made to work quite hard for our birds. A Common Paradise-Kingfisher showed well but the Lesser Paradise-Kingfisher proved difficult for a while but eventually we all got reasonable views of two of them as well as several Hooded Pittas. Along the river we got stunning views of five Southern Crowned Pigeons and two Black-billed Brush-Turkeys obliged by flying across the river to perch out in the open. Next morning we tried the same trail again. This time the resident male King Bird of Paradise did not disappoint and we had great views of him as well as a sub-adult male and a female. A pair of Emperor Fairy-wrens were also seen in the same area as were a pair of Yellow-bellied Longbills. On the way out we were fortunate to connect with two interacting Greater Black Coucals and most of us got reasonable views of a Hooded Monarch.
Further upriver we tried our luck in an area of recently flooded forest and were quickly rewarded with a pair of Hook-billed Kingfishers and another pair of Buff-bellied Paradise-Kingfishers. Here we also connected with a Blue-breasted Pitta, another Hooded Pitta and a Red-necked Rail. The local White-bellied Pitohuis were fairly straightforward although it took some time for everyone to get good views. Next day we managed to get good views of both Rufous Babbler and White-bellied Thicket-Fantail before we set off downriver to Kiunga. En route we managed good views of a Lesser Black Coucal and some of us saw a Black Bittern fly off the river bank. The afternoon was spent at K17 where we again absorbed the stirring sight of displaying Greater Birds of Paradise as well as good looks at Variable Pitohui, Streak-headed Honeyeater and Australian Koel.
Next day we had the first hours of daylight at K17 but the the bird of paradise display was very muted due to the heavy drizzle. However we managed to get great 'scope views of a Blue-breasted Pitta as it foraged for worms along the entry track. We then drove on to Tabubil. En-route we saw a Meyer's Goshawk perched in a distant tree at K108 and then the endemic race of Little Ringed Plover and an adult Oriental Hobby at K120. We stopped off at Ok Menga but all we managed was a single Torrent Flycatcher as there were people fishing from the river bank. Dablin creek was fairly uneventful although we had brilliant views of both Yellow-capped and Red-breasted Pygmy-Parrots, several Black-shouldered Cuckoo-shrikes and a nesting pair of Mountain Peltops.
The following morning we visited Dablin creek again and soon connected with two Obscure Berrypeckers at the bottom of the hill. Three Wallace's Fairy-wrens performed well in the treetops as we climbed the stepped hill but there were people gardening nearby and bird activity was slow. The best bird of the day for some of us was a Doria's Hawk which flew through calling and carrying a prey item. It paused briefly on a nearby tree and then disappeared. Unfortunately only a few of us got reasonable looks at the bird. We moved on to Ok Menga again, this time there was no human disturbance and we had great looks at a pair of Salvadori's Teal on the river, a Torrent Lark in the upper reaches of a nearby feeder stream and two Torrent Flycatchers. Happy with that result we returned to Dablin creek for the rest of the day but it was still quiet although Paul managed to find a male Carola's Parotia when the rest of us had given up in the late afternoon rain. Buoyed by Paul's success we were at Dablin creek for first light (and no people gardening) and scored three male and one female Carola's Parotias from the top of the track as well as a female Magnificent Bird of Paradise which set us up for the next phase of the tour.
We then flew from Tabubil to Mt Hagen for our next taste of high altitude New Guinea birding. A two hour drive uphill to Kumul Lodge was uneventful apart from a Black-shouldered Kite at Mt Hagen and a dark female Papuan Harrier near the Enga Province border. However, at the Lodge, we were soon treated to close views of several stunning species, most notably a male Brehm's Tiger-Parrot and four Brown Sicklebills which were feeding on fruit put out for them by the Lodge staff. Island Thrushes hopped among the flower beds and Red-collared Myzomelas and Grey-streaked Honeyeaters fed from the garden flowers. Many of the birds here are very tame thanks to the embargo on hunting that has been imposed in the area by the local landowners. The birds have responded by largely ignoring humans and now give birders unrivalled views and fantastic photographic opportunities.
We had a lot of fun at Kumul Lodge and in its surrounds; the birds were just lovely and the weather was kind to us by high mountain standards. Brehm's Tiger Parrots gave us lovely views, as did Blue-capped Ifrita, Crested Berrypecker and Black-throated Honeyeater among many more. The feeding station in the Lodge garden was regularly visited by female Brown Sicklebills although the highlights were the male Ribbon-tailed Astrapias which appeared each afternoon. The watercress bed by the Lodge is the usual haunt of a pair of Chestnut Forest Rails and our occasional waits there eventually paid off with great looks at a pair although the hoped-for Rufous Woodcock didn't appear. We also explored Wambuak village which is a new birding area along the Wabag road. An uphill scramble eventually brought us into the territory of a fine male Superb Bird of Paradise and he gave us all excellent views as he foraged in the hillside trees. Here we also saw a lovely pair of Madarasz's Tiger-Parrots, some very mobile Blue-faced Parrot-Finches and a female Loria's Bird of Paradise. In the evening we also managed to find a Mountain Owlet-nightjar which perched in a small bush by the Lodge which was a fitting end to a really good day.
Next day, Max's trail below the Lodge also produced some excellent birds. The slippery scramble was well worth the effort as we had marvellous looks at a displaying male King of Saxony Bird of Paradise which was an amazing act of coordination involving rotating head plumes and wing-shivering whilst bouncing up and down on a vine. We saw several other males as well as a calling male Brown Sicklebill and two stunning male Stephanie's Astrapias. Here we also found a pair of Rufescent Imperial Pigeons, two King Parrots, several Garnet Robins and a small flock of Black-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes. It was a wonderful birding experience and Max really does deserve the credit for constructing and maintaining the trails around the steep slopes in the superb forest there.
We then left Kumul Lodge and stopped off at Tapuka quarry en route. Unfortunately the male Blue Bird of Paradise has been killed but the place is still worth a visit if only to see Ornate Melidectes, Great Woodswallow and Yellow-breasted Bowerbird. Our next destination was Tari which was of course, much anticipated as it is the best known birding area in Papua New Guinea. We flew in to Tari where we were met by Steven who owns Warili Lodge and Thomas who had driven a big green troop carrier over from Mt Hagen for us the previous day. We bounced up the road to Warili Lodge and were soon in the groove. Birding was similar in many respects to the Kumul Lodge area but the Tari valley holds some great specialities. We spent our first afternoon at Tari Gap, mostly looking at some old friends but we got good 'scope views of a female Crested Bird of Paradise. The next day was probably the best birding day of the tour. A dawn scan across the valley from the Lodge produced a perched male Black Sicklebill on the hillside. Heni then took us along the Benari road to his home and after a short wait we were treated to some stunning views of a male Blue Bird of Paradise in his garden. This was one of the most anticipated birds of the tour and the views we got were terrific. Yellow-billed Lorikeets were also there and a female Lawes' Parotia also put in an appearance. We then walked to the next ridge where a Mountain Kingfisher responded immediately to a tape of its call and posed as only they can. A scan of the canopy found at least 30 Red-collared Myzomelas feeding at a flowering tree and a Great Cuckoo-dove also appeared nearby. A spell in the forest then rewarded us with excellent views of a male Lawes' Parotia and a lovely view of a male Macgregor's Bowerbird. On the way back we had great views again of the Blue Bird of Paradise on a dead tree and a pair of Hooded Cuckoo-shrikes performed in the treetops.
