CLASSIC WEST PAPUA TOUR REPORT 2022

4 - 31 July 2022

by Pete Morris

Our tour to the remarkable forests of West Papua was once again a great success, much to my delight as it was the first time I’d had the privilege to lead the tour. We recorded in excess of 380 species of bird, but more importantly, we recorded a high proportion of the available specialities and most sought-after avian delights. Amongst these were a whole host of dream birds! The birds-of-paradise of course stood out, with the amazing Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Western Parotias taking pride of place, but other localized species included Splendid and Arfak Astrapias, Red Bird-of-Paradise, Crescent-caped Lophorina and Long-tailed Paradigalla. We also feasted our eyes on more widespread beauties such as King and Twelve-wired Birds-of-paradise. We also indulged in an amazing array of kingfishers, with Numfor, Biak and Red-breasted Paradise Kingfishers and the superb Blue-and-black Kingfisher being just some of the highlights. Four species of owlet-nightjars was sensational, and other nocturnal highlights included the superb Biak Scops Owl and a sensational Greater Sooty Owl. The highlands produced the hoped-for Snow Mountain Quail and sensational MacGregor’s Honeyeater and the list of superb parrots, smart robins and gaudy honeyeaters is too long to begin recounting here! It really was a fantastic adventure, despite the sometimes challenging conditions. One thing is for sure, it’s a lot easier than it used to be, with only a few nights not in comfortable accommodation. The walking is a lot easier too, though, if our experience is anything to go by, it’s still as wet as ever!!

We began the tour with a full day on Biak in the Geelvink Islands and home to a number of endemics. It was sultry, warm, and sometimes wet, and it was a bit of a culture shock being thrust into the heart of the rainforest here! We soon snapped into action though, as very soon we had found the incredible Biak Paradise Kingfisher and gorgeous Geelvink Fruit Dove; enough colour there to induce temporary visual failure! The tall trees held Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove, the stunning Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrots, the endemic Long-tailed Starling and Red-capped Flowerpecker and Black Sunbird. The endemic Black-winged Lory regularly shot over and we were pleased to also see the scarce (through trapping) Biak Lorikeet. During the morning we also came across Variable Goshawk, the huge Blyth’s Hornbill and Hooded Butcherbird. By scouring the foliage for smaller species and mixed flocks we also managed to find the tiny endemic Geelvink Pygmy Parrot, Biak Gerygone, the common Biak Triller, the smart Biak Fantail and Biak Black Flycatcher. The sensational Golden Monarch was also easy to find, but it took a while to track down our first gorgeous Biak Monarch. After a break, we explored another area where we found the localized Biak White-eye and, after more time avoiding rain and seeing more of the same species we got ourselves in position for dusk. And it didn’t take long for us to have a very special Biak Scops Owl fixed in the spotlight.

The following day saw us travelling from Biak to Numfor, in a rather comfortable and efficient boat. Not much was seen on the journey, though the sea was thankfully calm and kind to us! On arrival, we made our way around the island to our accommodation in a truck, and after lunch began our exploration along a forested track. Here we soon found the incredible Numfor Paradise Kingfisher, with several showing well. Also here was the rare Geelvink Imperial Pigeon and the local form of Hooded Pitta. Walking the trail, we soon found the endemic Numfor Leaf Warbler, the endemic form of Long-tailed Starling, and, just before dusk, the sometimes difficult Biak Scrubfowl. We returned to the same track the following morning after watching a Papuan Frogmouth close to our guest house. We again got some good views of Biak Scrubfowl, more kingfishers and warblers, and also found the endemic Geelvink (Common) Cicadabird.

The journey back to Biak was again fairly calm though chopped up with a few squalls and at this point a few boobies and terns appeared, and were accompanied by several Streaked Shearwaters. We then had a day and a half remaining on Biak to find as many of the missing specialities as we could, and fortunately we managed to find most of them! Skulkers such as Biak Coucal and Biak Whistler were teased from their hiding points, as was the local form of Hooded Pitta and the smart Emperor Fairywren. We also managed further views of most of the endemics including the special Biak Monarch, and also managed to find more widespread goodies such as Moustached Treeswift, Great Cuckoo-Dove, Torresian Imperial Pigeon and the smart Beach Kingfisher.

It had been a great stay on the lovely islands and we said goodbye to our great team of helpers before taking a flight to Sentani where we were met by our next team! Here we settled in to our pleasant hotel before making an afternoon excursion to an are of grassland and scrub which is rapidly being encroached on. Nevertheless we found a number of excellent new species. The open grasslands held a number of estrildids including Crimson Finch, the impressive Great-billed Mannikin and the smart Hooded Mannikin as well as White-shouldered Fairywrens and a few Black-billed Coucals. Our first Channel-billed Cuckoos flew by and perched, and by scanning the adjacent trees we found Orange-bellied and Orange-fronted Fruit Doves, New Guinea Friarbird, a rather dusky race of Tawny-breasted Honeyeater and Glossy-mantled Manucode, though sadly we only managed to see Fawn-breasted Bowerbird in flight.

The following morning we were on the move again, this time with an early flight to Wamena, from where we made our way to our comfortable hotel, our base for the next few nights. We then began our exploration of the area with an excursion into the Baliem Valley. Here we soon found two wanted endemics, namely Black-breasted Mannikin and the smart Baliem Whistler. More widespread species included Mountain Swiftlet, our first (rather dark) Papuan Harrier, the gorgeous Ornate Melidectes, Brown-breasted Gerygone and Capped White-eye. Heading a little higher we found numerous Red-collared Myzomelas and our first Great Woodswallows. A concerted effort was then required to get some good views of the elusive Greater Lophorina, and we also found our first Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove, and, on our way back, a fabulous Eastern Grass Owl.

As is often the case in the region, recent unrest had been causing some problems for tourists wishing to visit the Lake Habbema area. Fortunately our excellent team were on the ball, and had negotiated access for us, on the condition that we came back before dark, so fortunately, our birding was barely disturbed, and our sleep, perhaps a little improved! Our first day we spent in the Lake Habbema area, and soon found that birding here requires a fair bit of work as well as luck! Before dawn we heard New Guinea Woodcock and Archbold’s Nightjar, and soon learnt that birds were far easier to hear than see! Our first good fortune was with a pair of Snow Mountain Quail which gave fabulous views along a track. In the shrubby vegetation here we found Short-bearded, Orange-cheeked and Black-throated Honeyeaters and our first spectacular Western Crested Berrypeckers. Exploring the lake itself, we got some great views of the special Salvadori’s Teal as well as sadly finding a poacher with a snared one. We then explored a nearby ridge, but this proved to be rather disappointing, though we did see our first Belford’s Melidectes and our only New Guinea Thornbills and Papuan Grassbird. Later we tried the road lower down, but the weather was closing in and time moving towards our curfew! We did add Alpine Pipit before heading back down, sadly, not for a cold beer. Wamena is dry!

The following day we tried some high elevation areas again, and this time managed to see a New Guinea Woodcock before dawn. We then spent some time around the clearing, adding the tricky Sooty Honeyeater as well as Grey-streaked Honeyeater and Common Smoky Honeyeaters, smart Plum-faced Lorikeets and our first Large Scrubwren. We then put in a concerted period of scanning, first locating several Papuan Mountain Pigeons before the holy grail appeared, and we could all enjoy some great views of the amazing MacGregor’s Honeyeater. We then made our way down the rather steep and difficult Ibele trail, and gradually accumulated a few birds. The endemic Lorentz’s Whistler, then a smart male Garnet Robin which was followed by a Fan-tailed Berrypecker and then an excellent pair of Papuan Logrunners. Heading further down, we finally got the views we’d been hoping for of the spectacular male Splendid Astrapia, and then, on the way back, some brilliant views of the antpitta-like Greater Ground Robin. After a pretty tiring walk, we had some time to bird the road, but in the cool and often foggy conditions, birding was slow. We did however see Friendly and Dimorphic Fantails and a fantastic trio of the much-wanted Western Alpine Mannikin.