We then drove down the Tari valley to Alukambe village where we saw a moulting male Superb Bird of Paradise, several Marbled Honeyeaters and a pair of Greater Sooty Owls at their daytime roost. A chat with the local landowner then took us to a remote garden area where by peering, single file, into a thick tangle, we saw our only Papuan Boobook of the trip. Back at Warili Lodge we celebrated with several beers and watched a procession of Grey Wagtails fly up the Tari valley.
Next day a walk along Steven's new trail just opposite the Lodge was good but we were hampered by the weather, in fact it rained practically every afternoon we were in the Tari valley. The best birds we found here were a pair of Papuan Treecreepers and another male Lawes' Parotia. The following day we explored the trails near Tari Gap and had great views of Logrunners and a delightful Lesser Ground-Robin. A Lesser Melampitta appeared briefly but only some of us saw it. The rest of our time in the Tari valley was spent in the Ambua Lodge grounds which were very productive. We eventually had great views of two Short-tailed Paradigallas and at least four Papuan Parrot-Finches were seen along the Lodge entrance road. A Black-mantled Goshawk was seen soaring over the Waterfall Trail and a flock of Papuan Sittellas also carried two Yellowish-streaked Honeyeaters with it along the Hydro trail. Black Pitohuis were seen there and at Ambua Lodge and Torrent Larks were seen flying upriver. We had an excellent time in the Tari valley and bearing in mind that most of our afternoons were washed out we did remarkably well.
We then flew to Port Moresby and the remainder of the afternoon was spent at the PNG Arts shop where we bought some excellent souvenirs and added both Silver-eared Honeyeater and Collared Sparrowhawk to the species total. The following morning we paid our last visit to the Kokoda Trail Monument where we at last found two Grand Munias, the first ones to be seen there for about two years. Our last few hours in PNG were spent on the Boundary and Circuit tracks in Varirata National Park. The Boundary Track produced more sightings of Painted Quail-thrush, Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot, Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher and an excellent male Eastern Riflebird. The Circuit track was typically quiet but a Large-tailed Nightjar which flushed off its single egg on the side of the path was a worthwhile bird to finish our exploration of the National Park. We stopped off to scan the new rice fields in the Laloki River valley and were rewarded with three adult Buff-banded Rails plus two chicks and a single White-browed Crake. The last trip tick was a Singing Bushlark which was seen on burnt ground at the end of Jackson's Airfield and the last bird of the tour was a Little Curlew on the edge of the main runway.
A ballot to decide the best birds of the trip produced the following result :
3 Southern Cassowary 4 Mountain Owlet-nightjar
5 Brown Sicklebill 6= Hook-billed Kingfisher
6= Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot 6= Garnet Robin
6= Blue Jewel-babbler 6= Greater Bird of Paradise
This 24 day tour around many of the well-known birding sites in Papua New Guinea produced a very healthy list of sightings. We missed a few and some of the birds we saw are the stuff of dreams. The challenge is now there for subsequent tours of similar duration to better what we saw; it will take some doing.
The total number of species seen was 367 plus 9 others heard only and 2 not seen well enough to count (Olive Straightbill and Crimson Finch).
ITINERARY
25 September : Depart London Heathrow.
26 September : Arrive Singapore, depart for Port Moresby.
27 September : Arrive Port Moresby, visit Kokoda Trail Monument and Varirata
National Park, stay at the Hideaway Hotel, Port Moresby.
28 September : Varirata National Park, Boundary track and Gare's Lookout trail.
29 September : Varirata National Park, Circuit and Vairata Lookout trails and
Pacific Adventist University
30 September : Fly to Kikori, Pipeline road, stay at Oil Search base, Kopi Camp.
01 October : Pipeline road..
02 October : Pipeline road.
03 October : Charter flight to Kiunga, visit K17 on the Tabubil road, stay at
Kiunga Guest House.
04 October : Kiunga, Boystown and Gre -Drimgas roads.
05 October : Elevala River, stay at Ekame Lodge.
06 October : Elevala River.
07 October : Elevala River to Kiunga, K17 and K23, stay at Kiunga Guest House.
08 October : K17, K23, K108 and K120, Dablin creek and Ok Menga; stay at
Hotel Cloudlands.
09 October : Dablin creek, Ok Menga and Dablin creek.
10 October : Dablin creek, Tabubil airport, Mt Hagen and Kumul Lodge area;
stay at Kumul Lodge.
11 October : Kumul Lodge area.
12 October : Wambuak village, Wabag road and Kumul Lodge area.
13 October : Wabag road, Max's trail and Kumul Lodge area.
14 October : Kumul Lodge, Tapuka quarry, Mt Hagen airport, Tari airport and
Tari Gap, stay at Warili Lodge.
15 October : Benari road and Alukambe village
16 October : Steven's trail and Ambua Lodge entrance road.
17 October : Bailey bridge area, Benson's trail,Tari Gap and Hydro trail, Ambua
Lodge.
18 October : Hydro and Waterfall trails, Ambua Lodge.
19 October : Warili Lodge, Ambua Lodge entrance road, Tari airport, Mendi
airport and back to Port Moresby, visit PNG Arts and stay at
Hideaway Hotel.
20 October : Kokoda Trail Monument, Varirata National Park, Boundary and
Circuit tracks and the Laloki River valley, afternoon Singapore flight,
evening arrival in Singapore.
21 October : Arrive London Heathrow.
Altitude in metres for some of the significant sites visited :
Elevala River (Ekame Lodge) 45m Ok Menga 700m
Dablin Creek 720m Mt Hagen town 1650m
Tapuka quarry 1792m Kumul Lodge 2809
Tari Gap 2660m
Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H).
CASUARIIDAE : Cassowaries
Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius : A sub-adult was seen on the Pipeline road,
Kikori.
PODICIPEDIDAE : Grebes
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae : A singleton was seen at the Pacific
Adventist University.
PHALACROCORACIDAE : Cormorants
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris : Over 50 were seen at the Pacific
Adventist University and at least 40 were seen in the Laloki River valley.
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos : At least 10 were seen at the
Pacific Adventist University, at least 70 along the Elevala River, 1 to 3
were noted daily at Kopi camp near Kikori and a singleton was seen at
Kerema airstrip en-route to Kikori.
ANHINGIDAE : Darters
Australian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae : 2 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University and over Kopi camp near Kikori and single birds were noted twice
along the Elevala River.
ARDEIDAE : Herons
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana : An immature bird was seen briefly along the
Elevala River.
Great Egret Egretta alba : Up to 20 were seen daily along the Elevala River, up to 4
were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori, 5 were noted on the new rice
fields in the Laloki River valley and singletons were seen at the Pacific
Adventist University and at Tabubil Airport.
Pied Heron Egretta picata : 12 were seen at the Pacific Adventist University, up to 50
were noted on the new rice fields in the Laloki River valley and a singleton
was noted flying over Kikori airstrip.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia : At least 20 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University, up to 10 were seen in the Laloki River valley, up to 3 were noted
daily at Kopi camp near Kikori and a singleton was noted at K120 along the
Tabubil road.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta : Singles were seen at the Pacific Adventist University and
along the Elevala River and 2 were noted on the new rice fields in the Laloki
River valley.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis : At least 100 were seen in the Laloki River valley, 12 were
seen at the Pacific Adventist University, 25 at Jackson's Airport, Port
Moresby and 10 were noted at Kopi camp near Kikori.
Striated Heron Butorides striata: 1 and next day 2 were seen along the Elevala River.
Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus : 8 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University.
Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis: A single bird was flushed from thick vegetation
along the Elevala River.
DENDROCYGNIDAE : Whistling-ducks
Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata : 12 were seen in their preferred roost
trees near the sewage settling ponds at the Pacific Adventist University. 8 were
seen on the upstream journey along the Elevala River and a singleton was noted
on the return.
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuta : 8 were seen at the Pacific
Adventist University.
ANATIDAE : Ducks, Geese and Swans
White-headed Shelduck Tadorna radjah : 5 were seen in the trees with the Spotted
Whistling Ducks at the Pacific Adventist University.
Salvadori's Teal Salvadorina waigiuensis : 2 were seen on the river at Ok Menga and a
single bird was seen by Paul on the river below Warili Lodge.
Grey Teal Anas gracilis : 10 were seen at the Pacific Adventist University.
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa : At least 100 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University and a singleton was seen on the river near the Kokoda Trail
Monument.
ACCIPITRIDAE : Hawks, Eagles and Allies
Pacific Baza (Crested Hawk) Aviceda subcristata : Up to 5 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, 2 were seen daily along the Elevala River and 2 were
noted at K108 along the Tabubil road.
Long-tailed Buzzard Henicopernis longicauda : Up to 2 were seen along the Pipeline
road, Kikori, 2 were noted over Tari airstrip and singletons were seen at
Varirata National Park, Dablin creek, Tabubil and along the Elevala River.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus : 2 were seen on the outskirts of Mt Hagen
town.
Black Kite Milvus migrans : At least 20 were seen between Mt Hagen and Kumul
Lodge, 10 at Mt Hagen airport, up to 15 daily in the Kumul Lodge area and
singletons were seen in the Laloki River valley and at Jackson's Airport, Port
Moresby.
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus : 4 were seen at the Pacific Adventist University
and a singleton was noted at Kikori.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus : Regularly encountered in the lowlands with up to 8
seen along the Elevala River and smaller numbers were noted elsewhere. 2 were
seen near Dablin creek, Tabubil and a singleton was noted near Ambua Lodge.
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster : An adult bird was seen along the
Elevala River.
Papuan Harrier Circus spilonotus : 2 'ringtails' were seen at Mt Hagen Airport, a very
dark female was seen between Mt Hagen and Kumul Lodge, a ringtail was
seen at the Pacific Advantist University and an adult male was seen briefly in
the Laloki River valley.
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus : Single birds were seen from the Hideaway Hotel,
Port Moresby, over Boroko, Port Moresby, at the Kokoda Trail Monument
and in Varirata National Park.
Variable Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae : 1or 2 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori and along the Elevala River. Single dark phase birds
were seen at both locations. Singletons were also noted daily in Varirata
National Park.
Black-mantled Goshawk Accipiter melanochlamys : An adult bird gave us excellent
views as it cruised through the valley and soared overhead along the Waterfall
trail in the grounds of Ambua Lodge
Grey-headed Goshawk Accipiter poliocephalus : Single adult birds were seen along
the Pipeline road, Kikori, along the Boystown road near Kiunga and along the
Elevala River.
Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus : A single bird was seen carrying
prey near PNG Arts, Port Moresby.
Meyer's Goshawk Accipiter meyerianus : A single adult bird was seen perched at
K108 along the Tabubil road and singletons were also seen near Tari Gap and
Ambua Lodge.
Doria's Hawk Megatriorchis doriae : An adult bird was seen carrying prey over Dablin
creek. The bird perched briefly before flying off calling.
Gurney's Eagle Aquila gurneyi : 2 adults and an immature bird gave us great views as
they soared over the Pipeline road, Kikori about two kilometres south of Kopi
camp. Another adult bird was seen cruising low over the forest along the Gre-
Drimgas road near Kiunga.
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides : A single bird was seen near Kumul Lodge.
FALCONIDAE : Falcons
Brown Falcon Falco berigora : Single birds were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University and Tari airstrip.
Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides : A female was seen at Hotel Cloudlands,
Tabubil.
Oriental Hobby Falco severus : An adult bird was seen hunting and later perched
in a nearby tree at K120 along the road to Tabubil.
MEGAPODIIDAE : Megapodes
Orange-footed Megapode Megapodius reinwardt : 2 single birds were flushed from the
side of the Pipeline road, Kikori, one perched up in a nearby tree and gave
good views.
Black-billed Brush Turkey Talegalla fuscirostris : Single birds were flushed from
trees along the Elevala River on two occasions and gave good views as they
perched in riverside trees. Others were heard in Varirata National Park and
along the Pipeline road, Kikori.
Wattled Brush Turkey Aepypodius arfakianus : (H) One was heard calling in forest
along the Benari road below Warili Lodge.
RALLIDAE : Rails
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis : Single birds were seen by the sewage settling
ponds at the Pacific Adventist University and on the road near Warili Lodge.
A pair with 2 small chicks and another adult were seen on the new rice fields
in the Laloki River valley.
Chestnut Forest-Rail Rallina rubra : A pair was seen at the watercress bed at Kumul
Lodge giving excellent close views. A male was seen in the orchid garden at
the Lodge and next day a pair with a small chick were seen nearby.
Red-necked Rail Rallina tricolor : 2 were seen in swamp forest along the Elevala
River.
White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea : A single bird was seen at the new rice fields in
the Laloki River valley.
Rufous-tailed Bush Hen Amaurornis moluccana : A single bird was seen in a roadside
gully near the Rouna 2 electricity station below Varirata National Park. Others
were heard at Dablin creek, Tabubil and below Warili Lodge.
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa : At least 20 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio : At least 50 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University, at least 20 on the new rice fields in the Laloki River valley and 3
were noted near the Kokoda Trail Monument.
JACANIDAE : Jacanas
Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea : 8 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University.
GLAREOLIDAE : Pratincoles and Coursers
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella : A single bird gave great close views at Tari
Airport.