The following day we spent all of our birding day on the road that leads to Lake Habbema, and one or two rather unpleasant side trails, and we gradually accumulated many of the species we’d been hoping for. The localized Mountain Robin was tracked down before breakfast, whilst along the road we marvelled at busy flocks of Yellow-billed and Orange-billed Lorikeets which appeared to be coming to the road to collect grit. Stella’s Lorikeets (including dark morph birds) showed well and we were pleased to find a fine male Painted Tiger Parrot. Noisy Hooded and Black-bellied Cuckooshrikes were eventually seen, whilst in the roadside undergrowth we found a delightful pair of Mountain Firetails as well as Mountain Mouse-warbler, Buff-faced and Papuan Scrubwrens, the smart Rufous-naped Bellbird, and White-winged Robin. In the mid-storey we logged our first Black-breasted Boatbill and Canary Flyrobin, and in the rather foggy afternoon, enjoyed scope views of a spectacular calling male Brown Sicklebill.

The following day we explored a different road out from Wamena to try to find a few new species, and it proved to be a pretty successful day. We spent a fair amount of time tracking down Mountain Kingfisher, eventually seeing this elusive species well. Whilst looking we also found our only Modest Tiger Parrot, some really stunning Goldie’s Lorikeets, a fine Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo, several Mid-mountain Berrypeckers, Slaty and Black-throated Robins, and some hyperactive Slaty-headed Longbills, though sadly we only heard Chestnut Forest Rail. We then headed further down, and had lunch and a little birding at lower altitudes. Here we found some smart Red Myzomelas and, after a fair bit of searching, the hoped-for Green-fronted White-eye. We spent the rest of the day making our way back up to Wamena, stopping in areas where the forest looked half decent. The biggest surprise was an adult Meyer’s Goshawk that flew right by us, but other new species included our first White-bibbed Fruit Doves (here the Mountain form), a fine male Brehm’s Tiger Parrot, and our first Island Leaf Warblers.

It had been an excellent and successful visit to the highlands, and we had been looked after admirably by the somewhat extended band of helpers that had joined us. We said goodbye to them, jumped on a plane, and just a few hours later we were pulling in to our next base at Nimbokrang. Another comfortable accommodation, but a few degrees warmer and a lot stickier!! We began with a walk from our lodge, and were soon accumulating new birds. Black-browed Trillers were conspicuous and a fine mixed flock held Yellow-bellied Gerygone, Northern and Rufous-backed Fantails and smart Ochre-collared Monarchs. Arriving at a viewpoint we soon saw a cracking Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, whilst Black-capped Lorys and Coconut Lorikeets screamed overhead. A pair of fine Golden Cuckooshrikes and some less gaudy Boyer’s Cuckooshrikes obliged, and a sneaky pair of Yellow-gaped Honeyeaters played hide and seek. Walking on, we saw our first Lesser Bird-of-paradise (though they were quite shy) and we were surprised to see a couple of Collared Brushturkeys sneak across the trail, whilst a late afternoon vigil produced our first Zoe’s Imperial Pigeons, Meyer’s Friarbird and a male Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise, with no wires! As we walked back in the half light of dusk, an immature Papuan Pitta (of the Habenicht’s form) bounded along the trail in front of us, giving prolonged views. After dinner we returned to the forest, armed with all the technology available, and came away with a fine Marbled Frogmouth, the rare Papuan Hawk-Owl and, most surprising of all, a roosting New Guinea Scrubfowl, a very difficult species to find usually!

We began the following day back in the same forest, which proved to be tough going. We began with the same wireless Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise, this time on his display perch. We then spent some time watching from the tower, adding Wompoo Fruit Dove, Pinon’s Imperial Pigeon, Long-billed Honeyeater, Black Butcherbird, Grey-headed Cuckooshrike, and, eventually, a Pale-billed Sicklebill perched on a rattan spike. We then embarked on a mission to see the fabulous King Bird-of-paradise. This proved tougher than expected, though we ultimately got great views. Whilst looking, we also saw the elusive Ivory-billed Coucal, and found our first Pale-billed Scrubwren in the forest. In the afternoon we changed location and tried a different area. Here we found numerous Streak-headed Mannikins in the open areas, heard Brown-headed Crow and saw numerous Grey Crows, and found our first Lowland Peltops and White-bellied Thicket Fantail. Papuan Spine-tailed Swifts bombed overhead, and a vigil at a fruiting tree yielded numerous Salvadori’s Fig Parrots and a sadly brief Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot. A wander through some forest after dusk was fairly uneventful, though we did find a cracking adult Papuan (Habenicht’s) Pitta roosting!

The following morning was devoted to trying to find the rare and shy Victoria Crowned Pigeon, and although a couple of the group did manage some brief views, the birds remained elusive. We did find some other goodies in the area and these included Coroneted Fruit Dove, a brief Tan-capped Catbird, Green-backed, Streak-headed and Mimic Honeyeaters, some flyby Collared Imperial Pigeons, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Cicadabird, Rusty Pitohui and our first smart Yellow-faced Mynas. After lunch we then checked some rivers where we found the interesting local form of Little Ringed Plover and a smart Torrent Flyrobin, whilst a vigil from another viewpoint proved disappointing, though we did see a smart Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, and on the way back to the lodge we saw a fine pair of Papuan Nightjars. The evening session was fairly quiet, though we did again see the roosting New Guinea Scrubfowl and found a fabulous Feather-tailed Possum.

Our last morning in the area was again devoted to trying to see Victoria Crowned Pigeon, and sadly proved to be a wet, muddy and fruitless mission. We managed a few birds including our first spectacular Palm Cockatoos, Northern Variable Pitohui, a confiding Sooty Thicket Fantail and a pair of Hooded Monarchs. Tired and muddy, we headed back to get cleaned up and have a last wander near to the lodge. Here we found more of the same, though some of us did finally track down the elusive and dusky Mamberano Shrikethrush. We then drove back to our comfortable hotel in Sentani.

The following morning we had another pleasant stroll around some nearby grasslands, seeing many of the same birds as on our previous visit, though with the addition of several Buff-banded Rails, numerous quail, and a couple of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins. It was then time to head for the airport and our flight west to Manokwari. After a fine lunch, we made our way, in our comfortable 4WDs, up into the Arfaks. Here, much of the afternoon was devoted to looking at the amazing Magnificent Bird-of-paradise from blinds, and whilst watching we also saw our first smart Green-backed Robins. We then made our way up to our accommodation, adding our first Vogelkop Melidectes and a brief Black-mantled Goshawk as we went.

The following day was the toughest walk of the trip, as we hiked up into the higher Arfaks to our camp on Gunung Nadim. The steep walk to the camp yielded a number of new species including Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot, Arfak and Marbled Honeyeaters, the elusive Rusty Mouse-warbler, Vogelkop Scrubwren, Spectacled Longbill, the unique Mottled Berryhunter, Sclater’s Whistler and Black Fantail. We managed to tease some Lesser Ground Robins out from their hideaways in the undergrowth, though the Lesser Melampitta that called from close by remained elusive to most. We also saw our first Crescent-caped Lophorina, and as we approached the camp, saw our first Cinnamon-browed Melidectes, a species that is devilishly hard to see well and which required plenty of effort!

After lunch, we hiked higher along the ridge, and although we didn’t find all that we hoped-for, we did add a number of goodies including the fabulous Orange-crowned Fairywren, smart Tit Berrypeckers, a small group of Papuan Sittellas, the attractive Regent Whistler and our first Smoky Robin. As we arrived back at the camp we found our only Ashy Robin of the trip. We settled in for the night, as the rain once again pelted down!

The weather was still somewhat grim the following morning, with fog and rain once more. Nevertheless, we made our way back up the ridge where we soon managed some great views of amazing male Black Sicklebills, and, after a lot of searching, a couple of rather large, though somewhat monochrome, Arfak Astrapias. We also noted smart Papuan Treecreepers and Rufous-sided Honeyeaters, and back at the camp, saw a fine Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo. Relieved that we had seen the main species that we required, we decided to head back down the steep hill. Birding was generally quiet, but we did stake out some wild bananas that were hosting a family of the seldom seen Thick-billed Berrypecker. We also found a Bronze Ground Dove on its nest, which we managed to get in the scope for everyone to enjoy!

The following morning, we again climbed, as we still needed to find the localized and scarce Long-tailed Paradigalla. This proved tricky once more, but eventually one was found and seen well by all. We also had more great views of the Bronze Ground Dove, saw our first Black Pitohui and, on the walk down added Mountain Honeyeater, Grey-green Scrubwren, Grey Thornbill and Black-fronted White-eye. We then made our way back to the comfort of Minggre, and had time to sneak in an amazing Feline Owlet-nightjar before embarking on a long drive to Anggi Lakes where we found the localized endemic Grey-banded Mannikin. Back at Minggre, despite the less than ideal weather we had time to enjoy another roosting Feline Owlet-nightjar and an equally stunning Mountain Owlet-nightjar nearby.

The following morning we set off in the dark to make our way down to a blind for Western Parotia. On the walk down we were distracted by a fine Greater Sooty Owl which gave stunning views, before settling in to the hide at dawn. Although it was often quiet, we were treated to a series of amazing sightings. Most amazing was a stunning (Green-naped) Pheasant Pigeon which paraded in front of us. A Cinnamon Ground Dove also crossed the display court, and a Spotted Jewel-babbler was teased into view. Eventually the main show happened, and we were treated to incredible Western Parotias, giving the full dance. Quite a mesmerising experience! Sadly the White-striped Forest Rails were only heard though. For the rest of the day, the weather was pretty poor, and although we worked hard, we came away with few rewards, though did add a fine Grey-headed Goshawk, and our first Drongo Fantail.

The following morning, we began with a fine male Crescent-caped Lophorina on his display perch. Moving to the fruit feeder, we finally added Black-billed Sicklebill, and then birding along the road we found some impressive Long-tailed Honey Buzzards, showy Pygmy Eagles, Pacific Koel, Mountain Peltops, Black-shouldered Cicadabird, Grey Whistler some showy Olive-crowned Flowerpeckers and smart Blue-faced Parrotfinches. Back at base, we spent some time with the amazing Vogelkop Bowerbird. Amazing not for the bird itself, but for its incredible collection of plastic ornaments in its bower, which included a spiky ball, a truck and a motorbike, to name a few! With more bad weather, we drove lower and lower after lunch, to try and escape the rain. Here we got some lovely views of Lesser Bird-of-paradise and, after some effort, a sneaky Black-chinned Robin.

The following day we tried a trail lower down. Staking out a Masked Bowerbird bower from a blind proved fruitless, though a Piping Bellbird did hop through. Fortunately, our main target was in residence, and we enjoyed fantastic views of a fine, hairy Vogelkop Owlet-nightjar. Also along the trail we found our only Goldenface, our first Arafura Shrikethrush, Hooded Pitohui and Black-winged Monarch. We then spent a long time hunting for the scarce Vogelkop Whistler, eventually tracking down a singing bird.

After lunch we staked out some fruiting and flowering trees in a village. Here we finally saw Masked Bowerbird, with two females present, but sadly no males. Flowering trees attracted both Fairy and Papuan Lorikeets and a plethora of myzomelas which included several Red and Mountain Myzomelas. We then headed down to Manokwari, with a little roadside birding as we went. Here we added some lovely Wallace’s Fairywrens, as well as Sultan’s Cuckoo-Dove, Scrub Honeyeater and some obliging Pygmy Longbills.

Much of the following day was spent travelling. A flight to Sorong followed by a boat trip across to Waigeo. We did have a little time to bird some mangroves in Sorong on the way, though other than Pacific Bazas and some Brown-backed Honeyeaters, it was quiet. The crossing was fun. Glassy calm seas and some flying fish lead to some amusement, and a surprise group of Matsudaira’s Storm Petrels was a real bonus! On arrival we enjoyed some showy Beach Kingfishers and Singing Starlings, and at dusk, we finally fixed a Papuan Boobook in the spotlight beam.

The following morning can only be described as a bit of an anticlimax. Once again the weather was awful, and our vigil in the blind failed to yield Mr Wilson! Indeed birding was very quiet full stop. We did see a fine Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, some female Red Birds-of-paradise visiting a fruiting tree, and an Olive Flyrobin for some, but overall it was quiet and disappointing! Heading back we saw our first Spice Imperial Pigeon, whilst back at the lodge, Great Cuckoo-Dove and Brown Oriole were appreciated. We then decided to take a boat trip out to a nearby island. This proved to be a great decision as new birds came thick and fast. Olive and Varied Honeyeaters greeted us on arrival, and quickly we found Violet-necked Lory, Island Whistler, Lemon-bellied White-eye and Moluccan Starlings, as well as a fantastic White-bibbed Fruit Dove of the Moluccan form. We also stopped at another island on the way back where we found an obliging Dusky Megapode as well as smart Common Paradise Kingfishers and a very obliging Rufous-bellied Kookaburra. We also enjoyed a whacky-looking Waigeo Cuscus.

The following day was again wet at times, but this time the fabulous Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise did show up and gave everyone some amazing views. What a bird! A Papuan Pitta was also present as was a singing Black-sided Robin. We then birded up and down the track, eventually finding a pair of much wanted Western Crowned Pigeons on the track. Other species found included the endemic Raja Ampat Pitohui and Waigeo Shrikethrush as well as more widespread species such as Yellow-bellied and Fairy Gerygones, Yellow-bellied Longbill, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Spot-winged and Frilled Monarchs. Much of the afternoon was spent attempting to see Red Bird-of-paradise at its display tree. Although it came in, it was extremely shy, and ultimately it was a frustrating afternoon, especially as we could not lure the Brown-headed Crow into view either! At dusk we saw Hook-billed Kingfisher, though it didn’t like the torch!

Heavy rain the following morning again scuppered our plans, though we did get some great views of Channel-billed Cuckoos and saw our only Ruby-throated Myzomela of the tour. The boat trip back to Sorong was periodically wet and fairly uneventful other than terns and frigatebirds, and once back on land, we drove straight to the Klasow Valley. Here, we took the well-constructed, though somewhat slippery, boardwalk into Malagufuk Village. A stunning Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher made the walk, and later we did see our first Black Lory, but ultimately the afternoon will be remembered for the colossal soaking we got. Yep, it was a wet tour!

The following day we walked through tall forest along often muddy trails, but saw a number of great birds whilst doing so. Pride of place went to the stunning Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar at its day roost. We spent some time at a fruiting tree where highlights included Beautiful Fruit Dove, stunning Large Fig Parrots, Golden Mynas and a Magnificent Riflebird. A Dwarf Koel also showed well, whilst in the forest we found Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Puff-backed Honeyeater, Papuan Babblers, and an obliging Black Thicket Fantail. We also heard Red-billed Brushturkey, whilst at night we heard Red-necked Crake and found a roosting Black Berrypecker.

On our last full day, we set off in search of Blue-black Kingfisher, and fairly soon found a pair of this stunner. A group of Moluccan King Parrots and a White-eared Catbird were much enjoyed, as were a pair of Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeons and another cracking Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, though sadly the Blue Jewel-babbler remained a frustrating voice in the forest. Walking out, we found our only White-crowned Cuckoo of the trip, as well as another stunning pair of Red-breasted Paradise Kingfishers, and we then made our way to our comfortable, though somewhat beerless hotel. Fortunately, we did rectify the situation, and were able to relax and breath a sigh of relief that we’d made it, and made it with an excellent haul of great birds. There is no doubt that the birding and climatic conditions were tough, but overall, the tour is nothing like the endurance test it used to be! In fact, it’s mostly pretty comfortable now, with only two or three tough walks and still a multitude of amazing birds!

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Salvadori’s Teal ◊  Salvadorina waigiuensis  Endemic. At least 3 seen well on Lake Habbema. Sadly, we also met a local guy holding a snared individual!

Pacific Black Duck  Anas superciliosa  A couple seen on Lake Habbema [pelewensis].

Red-billed Brushturkey ◊  Talegalla cuvieri  Endemic. Heard only. One heard at Malagufuk. Surprisingly the only encounter.

Collared Brushturkey ◊  Talegalla jobiensis  Endemic. Two seen crossing the trail at Nimbokrang. Just looked like an all dark brush turkey! [nominate].

Dusky Megapode ◊ (D Scrubfowl)  Megapodius freycinet  Good views of one at the Sorido Bay Resort on Kri Island, and a few seen more briefly along the track at Waigeo Barat [nominate].

Biak Scrubfowl ◊  Megapodius geelvinkianus  Endemic. First seen along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. At least three seen there, and three or four the next day. Also seen well along the ‘Makmakerbo Track’ in Warafri Forest on Biak, with two pairs seen well.