CHARADRIIDAE : Lapwings and Plovers
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles : At least 20 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University and at Jackson's Airport, Port Moresby and up to 15 were noted in
the Laloki River valley.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva : 10 were seen at Kikori airstrip and singletons
noted at Tabubil and Mendi Airports.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius : A bird of the resident race papuanus was
seen at K120 en-route to Tabubil. Leg and eye ring colours differ from the
migrant race curonicus and as the voices differ too there is the distinct
possibility of a split being proposed by an authority before long.
SCOLOPACIDAE : Sandpipers, Snipes and Allies
Little Curlew Numenius minutus : 3 were seen at Tabubil Airport and 2 were seen at
Jackson's Airport, Port Moresby.
Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos : Up to 6 birds were seen daily along the
Elevala River and singletons were noted at the Pacific Adventist University, at
Kopi camp, Kikori and at Tabubil Airport.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis : A single bird was seen at Kopi camp, Kikori.
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala : 3 were seen at Balimo airstrip and a singleton was
noted at Kerema airstrip en-route to Kikori.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata : 6 were seen at Kikori airstrip and 12
were seen on the new rice fields in the Laloki River valley.
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis : A single bird was seen at Kikori airstrip.
Sanderling Calidris alba : 2 were seen at Kikori airstrip.
LARIDAE : Gulls and Terns
Common Tern Sterna hirundo : 2 winter-plumaged birds were seen along the Fly
River. These are the Siberian race S. h. longipennis.
COLUMBIDAE : Pigeons and Doves
Rock Pigeon Columba livia : 2 multicoloured specimens of this unwelcome feral species
were seen at Jackson's Airport, Port Moresby and 4 were seen at Mendi
Airport.
Slender-billed (Brown) Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis : This widespread
species was seen in all of the lowland and foothill localities we visited. Best
counts were 7 along the Pipeline road near Kikori, at least 6 in Varirata
National Park, at K17 and along both the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads
near Kiunga and along the Elevala River.
Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris : 3 were seen at Wambuak village
along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge, 10 were seen along the Waterfall
trail, Ambua Lodge and 6 were seen at Alukambe village in the Tari valley.
Great Cuckoo-Dove Reinwardtoena reinwardtii : Up to 3 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road near Kikori, 2 were seen along the Benari road and singletons
noted near both Warili and Ambua Lodges and along the Elevala River.
Emerald Dove Chalocphaps indica : Single birds were seen flying across the road near
Kopi camp, Kikori and along the Tree-house trail, Varirata National Park.
Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida : At least 6 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University, 3 near the Kokoda Trail Monument and 1 or 2 others were noted in
the Laloki River valley.
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis : 3 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University.
Southern Crowned Pigeon Goura scheepmakeri : 2 were seen along the Pipeline road
near Kopi camp, Kikori. 5 were seen perched in trees along the Elevala River
above Ekame Lodge giving us great views. Next day an adult was seen further
upriver and a fledgling was seen at very close range. One was also heard calling
along the Boystown road near Kiunga. A truly spectacular species and a major
highlight of the trip.
Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus : Up to 3 were seen daily in Varirata
National Park, 2 were seen along the Elevala River and a singleton was noted
along the Pipeline road, Kikori. Others were heard at K17 and along the
Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads near Kiunga.
Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus perlatus : Small numbers of this attractive species
were seen at most of the lowland and foothill sites we visited with 12 in a
fruiting tree near the Kokoda Trail Monument being the maximum count.
Ornate Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus ornatus : A singleton was seen in a fruiting tree along
the Elevala River.
Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus aurantiifrons : 4 were seen along the
Pipeline road, Kikori and a single, immature bird was noted along the Elevala
River.
Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus : Up to 10 were seen daily in Varirata National
Park, up to 3 were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori and at Dablin
creek, Tabubil and a singleton was noted at K17 near Kiunga.
Coroneted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus coronulatus : Single birds were seen in fruiting trees
along the Pipeline road, Kikori and along the Elevala River.
Beautiful Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus pulchellus : Up to 3 were seen daily along the
Elevala River, 2 were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori and along the
Boystown road near Kiunga and singletons were noted along the Gre-
Drimgas road near Kiunga and at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
White-breasted Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus rivoli : 3 were seen along the Benari road, 2
were seen below Warili Lodge and along the Waterfall trail at Ambua Lodge.
Single females were noted on two occasions in the grounds of Kumul Lodge.
Orange-bellied Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus iozonus : Up to 20 were seen daily along the
Elevala River, up to 4 were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori, 7 were
seen near the Kokoda Trail Monument and 2 or 3 were noted at K17 and
along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads near Kiunga.
Dwarf Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus nanus : An amazing total of 8 birds were seen in a
fruiting tree along the Elevala River.
Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon Ducula rufigaster : Up to 5 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, 3 were seen near Ekame Lodge and 2 were seen along
the Stream trail in Varirata National Park. 2 were also noted along the
Boystown road and a singleton was seen along the Gre-Drimgas road near
Kiunga.
Rufescent Imperial Pigeon Ducula chalconota : 2 were seen along Max's trail along
the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge. Both birds fed in a fruiting tree and one
perched out in the open on a stump giving us marvellous views. This is a
thinly distributed montane species which is very rarely seen by birders.
Pinon Imperial Pigeon Ducula pinon : Up to 20 were seen on most days along the
Pipeline road near Kikori and at least 5 were seen along the Elevala River
with 2 noted at K17 and along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads near
Kiunga.
Collared Imperial Pigeon Ducula muellerii : Out of the several hundred distant
Imperial Pigeons that were seen along the Elevala River, about six were
confidently identified as this species.
Zoe Imperial Pigeon Ducula zoeae : Up to 3 were seen daily along the Pipeline road,
Kikori and 2 were seen along the Boystown road and at K17 near Kiunga and
2 were seen along the Elevala River with a singleton noted along the Gre-
Drimgas road.
Torresian Imperial Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa : At least 10 were seen flying over the
Pacific Adventist University.
Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii : At least 100 were seen over the
Gre-Drimgas road and at least 60 were noted over the Boystown road near
Kiunga. At least 40 were seen over Dablin creek, Tabubil with smaller numbers
of overflying birds noted elsewhere.
CACATUIDAE : Cockatoos
Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus : Up to 7 were seen daily along the Pipeline
road, Kikori, and single birds were seen along the Elevala River and along
the Gre-Drimgas road near Kiunga.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita : At least 10 were seen along the Elevala
River, up to 8 were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori and up to 5
were seen daily in Varirata National Park. Single birds were noted at K17 and
on the outskirts of Tabubil.
PSITTACIDAE : Parrots
Greater Streaked Lory Chalcopsitta scintillata : Up to 100 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, 6 along the Boystown road, Kiunga, at least 8 along
the Elevala River and 5 at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Dusky Lory Pseudeos fuscata : 15 were seen in a flowering tree along the Pipeline road,
Kikori.
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus : At least 30 of this noisy species were
seen at the Pacific Adventist University.Up to 10 were seen daily along the
Elevala River, 8 were seen at Dablin creek, Tabubil and in Varirata National
Park with smaller numbers noted in other lowland areas.