New Guinea Scrubfowl ◊  Megapodius decollatus  Endemic. Great spotlight views of a roosting bird at Nimbokrang.

Brown Quail  Synoicus ypsilophorus  Three flushed at the Sentani Grasslands [saturatior].

Snow Mountain Quail ◊  Synoicus monorthonyx Endemic. Brilliant views of 5 (a pair with a juv and a pair) along the road north of Lake Habbema, and another flushed by the lake that day. Cracking birds.

King Quail (Blue-breasted Q)  Synoicus chinensis  At least eight flushed at the Sentani Grasslands [lepidus].

Papuan Nightjar ◊  Eurostopodus papuensis  Endemic. Good views of a pair floating around for some time at Nimbokrang. Song distinctive.

Archbold’s Nightjar  Eurostopodus archboldi  Endemic. Heard only. Heard a couple of times from the Ibele clearing, but both times far away.

Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus  A pair seen by the ‘Makerbo Trail’ on Biak. Another flushed while driving there [schlegelii].

Marbled Frogmouth ◊  Podargus ocellatus  Excellent views of one at Nimbokrang. Others heard [nominate].

Papuan Frogmouth ◊  Podargus papuensis  Two seen well by the guest house in Pondori, Numfor, and another on a nest, south of the ‘Makmakerbo Track’ in Warafri Forest on Biak

Feline Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles insignis  Endemic. Brilliant views of two roosting birds, close to Minggre, in the Arfak Mountains. Others heard previously on the trek to Gunung Nadim.

Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles wallacii  Endemic. Brilliant views of one roosting in a tree stump at Malagufuk.

Mountain Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles albertisi  Endemic. Brilliant views of a roosting bird close to Minggre, in the Arfak Mountains.

Vogelkop Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles affinis  Endemic. Brilliant views of one both in, and just outside its hole in the Arfak Mountains. Very similar to Australian and Barred Owlet Nightjars, but great to see!

Moustached Treeswift ◊  Hemiprocne mystacea  A few seen well on Biak, including a pair at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak. A few seen around Nimbokrang and at Malagufuk [nominate].

Glossy Swiftlet  Collocalia esculenta  A few seen on Waigeo [amethystina], on Numfor [numforensis], and common on Biak and on the mainland [nitens].

Mountain Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus hirundinaceus  Endemic. Common in the Baliem Valley area [nominate].

Uniform Swiftlet  Aerodramus vanikorensis  Small numbers throughout Biak and Numfor [steini] and plenty seen around Waigeo [waigeuensis].

Papuan Spine-tailed Swift ◊ (P Needletail)  Mearnsia novaeguineae  Endemic. Plenty seen around Nimbokrang. Also at the Sentani Grasslands [buergersi].

Ivory-billed Coucal ◊ (Greater Black C)  Centropus menbeki  Endemic. Several heard around Nimbokrang where one was seen reasonably well clambering around in some thickets. Red eye apparent [nominate].

Biak Coucal ◊  Centropus chalybeus  Endemic. After hearing a few, good views of a couple in Warafri Forest on Biak. The first was along the ‘Makmakerbo Track’, the second along the road further west. Nice yellow eye!

Black-billed Coucal ◊ (Lesser Black C)  Centropus bernsteini  Endemic. Three seen reasonably well at the Sentani Grasslands. Also seen well at Nimbokrang.

Pheasant Coucal  Centropus phasianinus  One seen perched up in the Sentani Grasslands. Looked huge [propinquus].

Dwarf Koel ◊  Microdynamis parva  Endemic. Good scope views of a perched adult at Malagufuk [nominate].

Pacific Koel ◊  Eudynamys orientalis  Heard in the Arfaks and a male seen below Maibriy. Also at Malagufuk [rufiventer].

Channel-billed Cuckoo ◊  Scythrops novaehollandiae  Good scope views of 3 at the Sentani Grasslands. Many more seen subsequently.

Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo ◊  Chrysococcyx ruficollis  Endemic. Good views of a singing male along a side trail on the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena.

Shining Bronze Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx lucidus  A couple seen on Biak. Also seen at Nimbokrang [plagosus].

Little Bronze Cuckoo (Gould’s B C)  Chrysococcyx minutillus  One seen perched up in the scope at Nimbokrang [poecilurus].

White-crowned Cuckoo ◊ (W-c Koel)  Cacomantis leucolophus  Endemic. Good views of one along the boardwalk at Malagufuk.

Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo ◊  Cacomantis castaneiventris  Several heard in the Arfaks, and seen around the German Camp on Gunung Nadim.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo  Cacomantis flabelliformis  Several seen along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema  [excitus].

Brush Cuckoo  Cacomantis variolosus  Small numbers seen on Biak and Numfor [infaustus].

Rock Dove (Feral)  Columba livia ‘feral’

Spotted Dove  Spilopelia chinensis  Plenty seen at the Sentani Grasslands [chinensis-group].

Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia amboinensis  A few seen and more heard on Biak [cinereiceps] and a few seen and more heard on Numfor [maforensis].

Sultan’s Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia doreya  Plenty seen well below Duibey in the Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove ◊ (Black-billed C-D)  Macropygia nigrirostris  Endemic. A few seen in the Baliem Valley including one perched along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema. Several in the Arfaks.

Great Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Reinwardtoena reinwardti  A few heard and good flight views of one in Warafri Forest on Biak [brevis]. Some good views along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema and also seen in the Arfaks and on Waigeo [griseotincta].

Common Emerald Dove  Chalcophaps indica  Good views of a female along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. Surprisingly rufescent, including a rufous tail! [minima].

Cinnamon Ground Dove ◊  Gallicolumba rufigula  Endemic. Good views of one walking across the clearing from the Western Parotia Hide, below Minggre, in the Arfaks, and one seen briefly at Malagufuk [minima].

Bronze Ground Dove ◊  Pampusana beccarii  One seen well, in the scope, on the nest just above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks [nominate].

Pheasant Pigeon ◊ (Green-naped P P)  Otidiphaps [nobilis] nobilis  Endemic. Stunning views of this total mega in front of the Western Parotia Hide, below Minggre, in the Arfaks. A definite trip highlight!

Western Crowned Pigeon ◊  Goura cristata  Endemic. Good views of two on the track at Waigeo Barat.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon ◊  Goura victoria  Endemic. Non-leader. Brief views for some at Nimbokrang.

Wompoo Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus magnificus  Seen around Nimbokrang [poliurus] and at Malagufuk [puella].

Pink-spotted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus perlatus  Endemic. Great views of a couple around Nimbokrang [nominate].

Orange-fronted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus aurantiifrons  Endemic. Great views of several at the Sentani Grasslands.

Superb Fruit Dove (Eastern S F D)  Ptilinopus superbus  Several heard on Biak. Excellent views of one in the swamp forest at Nimbokrang. Also seen at Malagufuk [nominate].

Coroneted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus coronulatus  Endemic. Great scope views of one at Nimbokrang. Cap was surprisingly pale pink/lilac [geminus].

Beautiful Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus pulchellus  Great views of several at Malagufuk.

White-bibbed Fruit Dove ◊ (Moluccan F D)  Ptilinopus [rivoli] prasinorrhous  Great views of a male on Merpati Island, off Waigeo.

White-bibbed Fruit Dove ◊ (Mountain F D)  Ptilinopus [rivoli] bellus  Endemic. Good views of a pair and another briefly along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena. Also several in the Arfaks.

Geelvink Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus speciosus  Endemic. A real stunner, seen well on Biak.

Claret-breasted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus viridis  A cracking bird, seen well on Biak.

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus iozonus  Several seen well at the Sentani Grasslands. Very common around Nimbokrang etc [iobiensis].

Spice Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula myristicivora  Great views of one near to the Raja Ampat Dive Resort, Waigeo, and several on Pulau Merpati that afternoon.

Geelvink Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula geelvinkiana  Endemic. Good views of a perched bird along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. More heard there and on Biak, but only flight views of a few after the first.

Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula rufigaster  Endemic. One seen along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang, Also a pair seen at Malagufuk [nominate].

Pinon’s Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula pinon  Endemic. Several seen well around Nimbokrang, Waigeo and Malagufuk [nominate].

Collared Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula mullerii  Endemic. Two seen in flight along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang.