Goldie's Lorikeet Psitteuteles goldei : 20 were seen at Kumul Lodge, 15 were seen
near Alukambe village in the Tari valley and 4 were seen at Tari Gap.
Black-capped Lory Lorius lory : Up to 6 were seen in Varirata National Park, 10 along
the Pipeline road, Kikori, 10 along the Elevala River, 6 at K17 and along the
Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads and 2 daily at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis : Remarkably scarce this visit; near
Kiunga we only saw 6 at K17, 4 along the Boystown road and 2 along the
Gre-Drimgas road. 2 along the Pipeline road, Kikori and a singleton at Dablin
creek, Tabubil were our only other sightings.
Little Red Lorikeet Charmosyna pulchella : 2 flew over Wambuak village on the
Wabag road below Kumul Lodge.
Papuan Lorikeet Charmosyna papou : Up to 6, mostly dark-phase birds, were seen
daily around Kumul Lodge and up to 6 red-phase were seen between the
bailey bridge and Tari Gap and along the Benari road.
Plum-faced Lorikeet Oreopsittacus arfaki : Up to 12 were seen daily at Kumul Lodge,
often giving great close views, similarly 6 of these endearing creatures were
seen at Tari Gap.
Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii : At least 10 were seen feeding
in Casuarina trees along the Benari road, 6 were seen along the entry road to
Ambua Lodge and 2 were seen near Tari Gap.
Orange-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus pullicauda : 2 or 3 were seen daily at Kumul
Lodge, and 4 were seen near the bailey bridge below Tari Gap.
Pesquet's (Vulturine) Parrot Psittatrichas fulgidus : Up to 8 of these magnificent
parrots were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori and 4 were seen along
the Elevala River.
Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta pusio : 2 were seen on two occasions, three
weeks apart, in the same trees along the Boundary track in Varirata National
Park. A singleton flying over the Pipeline road, Kikori could not be identified
as the area lies in the zone of overlap between this and the next species.
Yellow-capped Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta keiensis : 2 overflying birds were seen at
K17, 6 over the Boystown road and a singleton over the Gre-Drimgas road
near Kiunga. 2 gave good perched views at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Red-breasted Pygmy-Parrot Micropsitta bruijnii : Flocks of at least 20 and over 40
the following day gave us great views as they foraged along tree branches at
Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Orange-breasted Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta gulielmiterti : Up to 8 were seen daily along
the Pipeline road, Kikori, 6 were seen along the Boystown and 4 along the
Gre-Drimgas roads near Kiunga and 5 were seen daily at Dablin creek,
Tabubil.
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma: 2 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori. 2 were also seen along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas
roads near Kiunga and along the Elevala River. A single bird was seen along
Max's trail along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge. The bird was emitting
a peculiar buzzing call as it flew from tree to tree.
Large Fig-Parrot Psittaculirostris desmarestii : Single birds were seen flying over the
Pipeline road, Kikori and over the Elevala River.
Brehm's Tiger-Parrot Psittacella brehmii : Up to 3 birds, 2 males and a female, gave
us exceptional views as they fed on passion fruits in the grounds of Kumul
Lodge, on several occasions. A male and female were also attracted to the
fruit put out on the feeders by the Lodge staff giving great views from the
balcony. Single birds were also seen on three occasions at Tari Gap; these little
parrots are absolutely superb avian beings.
Painted Tiger-Parrot Psittacella picta : A female was seen in the grounds of Kumul
Lodge.
Modest Tiger-Parrot Psittacella modesta : A male was seen briefly along the Benari
road below Warili Lodge.
Madarasz's Tiger-Parrot Psittacella madaraszi : A pair were seen feeding in a
fruiting tree at Wambuak village along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge.
Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi : At least 10 were seen daily in Varirata
National Park, 8 at the Pacific Adventist University and up to 8 were seen
daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori. At least 9 were seen at K17 and 13
along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads, Kiunga and up to 20 were seen
daily along the Elevala River
Blue-collared Parrot Geoffroyus simplex : A flock of 6 was heard and eventually seen
flying over Dablin creek, Tabubil. A singleton was also seen flying over and
others were heard but remained invisible.
Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus : Up to 6 were seen daily along the Pipeline road,
Kikori and along the Elevala River and smaller numbers were noted along the
Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads, at K17 near Kiunga and in Varirata
National Park.
Papuan King Parrot Alisterus chloropterus : A really good showing this trip with 2
along Max's trail along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge and 2 along the
Benari road below Warili Lodge. 2 more were seen along Steven's trail below
Warili Lodge and a singleton was seen along the Waterfall trail, Ambua
Lodge.
CUCULIDAE : Cuckoos
Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus : Single birds were seen along the Pipeline road,
Kikori, along the Boystown road near Kiunga, along the Elevala River and
twice at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus : Heard much more often than seen in the
foothills and lowlands but 3 seen on two occasions along the Pipeline road,
Kikori and 4 seen along the Boystown road near Kiunga were significant
counts.
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis castaneiventris : A single bird was seen twice
at Dablin creek, Tabubil and others were heard calling at Varirata National
Park and at Alukambe village, Tari valley.
Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis : A single bird was seen along the Benari
road below Warili Lodge and others were heard at Kumul Lodge.
Long-billed Cuckoo Rhamphomantis megarhynchus : A male was seen at K17 near
Kiunga.
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus : A single bird was seen along the
Pipeline road, Kikori.
Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus : (H) At least 2 birds were heard
calling by the entry gate at Varirata National Park.
Rufous-throated Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx ruficollis : A single bird was seen
briefly near Tari Gap and others were heard calling near the bailey bridge and
near the entrance to Ambua Lodge.
White-eared Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx meyerii : Up to 3 birds were seen daily at
Dablin creek, Tabubil and a singleton was noted along the Boundary track,
Varirata National Park.
White-crowned Koel Caliechthrus leucolophus : A single bird was seen at Varirata
National Park. Others were heard at K17, along the Boystown and Gre-
Drimgas roads, at Dablin creek, Tabubil and in the Tari valley below Warili
Lodge.
Dwarf Koel Microdynamis parva : 2 males and a female were seen in a fruiting tree along
the Pipeline road and another female was seen at the Twelve-wired Bird of
Paradise display tree.
Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala : A female was seen at K17 near Kiunga.
Common Koel Eudaynamis scolopacea : A male and later a female were seen along the
Pipeline road, Kikori. An immature male was seen at K17 and males were
noted along the Boystown road near Kiunga and along the Elevala River.
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae : 2 were seen along the Pipeline
road, Kikori and 4 were seen along the Elevala River.
CENTROPODIDAE : Coucals
Greater Black Coucal Centropus menbeki : 2 were seen along the Elevala River and
a singleton was also seen there later. Calling birds were also noted along the
Pipeline road, Kikori.
Lesser Black Coucal Centropus bernsteini : A single bird was seen twice at K17 near
Kiunga and another noted along the Elevala River.
Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianus : Up to 3 were seen daily along the entrance
road to Varirata National Park. The pidgin name for this bird is "Lapun Meri"
meaning "Old Woman".