Zoe’s Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula zoeae  Endemic. Several seen and more heard around Nimbokrang and others elsewhere.

Torresian Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula spilorrhoa  c8 seen well at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak.

Papuan Mountain Pigeon ◊  Gymnophaps albertisii  Best were the displaying and feeding birds from the Ibele clearing near to Lake Habbema [nominate].

White-striped Forest Rail ◊  Rallicula leucospila  Endemic. Heard only. Heard below Minggre, in the Arfaks, but would not respond.

Chestnut Forest Rail ◊  Rallicula rubra  Endemic. Heard only. Heard along the Ibele Trail and along a side trail around on the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [klossi].

Buff-banded Rail  Hypotaenidia philippensis  A few seen at the Sentani Grasslands [lacustris].

Eurasian Coot  Fulica atra  Seen at Lake Habbema [lugubris].

Australasian Swamphen  Porphyrio melanotus  Heard only. A few heard at Anggi Lake, in the Arfaks [melanopterus].

Spotless Crake  Zapornia tabuensis  Heard only, leader only. Heard by some in the Baliem Valley.

Red-necked Crake ◊  Rallina tricolor  Heard only. One heard at Malagufuk.

Pale-vented Bush-hen ◊ (Rufous-tailed B-h)  Amaurornis moluccana  Heard only. One heard near to Nimbokrang [nominate].

Pacific Golden Plover  Pluvialis fulva  c10 seen on Waigeo.

Little Ringed Plover ◊ (Southern L R P)  Charadrius dubius  One seen on a river along the Jalan Korea, ESE of Nimbokrang. The nominate form seen is very different to Eurasian birds.

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus  One on Waigeo and 3 near to Sorong [variegatus].

New Guinea Woodcock ◊  Scolopax rosenbergii  Endemic. One seen well near to Lake Habbema.

Grey-tailed Tattler  Tringa brevipes  Three seen on Waigeo.

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia  Four seen in flight, calling, at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak.

Brown Noddy  Anous stolidus  One on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak [pileatus].

Black Noddy  Anous minutus  At least one on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak [nominate].

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii  One on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak, Also seen on the crossings to and from Waigeo [cristatus].

Bridled Tern  Onychoprion anaethetus  A few, with best views on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak, Also seen on the crossings to and from Waigeo [nominate].

Sooty Tern  Onychoprion fuscatus  At least one immature on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak.

Black-naped Tern  Sterna sumatrana  One seen on the way to Pulau Merpati [nominate].

Common Tern (Siberian C T)  Sterna [hirundo] longipennis  A couple on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak. Also several on the crossing to Waigeo.

Matsudaira’s Storm Petrel ◊  Hydrobates matsudairae  At least four seen on the crossing to Waigeo. Looked big in flat calm conditions, but a fair way off. Identifiable from photos.

Streaked Shearwater ◊  Calonectris leucomelas  At least six seen in a feeding flock on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak.

Lesser Frigatebird  Fregata ariel  Many seen on the crossings between Biak and Numfor, including a couple of feeding groups. Also many on the crossings to and from Waigeo [nominate].

Brown Booby (Forster’s B B)  Sula [leucogaster] plotus  Several at a feeding flock on the crossing back from Numfor to Biak. Also a few on the crossings to and from Waigeo.

Australian White Ibis  Threskiornis molucca  Non-leader. One for some in Sorong.

Yellow Bittern  Ixobrychus sinensis  Seen briefly in flight at Anggi Lake, in the Arfaks.

Black Bittern  Ixobrychus flavicollis  A couple seen briefly at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak. Also seen well at the Sentani Grasslands [australis].

Striated Heron  Butorides striata  One of the form idenburgi seen at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak and the form papuensis on Waigeo.

Eastern Cattle Egret  Bubulcus coromandus  One seen at the Sentani Grasslands.

Great-billed Heron  Ardea sumatrana  One flew over at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak. Another seen along the river in the flooded forest at Nimbokrang.

Great Egret  Ardea alba  First seen at the Sentani Grasslands [modesta].

Intermediate Egret (Plumed E)  Ardea [intermedia] plumifera  First seen at the Sentani Grasslands.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta  Two seen along the coast near to Sorong [nigripes].

Pacific Reef Heron (Eastern R Egret)  Egretta sacra  Two, a white and a dark morph, along the coast near to Sorong.

Osprey (Eastern O)  Pandion [haliaetus] cristatus  A couple seen at the Tsunami Forest in the southeast of Biak, and a few others.

Pacific Baza (Crested H)  Aviceda subcristata  A few seen well on Biak [obscura] and also seen at Sorong and at Malagufuk [stenozona].

Long-tailed Honey Buzzard ◊ (L-t Buzzard)  Henicopernis longicauda  Endemic. Best views were in the lower Arfaks.

Pygmy Eagle ◊  Hieraaetus weiskei  Two or three seen very well in the lower Arfaks,

Variable Goshawk  Accipiter hiogaster  First on Biak [misoriensis]. Also seen at Nimbokrang and at Malagufuk [leucosomus].

Black-mantled Goshawk ◊  Accipiter melanochlamys  Endemic. A perched bird briefly just below Minggre in the Arfaks. Heard a few other times.

Grey-headed Goshawk ◊  Accipiter poliocephalus  Endemic. Great views of one near to Maibriy village in the Arfaks.

Collared Sparrowhawk  Accipiter cirrocephalus  One seen flying over the Baliem Valley Resort near to Wamena. Also seen well in the Lower Arfaks [papuanus].

Meyer’s Goshawk ◊  Accipiter meyerianus  One seen well but briefly along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena.

Papuan Harrier ◊  Circus spilothorax  Endemic. A dark individual in the Baliem Valley, and another by Lake Habbema.

Whistling Kite  Haliastur sphenurus  Plenty. First seen at the Sentani Grasslands.

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus  A few seen on Biak and Numfor [girrenera].

White-bellied Sea Eagle  Haliaeetus leucogaster  A few seen at the Sentani Grasslands, and elsewhere.

Greater Sooty Owl ◊  Tyto tenebricosa  Brilliant views of one below Minggre, in the Arfaks. Stunner!

Eastern Grass Owl (Australasian G O)  Tyto longimembris  Great views of one near to Wamena [papuensis].

Papuan Hawk-Owl ◊  Uroglaux dimorpha  Endemic. One taped in and spotlit at Nimbokrang. Good views but unfortunately it flew after just a few seconds. Also heard at Malagufuk.

Papuan Boobook ◊  Ninox theomacha  Endemic. Great views of one at the start of the track at Waigeo Barat [nominate].

Biak Scops Owl ◊  Otus beccarii  Endemic. Stunning views of one on Biak. A really cracking and obliging owl!

Blyth’s Hornbill ◊  Rhyticeros plicatus  A couple of pairs in flight on Biak. Plenty more in the lowlands of the mainland.

Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis  Many on Biak and Numfor and elsewhere.

Hook-billed Kingfisher ◊  Melidora macrorrhina  Endemic. Heard in the dark near to Nimbokrang [macrorrhina]. Several heard on Waigeo and one seen at dusk [waigiuensis].

Common Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera galatea  Great views of a few on Waigeo [nominate].

Biak Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera riedelii  Endemic. Stunning views of several of this cracker on Biak.

Numfor Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera carolinae  Endemic. Stunning views of several of this cracker on Numfor.

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera nympha  Endemic. Great views along the boardwalk at Malagufuk. A real stunner!

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra ◊  Dacelo gaudichaud  Endemic. Several seen well, the first at Nimbokrang.

Blue-black Kingfisher ◊  Todiramphus nigrocyaneus  Endemic. Stunning views of a pair in the forest at Malagufuk. A really mega kingfisher! [nominate].

Beach Kingfisher ◊  Todiramphus saurophagus  Great views of 4+ in the Tsunami Forest on Biak. Also several seen spectacularly well on Waigeo [nominate].

Sacred Kingfisher  Todiramphus sanctus  Several on Biak and Numfor. Also seen elsewhere [nominate].

Yellow-billed Kingfisher ◊  Syma torotoro  Great views of several at Malagufuk, including one roosting [nominate].

Mountain Kingfisher ◊  Syma megarhyncha  Endemic. Many heard, and eventually good views of one along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [nominate].

Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx solitarius  Endemic. Great views of one along the track at Waigeo Barat, and stunning views of another at Malagufuk..

Blue-tailed Bee-eater  Merops philippinus  Several seen at the Sentani Grasslands.

Rainbow Bee-eater  Merops ornatus  Many on Biak and a few elsewhere.

Nankeen Kestrel (Australian K)  Falco cenchroides  A few seen in the Baliem Valley [baru].

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus  Singles by the Baliem Valley Resort and at Lake Habbema [ernesti].

Palm Cockatoo ◊  Probosciger aterrimus  Good views of four in the flooded forest at Nimbokrang and on Waigeo [goliath].

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo  Cacatua galerita  Several on Biak and Numfor. Common in the lowlands on the mainland [triton].

Pesquet’s Parrot ◊  Psittrichas fulgidus  Endemic. Heard only. Heard flying over at Minggre.

Geelvink Pygmy Parrot ◊  Micropsitta geelvinkiana  Endemic. Great views of several on Biak [misoriensis].

Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot ◊  Micropsitta bruijnii  Endemic. Brilliant views in the higher Arfaks above Zeth’s Homestay and above the German Camp [nominate].

Moluccan King Parrot ◊  Alisterus amboinensis  A pair seen reasonably well, perched, at Malagufuk [dorsalis].

Eclectus Parrot (Papuan E P)  Eclectus [roratus] polychloros  A few seen flying over on Biak. Also seen well at Nimbokrang and other lowland sites.

Red-cheeked Parrot ◊  Geoffroyus geoffroyi  A few seen on Biak and Numfor [mysorensis], at Nimbokrang [minor]and on Waigeo [pucherani].

Blue-collared Parrot ◊  Geoffroyus simplex  Endemic. Heard only. Heard flying over in the lower Arfaks [nominate].

Brehm’s Tiger Parrot ◊  Psittacella brehmii  Endemic. A male seen well along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [intermixta].

Painted Tiger Parrot ◊ (Snow Mountain T P)  Psittacella [picta] lorentzi  Endemic. Nice views of a fine male in the upper reaches of the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Modest Tiger Parrot ◊  Psittacella modesta  Endemic. A male seen well along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [collaris].

Plum-faced Lorikeet ◊  Oreopsittacus arfaki  Endemic. Plenty seen well in the upper reaches the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema and around the Ibele clearing [major].

Fairy Lorikeet ◊  Charmosynopsis pulchella  Endemic. Good views of two visiting a flowering tree at Maibriy, in the Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Papuan Lorikeet ◊  Charmosyna papou  Endemic. Good views of two visiting a flowering tree at Maibriy, in the Arfak Mountains.

Stella’s Lorikeet ◊  Charmosyna stellae  Endemic. Several seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema, including red and dark birds [goliathina].

Yellow-billed Lorikeet ◊  Neopsittacus musschenbroekii  Endemic. Best were the large flock coming down for grit along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Orange-billed Lorikeet ◊  Neopsittacus pullicauda  Endemic. Best were the large flock coming down for grit along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema. Also seen in the Arfaks.

Black-capped Lory ◊  Lorius lory  Endemic. Two seen in flight on Biak [cyanauchen]. Common around Nimbokrang [viridicrissalis].

Black Lory ◊  Chalcopsitta atra  Endemic. First seen flying over at Malagufuk, then excellent scope views of feeding birds in the clearing there the following day [nominate].

Goldie’s Lorikeet ◊  Glossoptilus goldiei  Endemic. Great views of 6+ along a side trail around KM52 on the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena.

Black-winged Lory ◊  Eos cyanogenia  Endemic. Many seen flying around on Biak and Numfor.

Violet-necked Lory ◊  Eos squamata  Several seen well on Merpati Island, off Waigeo and a couple on Waigeo itself [nominate].

Coconut Lorikeet ◊  Trichoglossus haematodus  A flock of c15 seen distantly in flight at the Sentani Grasslands. Common in flight around Nimbokrang. Seen best at Malagufuk [nominate].

Biak Lorikeet ◊  Trichoglossus rosenbergii  Endemic. A few flyovers on Biak and a pair seen well perched there.

Large Fig Parrot ◊  Psittaculirostris desmarestii  Endemic. Excellent views of good numbers in a fruiting tree at Malagufuk, and several there the following day [occidentalis].

Salvadori’s Fig Parrot ◊  Psittaculirostris salvadorii  Brilliant views of at least six visiting a fruiting tree along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang. Great birds. Also a female from the KM9 lookout there the following day.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot  Cyclopsitta diophthalma  A few seen in flight around Nimbokrang. Also scoped in a fruiting tree at Malagufuk [nominate].

Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot ◊  Loriculus aurantiifrons  A presumed imm/juv seen in a fruiting tree along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang [meeki].

Papuan Pitta ◊ (Habenicht’s P)  Erythropitta [macklotii] habenichti  Endemic. A juv seen well on the track at Nimbokrang, and a roosting adult found the following day.

Papuan Pitta ◊  Erythropitta [macklotii] macklotii  Endemic. Heard and seen briefly on Waigeo, then excellent views of two roosting birds at Malagufuk.

Hooded Pitta ◊ (Papuan H P)  Pitta [sordida] novaeguineae  Endemic. A couple, including a roosting bird, seen at Malagufuk.

Hooded Pitta ◊ (Numfor H P)  Pitta [sordida] mefoorana  Endemic. Good views of one along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. Others heard,

Hooded Pitta ◊ (Biak H P)  Pitta [sordida] rosenbergii  Endemic. Good views of one in Warafri Forest on Biak. Others heard, and one seen briefly.

White-eared Catbird ◊  Ailuroedus buccoides  Endemic. Good views of a pair in a fruiting tree at Malagufuk. Crown quite brown.

Tan-capped Catbird ◊  Ailuroedus geislerorum  Endemic. One seen flying across an open area at Nimbokrang [nominate].

Arfak Catbird ◊  Ailuroedus arfakianus  Endemic. Heard only. Heard a few times in the Arfaks.

Vogelkop Bowerbird ◊  Amblyornis inornata  Endemic. A few bowers seen and brilliant views of one rearranging his bower at Minggre. Incredible to see the toys, bottle caps, glass, coke cans etc. A sad indictment of humans!!

Masked Bowerbird ◊  Sericulus aureus  Endemic. Two females seen well visiting a fruiting tree at Maibriy, in the Arfak Mountains. Sadly, no male!

Fawn-breasted Bowerbird ◊  Chlamydera cerviniventris  Three seen relatively poorly in flight at the Sentani Grasslands.

Papuan Treecreeper ◊  Cormobates placens  Endemic. Great views of a pair on Gunung Nadim in the higher Arfaks [nominate].

Wallace’s Fairywren ◊  Sipodotus wallacii  Endemic. Great views of a lovely pair at c700m along the road from Duibey to Manokwari.

Emperor Fairywren ◊  Malurus cyanocephalus  Endemic. Great views of a couple of pairs on Biak [mysorensis]. Also a pair seen briefly at Nimbokrang [nominate].

White-shouldered Fairywren ◊  Malurus alboscapulatus  Endemic. A couple of pairs seen well at the Sentani Grasslands. A few others noted [aida].

Orange-crowned Fairywren ◊  Clytomyias insignis  Endemic. Stunning views of one on Gunung Nadim in the higher Arfaks [nominate].

Green-backed Honeyeater ◊  Glycichaera fallax  A couple of sightings at Nimbokrang [nominate].

Sooty Honeyeater ◊  Melionyx fuscus  Endemic. Eventually, excellent views of one in the Ibele clearing near to Lake Habbema. One or two others later there.

Short-bearded Honeyeater ◊  Melionyx nouhuysi  Endemic. Great views of a few along the road near to Lake Habbema, and around the lake.

Rufous-sided Honeyeater ◊  Ptiloprora erythropleura  Endemic. Good views of a few on Gunung Nadim in the high Arfaks above Syoubri [nominate].

Grey-streaked Honeyeater ◊  Ptiloprora perstriata  Endemic. First seen along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Brown-backed Honeyeater ◊  Ramsayornis modestus  Several seen well in the mangroves at Sorong.

Long-billed Honeyeater ◊  Melilestes megarhynchus  Endemic. A few seen, the first at Nimbokrang [vagans].

Arfak Honeyeater ◊  Melipotes gymnops  Endemic. Excellent views of several in the Arfaks, where first seen just below Minggre.

Common Smoky Honeyeater ◊  Melipotes fumigatus  Endemic. Plenty. First seen in  the Ibele clearing near to Lake Habbema [goliathi].

MacGregor’s Honeyeater ◊  Macgregoria pulchra  Endemic. Brilliant views of 1-2 from the Ibele clearing near to Lake Habbema, and another along the trail there that day [carolinae].

Marbled Honeyeater ◊  Pycnopygius cinereus  Endemic. Several seen well in the Arfaks [nominate].

Streak-headed Honeyeater ◊  Pycnopygius stictocephalus  Endemic. One seen well in the scope along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang,

Ruby-throated Myzomela ◊  Myzomela eques  Endemic. Just one seen, in the mangroves at Waigeo [nominate].

Red Myzomela ◊  Myzomela cruentata  Endemic, 2-3 seen well along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena. Also seen very well at a flowering tree at Maibriy village in the Arfaks [nominate].

Mountain Myzomela ◊ (M Red-headed M)  Myzomela adolphinae  Endemic. Several, including at least one male, seen very well at a flowering tree at  Maibriy village in the Arfaks.

Red-collared Myzomela ◊  Myzomela rosenbergii  Very common at all sites visited in the Wamena/Baliem Valley area, and in the Arfaks.

Meyer’s Friarbird ◊  Philemon meyeri  Endemic. Good views of a few in the Nimbokrang area.

New Guinea Friarbird ◊  Philemon novaeguineae  Endemic, with 10+ seen well at the Sentani Grasslands and any more later in the trip [jobiensis].

Tawny-breasted Honeyeater ◊  Xanthotis flaviventer  Two seen at the Sentani Grasslands, the dull and confusing race meyerii. A few seen in the lower Arfaks and Malagufuk [flaviventer] and on Waigeo [fusciventris].

Olive Honeyeater ◊  Lichmera argentauris  Common but skulking on Merpati Island, off Waigeo. Several seen well in the coconut flowers.

Puff-backed Honeyeater ◊  Meliphaga aruensis  Endemic. First seen in the lower Arfaks. Also a few seen at Malagufuk.

Mountain Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis orientalis  Endemic. One seen briefly just above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks [facialis].

Scrub Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis albonotatus  Endemic. A pair seen well in the lower Arfaks.

Mimic Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis analogus  Endemic. A few seen, the first seen well on Waigeo.

Yellow-gaped Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis flavirictus  Endemic. One seen well at Nimbokrang. Dainty, small decurved bill, and massive bright yellow gape which was brighter than the relatively small earspot [crockettorum].

Varied Honeyeater ◊  Gavicalis versicolor  A few seen on Merpati Island, off Waigeo [sonoroides].

Orange-cheeked Honeyeater ◊  Oreornis chrysogenys  Endemic. Common around Lake Habbema where many seen well.

Black-throated Honeyeater ◊  Caligavis subfrenata  Endemic. Several seen well around Lake Habbema. Others heard.

Cinnamon-browed Melidectes ◊  Melidectes ochromelas  Endemic. A really infuriating skulker! Eventually seen well on Gunung Nadim in the high Arfaks after much effort!

Vogelkop Melidectes ◊  Melidectes leucostephes  Endemic. Plenty seen well in the Arfaks. A smart bird, first seen just below Minggre.

Belford’s Melidectes ◊  Melidectes belfordi  Endemic. Abundant at most sites in the Baliem Valley [joiceyi].

Ornate Melidectes ◊  Melidectes torquatus  Endemic. A few seen well below the Baliem Valley Resort near to Wamena. Also seen well in the Arfaks [nominate].

Goldenface ◊ (Dwarf Whistler)  Pachycare flavogriseum  Endemic. A couple seen at Duibey in the Arfak Mountains.

Rusty Mouse-warbler ◊  Origma murina  Endemic. Many heard, and a few seen in the Arfaks [nominate]. Several heard on Waigeo [capitalis].

Mountain Mouse-warbler ◊  Origma robusta  Endemic. A couple seen and others heard, along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [sanfordi]. A few heard higher up in the Arfaks [peninsularis].

Pale-billed Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias spilodera  Endemic. Seen well at Nimbokrang [nominate] and one seen at Waigeo Barat [ferrugineus].

Vogelkop Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias rufescens  Endemic. Common in the higher Arfaks where first seen well on the walk up to Gunung Nadim.

Buff-faced Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias perspicillatus  Endemic. Seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema and along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena.

Papuan Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias papuensis  Endemic. Seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema and along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [meeki].

Grey-green Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias arfakianus  Endemic. Good views of vocal birds just above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks. A fairly uninspiring species!

Large Scrubwren ◊  Sericornis nouhuysi  Endemic. First seen well in the Ibele clearing. Several others seen well [nominate].

Brown-breasted Gerygone ◊  Gerygone ruficollis  Endemic. A few seen in the Baliem Valley, the first on the way to the Baliem Valley Resort near to Wamena. Others seen and heard in the Arfaks.

Large-billed Gerygone ◊  Gerygone magnirostris  A couple seen along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang [affinis].

Biak Gerygone ◊  Gerygone hypoxantha  Endemic. Excellent views of a few on Biak.

Yellow-bellied Gerygone ◊  Gerygone chrysogaster  First seen at Nimbokrang [nominate]. Several seen in the lower Arfaks [notata] and a few seen on Waigeo [neglecta].

Green-backed Gerygone ◊  Gerygone chloronota  Heard in the lower Arfaks [nominate].

Fairy Gerygone ◊  Gerygone palpebrosa  A female in the lower Arfaks and a fine male along the track at Waigeo Barat [nominate].

New Guinea Thornbill ◊ (Papuan T)  Acanthiza murina  Endemic. Great views of a pair near to Lake Habbema.

Grey Thornbill ◊  Acanthiza cinerea  Endemic. Good views of a small flock above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks,

Papuan Babbler ◊  Garritornis isidorei  Endemic. A couple of skittish flocks seen well at Malagufuk.

Papuan Logrunner ◊  Orthonyx novaeguineae  Endemic. Good views of a pair along the Ibele trail near to Lake Habbema [victorianus].

Mid-mountain Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis longicauda  Endemic. Great views of a male and several female/immatures along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [longicauda].

Black Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis nigra  Endemic. A couple, including a male found roosting at Malagufuk [nominate].

Fan-tailed Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis versteri  Endemic. One seen very briefly along the Ibele trail near to Lake Habbema [meeki].

Thick-billed Berrypecker ◊  Rhamphocharis crassirostris  Endemic. Good scope views of a pair and a juvenile feeding on ripe wild bananas just above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks [nominate].

Spectacled Longbill ◊  Oedistoma iliolophus  Endemic. A few seen briefly, the first at Nimbokrang and above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri, in the Arfaks [nominate].

Pygmy Longbill ◊  Oedistoma pygmaeum  Endemic. One scoped high in a in the lower Arfaks, and then great views of three feeding low down on red wattle flowers in the same area the following day [nominate].

Yellow-bellied Longbill ◊  Toxorhamphus novaeguineae  Endemic. One in the lower Arfaks and a few at Malagufuk, but usually a bit speedy [nominate].

Slaty-headed Longbill ◊  Toxorhamphus poliopterus  Endemic. A couple of hyperactive birds were vocal but hard to see along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena.

Tit Berrypecker ◊  Oreocharis arfaki  Endemic. Several seen well on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks..

Western Crested Berrypecker ◊  Paramythia olivacea  Endemic. Several seen well around Wamena, the first near to Lake Habbema.

Spotted Jewel-babbler ◊  Ptilorrhoa leucosticta  Endemic. One seen well right in front of a hide, below Minggre, in the Arfaks. Sadly it didn’t stay too long [nominate].

Blue Jewel-babbler ◊  Ptilorrhoa caerulescens  Endemic. Heard only. Heard at Malagufuk, but did not respond.

Yellow-breasted Boatbill ◊  Machaerirhynchus flaviventer  A couple seen along the track at Waigeo Barat [albifrons] and a couple seen at Malagufuk [albigula].

Black-breasted Boatbill ◊  Machaerirhynchus nigripectus  Endemic. First seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [saturatus] and a couple seen in the Arfaks [nigripectus].