TYTONIDAE : Barn Owls
Greater Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa : The resident pair gave us good views at their
tree-hole nest at Alukambe village in the Tari valley.
STRIGIDAE : Typical Owls
Jungle Hawk-Owl (Boobook) Ninox theomacha : A single bird was seen at its
daytime roost in thick vegetation at Alukambe village in the Tari valley.
Others were heard calling near Warili Lodge each night.
AEGOTHELIDAE : Owlet-nightjars
Barred Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles bennetti : We had brilliant views of one at its
daytime roost along the Gare's Lookout trail, Varirata National Park. Another
was seen in daylight along the Circuit track which was completely unexpected.
Arguably one of the most endearing birds of the trip.
Mountain Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles albertisi : One was spotlighted at Kumul Lodge
giving us great views. Calling birds were also heard there most nights.
PODARGIDAE : Frogmouths
Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus : (H) One was heard calling at Ekame Lodge.
Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis : 2 were seen at roost at the Pacific Adventist
University and singletons were seen twice near Kopi camp as we searched
unsuccessfully for calling Hook-billed Kingfishers Melidora macrorrhina.
CAPRIMULGIDAE : Nightjars
Papuan Nightjar Eurostopodus papuensis : A single bird was seen shortly after dark
along the Gre-Drimgas road near Kiunga, giving excellent views in the
spotlight.
Archbold's (Mountain) Nightjar Eurostopodus archboldi : A single bird was
spotlighted shortly after 1900hrs on two occasions at Kumul Lodge and
another was seen on a ledge in the lower quarry near the bailey bridge below
Tari Gap. This bird seemed to be incubating eggs or protecting young.
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus : A single bird was accidentally flushed
from its "nest", which contained two eggs, along the Gare's Lookout trail in
Varirata National Park. Another was accidentally flushed off a single egg
along the Circuit track 3 weeks later. 3 were seen near Dablin creek, Tabubil
and a singleton was seen near Warili Lodge where calling birds were heard each
night.
APODIDAE : Swifts
Mountain Swiftlet Collocalia hirundinacea : At least 20 were seen daily over the
Kumul Lodge area and up to 30 were seen daily over Warili Lodge and over
the grasslands beyond Tari Gap.
Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta : Common in most of the locations visited with up
to 30 seen daily at Varirata National Park, up to 50 seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, up to 30 at Kumul Lodge and up to 20 in the Ambua
Lodge -Tari Gap area.
Uniform Swiftlet Collocalia vanikorensis : This swiftlet was seen throughout the
lowland and foothill areas visited, with up to 100 daily along the Pipeline
road, Kikori and over Dablin creek, Tabubil and smaller numbers noted in
other locations.
Papuan Needletail Mearnsia novaeguineae : Up to 50 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori and up to 60 were seen daily along the Elevala River.
White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus : 6 were seen along the Elevala
River, 15 at K17 and a singleton was noted along the Gre-Drimgas road near
Kiunga.
HEMIPROCNIDAE : Tree-swifts
Moustached Tree-swift Hemiprocne mystacea : 3 were seen at Kopi camp including an
immature bird and singletons were seen twice along the Pipeline road, Kikori;
a single bird was seen near Ekame Lodge and 3 were seen at K17 near
Kiunga.
ALCEDINIDAE : Small Kingfishers
Common (River) Kingfisher Alcedo atthis : A single bird was seen at the Pacific
Adventist University.
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea : A single bird was seen along the Varirata Lookout
(Stream) trail.
Variable (Dwarf) Kingfisher Ceyx lepidus : Single birds were seen on two occasions
along the Boundary track in Varirata National Park and others were seen near
Ekame Lodge and along the Pipeline road, Kikori.
HALCYONIDAE : Tree Kingfishers
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Dacelo gaudichaud : Up to 3 of these impressive birds
were seen daily along the Pipeline road, Kikori and along the Elevala River.
2 were seen in Varirata National Park and a singleton noted along the
Boystown road near Kiunga.
Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii : 1 or 2 were seen daily near Varirata
National Park
Forest Kingfisher Halcyon macleayii : Up to 3 were seen daily near Kopi camp,
Kikori and at Kikori airstrip and 6 were seen in the Laloki River valley and a
singleton was noted at the Pacific Adventist University.
Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta : 2 were seen at the Pacific Adventist University and
singletons were noted at Varirata National Park, along the Elevala River, at
Ok Menga and near Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Hook-billed Kingfisher Melidora macrorrhina : 2 of these spectacular birds were seen
along the Elevala River with 1 seen there next day. Calling birds were also
noted each night near Kopi camp, Kikori and once along the Gre-Drimgas
road near Kiunga.
Yellow-billed Kingfisher Halcyon torotoro : Single birds gave us great views at
Varirata National Park on two occasions and calling birds were also noted
along the Pipeline road, Kikori, at K17 and along the Boystown and Gre-
Drimgas roads near Kiunga.
Mountain Kingfisher Halcyon megarhyncha : One responded almost immediately to a
taped call along the Benari road below Warili Lodge, giving us wonderful
close views. Others were heard calling along Steven's trail and along the
Waterfall trail near Ambua Lodge.
Lesser Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera hydrocharis : This rare species proved
difficult but 2 were eventually seen well near Ekame Lodge on two
consecutive days.
Common Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea : 1 or 2 were seen daily along the
Elevala River.
Brown-headed Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera danae : 2 birds were seen along
the Tree-house trail and 2 were seen on two occasions along the Boundary
track in Varirata National Park.
Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher Tanysiptera sylvia : Pairs of these elegant birds
were seen along the Varirata Lookout (Stream) trail and also along the Elevala
River.
MEROPIDAE : Bee-eaters
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus : Only 7 were seen at the Pacific Adventist
University and a singleton was noted along the Pipeline road, Kikori. The
large numbers noted earlier in the year had presumably migrated south for the
breeding season.
CORACIIDAE : Rollers
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis : Seen at most of the lowland and foothill sites visited
with at least 40 seen daily along the Elevala River, at least 30 seen daily along
the Pipeline road, Kikori and 1 to 4 seen elsewhere.
BUCEROTIDAE : Hornbills
Blyth's Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus : Up to 8 were seen daily along the Pipeline road,
Kikori and along the Elevala River.
PITTIDAE : Pittas
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida : In contrast to an earlier visit in July this species proved to
be quite common. A pair gave us excellent views along the Pipeline road,
Kikori and 4 were seen on consecutive days near Ekame Lodge and further up
the Elevala River.
Red-bellied (Blue-breasted) Pitta Pitta erythrogaster : One gave us great 'scope
views at K17 as it collected worms from a grassy track. The bird flew off with
these, presumably to feed young. Another gave more brief views along the
Elevala River and one was heard calling in Varirata National Park.
ALAUDIDAE : Larks
Australasian (Singing) Bushlark Mirafra javanica : A single bird was seen on burnt
ground by Jackson's Airport, Port Moresby.
HIRUNDINIDAE : Swallows and Martins
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica : 4 were seen at Kopi camp and a singleton was seen at
Kikori airstrip.
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica : Small numbers were seen at all the lowland and
mid-montane localities we visited with at least 10 noted at the Pacific
Adventist University, at least 20 in the Ok Menga -Tabubil area and 15 in the
Laloki River valley.
MOTACILLIDAE : Wagtails and Pipits
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea : An interesting passage migration of birds moving up
the Tari valley was observed from Warili Lodge with up to 15 seen passing
over each evening.
Australian Pipit Anthus australis : 4 were seen at Mendi Airport.
CAMPEPHAGIDAE : Cuckoo-shrikes
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae : At least 50 were seen daily at
Kopi camp, Kikori and up to 5 were noted near Varirata National Park.
Stout-billed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caeruleogrisea : 4 were seen at Dablin creek,
Tabubil and singletons were noted along the Circuit track in Varirata National
Park, near Wambuak village along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge and
along Steven's trail near Warili Lodge.
Yellow-eyed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata : 3 were seen along the Gare's Lookout
trail, Varirata National Park.
Boyer's Cuckoo-shrike Coracina boyeri : Up to 3 were seen daily along the Pipeline
road, Kikori, 2 and 5 were seen along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads
respectively, 3 were seen along the Elevala River, 2 at Dablin creek, Tabubil
and 2 were seen regularly near the main picnic area in Varirata National Park.
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis : Surprisingly scarce this visit with
2 at the Pacific Adventist University being our only sighting.
Hooded Cuckoo-shrike Coracina longicauda : 2 were seen along the Benari road
below Warili Lodge, 2 along Steven's trail and 2 were noted along the
Waterfall trail, Ambua Lodge.
Common Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris : 2 were seen along the Gare's Lookout
trail, Varirata National Park.
Black-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike Coracina incerta : Up to 4 were seen daily at Dablin
creek, Tabubil.
Grey-headed Cuckoo-shrike Coracina schisticeps : Up to 5 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, 2 along the Boystown and Gre-Drimgas roads near
Kiunga, a singleton was seen along the Elevala River and 3 were noted at
Dablin creek, Tabubil.
New Guinea (Black) Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melas (melaena) : A pair was seen
along the Gare's Lookout trail, Varirata National Park and a male was noted
along the Pipeline road, Kikori.
Black-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina montana : 2 were seen along Max's trail near
Kumul Lodge and 5 were seen along Benson's trail below Tari Gap.
Golden Cuckoo-shrike Campochaera sloetii : Up to 3 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, a singleton was seen along the Elevala River and a pair
was noted at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Varied Triller Lalage leucomela : Surprisingly scarce, up to 6 were seen daily along the
Pipeline road, Kikori, 2 were seen along the Boystown road near Kiunga, 2
at Dablin creek, Tabubil and 1 or 2 were noted at Varirata National Park.
MUSCICAPIDAE : Thrushes and Old World Flycatchers
Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus : Up to 6 were seen daily around Kumul Lodge, 10
were seen near Tari Gap and 3 were noted near the entrance to Ambua Lodge.
Pied Chat Saxicola caprata : Common in grasslands at all altitudes visited with up to 6
seen daily along the road near Kumul Lodge and around Tari Gap, up to 5 near
Tabubil, 2 or 3 seen at Tari, Mendi and Mt Hagen Airports and singletons were
noted daily in the Laloki River valley.
CISTICOLIDAE : African Warblers
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis : Up to 3 were seen at the Kokoda Trail
Monument, Sogeri.
SYLVIIDAE : Old World Warblers
Island Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus poliocephalus : At least 20 were seen near Wambuak
village along the Wabag road below Kumul Lodge, 12 were seen along
Steven's trail near Warili Lodge and up to 10 were seen daily in the grounds of
Ambua Lodge.
Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis : Up to 4 were seen daily near Tari Gap.
RHIPIDURIDAE : Fantails
Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris : 1 or 2 were seen daily at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys : Common in all lowland and mid-montane areas
with maxima of at least 30 in the Laloki River valley and 10 along the Elevala
River.
Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata : Up to 10 were seen daily at Kumul Lodge
and up to 5 were seen daily around Tari Gap and in the grounds of Ambua
Lodge.
Sooty Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura threnothorax : A pair was seen on two consecutive
days along the Boundary track, Varirata National Park.
Black Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura maculipectus : 2 birds were seen along the Pipeline
road, Kikori.
White-bellied Thicket-Fantail Rhipidura leucothorax : 3 were seen along the Elevala
River and another near Ekame Lodge. A singleton was also seen at K120
along the Tabubil road.
Black Fantail Rhipidura atra : Up to 3 were seen at Dablin creek, Tabubil, 2 at Kumul
Lodge and up to 10 were noted daily between Ambua Lodge and Tari Gap.
Chestnut-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hyperythra : Up to 10 were seen daily in Varirata
National Park.
Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha : Up to 4 were seen at Kumul Lodge and
1 or 2 were noted daily between the bailey bridge and Tari Gap.
MONARCHIDAE : Monarch Flycatchers
Black Monarch Monarcha axillaris : A single bird was seen near the entrance to Ambua
Lodge.
Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis : A single bird was seen along the
Boundary track, Varirata National Park.
Black-winged Monarch Monarcha frater : Up to 3 were seen daily at Dablin creek,
Tabubil and a singleton was seen along the Varirata Lookout (Stream) trail.
Spot-winged Monarch Monarcha guttula : Up to 8 were seen at Varirata National
Park and singletons were noted on two occasions near Ekame Lodge.
Hooded Monarch Monarchamanadensis : 2 were seen near Ekame Lodge.
Golden Monarch Monarcha chrysomela : 2 were seen daily along the Elevala River
and singletons were noted on two occasions along the Pipeline road, Kikori
and at Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Frilled Monarch Arses telescopthalamus : Up to 6 were seen daily at Varirata National
Park, 2 were noted along the Pipeline road, Kikori and 1 or 2 were seen daily
along the Elevala River.
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula : 4 birds were seen near the Kokoda Trail
Monument, Sogeri.
Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca : A male and two females were seen along the
Pipeline road, Kikori.
Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto : Up to 6 were seen daily along the Elevala River.
Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus flaviventer : 2 were seen along the
Boundary track, Varirata National Park and 3 were seen at Dablin creek,
Tabubil.
Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus : 1 to 3 were seen daily near
Kumul Lodge and up to 2 were seen at Tari Gap.
Torrent Lark Grallina bruijni : A single bird was seen on the river at Ok Menga,
Tabubil. A singleton was also seen on the river along Steven's trail below
Warili Lodge and a pair was seen along the Waterfall trail, Ambua Lodge.
PETROICIDAE : Australian Robins
Torrent Flycatcher Monachella muelleriana : Up to 3 were seen daily at Ok Menga,
Tabubil.
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher Microeca flavigaster : 2 were seen by the entrance gate at
Varirata National Park.
Olive Flycatcher Microeca flavovirescens : Single birds were seen along the Boundary
and Circuit tracks in Varirata National Park.
Canary Flycatcher Microeca papuana : Up to 3 were seen daily at Kumul Lodge, and
a pair with a chick in a nest were seen along Max's trail along the Wabag
road below Kumul Lodge. Up to 4 were noted daily in the upper Tari valley.
White-faced Robin Tregellasia leucops : Single birds were seen along the Gare's
Lookout trail and Boundary track, Varirata National Park.
Garnet Robin Eugerygone rubra : Two males and a female were seen in the grounds of
Kumul Lodge and a pair was seen along Max's trail along the Wabag road
below Kumul Lodge.
Northern Scrub-Robin Drymodes superciliaris : A single bird was seen by some of us
along the Boundary track, Varirata National Park.
Lesser New Guinea Thrush (Lesser Ground-Robin) Amalocichla incerta : A single
bird was seen remarkably well as it responded to a taped call along Benson's
trail below Tari Gap.
Black-sided Robin Poecilodryas hypoleuca : Up to 2 were seen on along the Pipeline
road, Kikori and a single bird was seen near Ekame Lodge..
Black-throated Robin Poecilodryas albonotata : Up to 3 were seen daily at Kumul
Lodge and one was heard near the entrance to Ambua Lodge.
White-winged Robin Peneothello sigillatus : Excellent close views of up to 6 birds
were obtained daily at Kumul Lodge. One of many species that are remarkably
tame in this area thanks to the local landowners embargo on hunting in and
around the Lodge grounds. 3 were also seen at Tari Gap.
Blue-grey Robin Peneothello cyanus : Up to 3 were seen in the grounds of Ambua
Lodge.
White-rumped Robin Peneothello bimaculatus : A single bird was seen at Dablin
creek, Tabubil.
Ashy Robin Poecilodryas albispecularis : A single bird gave us brief views along
Steven's trail near Warili Lodge and another was heard along Benson's trail
below Tari Gap.
PACHYCEPHALIDAE : Whistlers, Pitohuis and Allies
Wattled Shrike-Tit (Ploughbill) Eulacestoma nigropectus : (H) Calling birds were
heard on several occasions in the grounds of Kumul Lodge and another was
similarly elusive near Ambua Lodge.
Golden-faced (Dwarf) Whistler Pachycare flavogrisea : 2 were seen along the
Boundary track and another was seen along the Gare's Lookout trail, Varirata
National Park.
Mottled Whistler Rhagologus leucostigma : A male was seen along Benson's trail
below Tari Gap.
Rufous-naped Whistler Pachycephala rufinucha : Up to 4 were seen daily at Kumul
Lodge where they are remarkably confiding for such a normally shy species. 2
were seen near Wambuak village along the Wabag road and 2 were seen at
Tari Gap . A single bird was noted near Warili Lodge.
Brown-backed Whistler Pachycephala modesta : Up to 4 were seen daily along the
Waterfall trail, Ambua Lodge and single birds were noted near the bailey
bridge and at Tari Gap. Single birds were noted daily at Kumul Lodge.
Grey-headed (Grey) Whistler Pachycephala simplex : Up to 6 were seen each day
at Varirata National Park and a single bird was seen daily at Dablin creek,
Tabubil.
Sclater's Whistler Pachycephala soror : 7 were seen along Steven's trail near Warili
Lodge, 2 were seen along the Benari road and up to 4 were seen daily along
the Hydro trail at Ambua Lodge. A female/immature bird was seen daily at
Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii : Up to 9 were seen daily around Kumul
Lodge and a singleton was noted at Tari Gap.
Black-headed Whistler Pachycephala monacha : 2 were seen in Casuarina trees at
Mt Hagen and 2 were seen at Tapuka quarry.
Rufous (Little) Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha : Up to 3 birds were seen
daily in Varirata National Park and single birds were noted near Ekame Lodge
and at Dablin creek.
Grey Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla harmonica : (H) Heard near the Kokoda Trail
Monument, Sogeri..
Hooded Pitohui Pitohui dichrous : Up to 6 were seen in Varirata National Park each
visit. Varirata is an excellent place to observe the world's first described
poisonous bird.
White-bellied Pitohui Pitohui incertus : Up to 3 were seen along the Elevala River
although many more were heard. They often began calling when the boat's
outboard motor was started up.
Rusty Pitohui Pitohui ferrugineus : 3 were seen along the Circuit track, Varirata
National Park.
Crested Pitohui Pitohui cristatus : (H) Heard twice in Varirata National Park and also
along the Pipeline road, Kikori. It is difficult to believe that a bird can produce
such weird sounds.
Variable Pitohui Pitohui kirhocephalus : Up to 3 were seen along the Pipeline road,
Kikori, 2 at K17 near Kiunga and 1 or 2 were seen daily at Dablin creek,
Tabubil.
Black Pitohui Pitohui nigrescens : A presumed pair were seen along the Waterfall trail
and another female/immature bird was seen by Ambua Lodge.
NEOSITTIDAE : Sittellas
Papuan Sittella Neositta papuensis : A flock of at least 10 was seen along the Waterfall
trail, Ambua Lodge.
CLIMACTERIDAE : Australian Treecreepers
Papuan Treecreeper Cormobates placens : A pair was seen well along Steven's trail
near Warili Lodge. At first we were confused by the male's song but once we
realised it was a treecreeper we were able to locate the bird fairly easily.
CINCLOSOMATIDAE : Quail-thrushes and Allies
Painted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma ajax: A pair was seen near the start of the Boundary
track, Varirata National Park and two, probably different birds, were seen
further along the same track three weeks later.
Blue Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa caerulescens : A single bird eventually gave everyone
good views (for a jewel-babbler) along the Pipeline road, Kikori.
Chestnut-backed Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa castanonotus : (H) Heard only along the
Circuit and Varirata Lookout (Stream) trails in Varirata National Park and at
Dablin creek, Tabubil.
Spotted Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa leucosticta : (H) Heard only along Steven's trail
near Warili Lodge and along Benson's trail below Tari Gap.
Blue-capped Ifrita Ifrita kowaldi : Great views of this strange and poisonous species
were obtained at Kumul Lodge where up to 5 were seen daily. At least 3 were
seen near the bailey bridge and 4 were noted along Benson's trail below Tari
Gap.
ORTHONYCHIDAE : Logrunners
Northern Logrunner Orthonyx novaeguineae : A pair and probably another female gave
most of us good views along Benson's trail below Tari Gap.
POMATOSTOMATIDAE : Australian Babblers
Rufous Babbler Pomatostomus isidorei : 3 were seen in bankside vegetation along the
Elevala River.
MALURIDAE : Fairy-wrens
Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias insignis : 2 and later 3 were seen in the
grounds of Kumul Lodge and a singleton was seen along Steven's trail near
Warili Lodge.
Wallace's Fairy-wren Sipodotus wallacii : 3 were seen at Dablin creek, Tabubil and
single birds were seen near Ekame Lodge and along the Boundary track,
Varirata National Park.
White-shouldered Fairy-wren Malurus alboscapulatus : 4 were seen near the Kokoda