White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus  Seen on Merpati Island, off Waigeo and on Waigeo [leucopygialis].

Great Woodswallow ◊  Artamus maximus  Endemic. A few seen, the first at the Baliem Valley Resort near to Wamena.

Lowland Peltops ◊  Peltops blainvillii  Endemic. A few seen in the Nimbokrang area where first seen along the Jalan Korea.

Mountain Peltops ◊  Peltops montanus  Endemic. A few seen in the Arfaks, including one on a nest.

Black Butcherbird ◊  Melloria quoyi  A few, the first seen at Nimbokrang [nominate].

Hooded Butcherbird ◊  Cracticus cassicus  Endemic. Noisy, and quite common in the lowlands. First noted on Biak and Numfor [nominate].

Mottled Berryhunter ◊  Rhagologus leucostigma  Endemic. Good views of a couple on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks, and others heard [nominate].

Hooded Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina longicauda  Endemic. Good views of a pair along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Barred Cuckooshrike (Yellow-eyed C)  Coracina lineata  A male and female seen at the Red BoP tree at Waigeo Barat [axillaris].

Boyer’s Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina boyeri  Endemic. Several seen well, the first at Nimbokrang [nominate].

White-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina papuensis  First seen at the Sentani Grasslands. Also conspicuous at Malagufuk [nominate].

Golden Cuckooshrike ◊  Campochaera sloetii  Endemic. Great views of pairs at Nimbokrang and again at Malagufuk [nominate].

Black-bellied Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma montanum  Endemic. Good views of three along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [bicinia].

Grey-headed Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma schisticeps  First seen well at Nimbokrang [reichenowi]. Also a few seen at Malagufuk [nominate].

Black-shouldered Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma incertum  Endemic. A male seen well low down in the Arfaks.

Common Cicadabird ◊ (Geelvink C)  Edolisoma [tenuirostre] muellerii  Endemic. Great views of a pair along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. Female distinctive and male quite dark [numforanum].

Black Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma melas  Endemic. A pair seen well along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang [nominate].

Black-browed Triller ◊  Lalage atrovirens  Endemic. Excellent views of many around Nimbokrang.

Biak Triller ◊  Lalage leucoptera  Endemic. Many seen well on Biak.

Papuan Sittella ◊  Daphoenositta papuensis  Good views of a small flock on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks [nominate].

Wattled Ploughbill ◊  Eulacestoma nigropectus  Endemic. Heard only. Heard along the Ibele trail near to Lake Habbema

Rufous-naped Bellbird ◊  Aleadryas rufinucha  Endemic. A few seen well, the first along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [niveifrons]. Also a few seen and more heard in the Arfaks [nominate].

Piping Bellbird ◊  Ornorectes cristatus  Endemic. One seen hopping on the ground from the Masked Bowerbird blind at Duibey in the Arfak Mountains.

Black Pitohui ◊  Melanorectes nigrescens  Endemic. A few seen in the Arfaks, the first just above Zeth’s Homestay at Syoubri [nominate].

Island Whistler ◊  Pachycephala phaionota  Great views of a couple of pairs on Merpati Island, off Waigeo.

Biak Whistler ◊  Pachycephala melanorhyncha  Endemic. Excellent views of a few on Biak. Great and loud song.

Vogelkop Whistler ◊  Pachycephala meyeri  Endemic. Eventually a singing male seen well just below Maibriy village in the Arfaks.

Grey Whistler ◊  Pachycephala simplex  A few seen, the first in the lower Arfaks [griseiceps].

Sclater’s Whistler ◊  Pachycephala soror  Endemic. Several seen in the Arfak Mountains, the first above Zeth’s Homestay [nominate].

Baliem Whistler ◊  Pachycephala balim  Endemic. Great views on the way to and at the Baliem Valley Resort near to Wamena, 9/7.

Lorentz’s Whistler ◊  Pachycephala lorentzi  Endemic. Several seen, the first at the top of the Ibele trail near to Lake Habbema.

Regent Whistler ◊  Pachycephala schlegelii  Endemic. A few seen well in the higher Arfaks [nominate].

Rusty Pitohui ◊  Pseudorectes ferrugineus  Endemic. A few seen around Nimbokrang [holerythrus]. A few heard along the track at Waigeo Barat [ferrugineus] and a few good views at Malagufuk [nominate].

Arafura Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla megarhyncha  First seen at Duibey in the lower Arfaks and then excellent views of a couple at Malagufuk.

Waigeo Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla affinis  Endemic. A singing bird seen well along the track at Waigeo Barat.

Mamberamo Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla obscura  Endemic. One seen well at Nimbokrang after much effort. Very dark [hybridus].

Northern Variable Pitohui ◊  Pitohui kirhocephalus  Endemic. A few seen around Nimbokrang [meyeri], and along the road in the lower Arfaks [nominate].

Raja Ampat Pitohui ◊  Pitohui cerviniventris  Endemic. Several heard and excellent views of a pair along the track at Waigeo Barat [nominate].

Hooded Pitohui ◊  Pitohui dichrous  Endemic. Excellent views of a couple around Duibey in the lower Arfaks, and others heard there.

Brown Oriole ◊  Oriolus szalayi  Endemic. A few seen, the first on Waigeo.

Spangled Drongo  Dicrurus bracteatus  Many, first seen on Biak and Numfor [carbonarius].

Willie Wagtail  Rhipidura leucophrys  Many on Biak and Numfor and at lowland sites on the mainland [melaleuca].

Northern Fantail ◊  Rhipidura rufiventris  A few seen, the first at Nimbokrang [gularis].

Biak Fantail ◊  Rhipidura kordensis  Endemic. Endemic. A few seen well on Biak.

Sooty Thicket Fantail ◊  Rhipidura threnothorax  Endemic. Excellent views of one in the flooded forest at Nimbokrang, and others heard and seen briefly [nominate].

Black Thicket Fantail ◊  Rhipidura maculipectus  Endemic. Excellent views of a showy bird at Malagufuk.

White-bellied Thicket Fantail ◊  Rhipidura leucothorax  Endemic. First heard at the Sentani Grasslands. First seen well at Nimbokrang [nominate].

Black Fantail ◊  Rhipidura atra  Endemic. A few seen well in the Arfaks [nominate].

Chestnut-bellied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura hyperythra  Endemic. Heard only. One heard at Duibey in the Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Friendly Fantail ◊  Rhipidura albolimbata  Endemic. Several, the first seen in the Ibele clearing near to Lake Habbema.

Dimorphic Fantail ◊  Rhipidura brachyrhyncha  Endemic. First seen along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Rufous-backed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura rufidorsa  A few seen well around Nimbokrang [nominate].

Arafura Fantail ◊  Rhipidura dryas  Several seen well on Merpati Island, off Waigeo [squamata].

Drongo Fantail ◊ (Pygmy Drongo)  Chaetorhynchus papuensis  Endemic. Good views of a couple at Maibriy, in the Arfak Mountains. A few others heard.

Spot-winged Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus guttula  Endemic. A few seen, the first seen well along the track at Waigeo Barat.

Biak Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus brehmii  Endemic. Seen very well on Biak. A real cracker.

Hooded Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus manadensis  Endemic. Good views of at least two in the flooded forest north of Nimbokrang.

Island Monarch ◊  Monarcha cinerascens  One seen briefly along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor [steini].

Black-winged Monarch ◊  Monarcha frater  Good views of a pair at Duibey in the Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Golden Monarch ◊  Carterornis chrysomela  Endemic. Great views of many on Biak [kordensis]. Several on the mainland [melanonotus] and in the lower Arfaks and at Malagufuk [aurantiacus].

Ochre-collared Monarch ◊  Arses insularis  Endemic. Excellent views on a few occasions at Nimbokrang.

Frilled Monarch ◊  Arses telescopthalmus First seen in the lower Arfaks, with plenty more, especially at Malagufuk [nominate]. Also a few seen on Waigeo [batantae].

Biak Black Flycatcher ◊  Myiagra atra  Endemic. Several seen well on both Biak and Numfor.

Shining Flycatcher  Myiagra alecto  Several seen well on both Biak and Numfor and at lowland sites on the mainland [chalybeocephala].

Brown-headed Crow ◊  Corvus fuscicapillus  Endemic. Heard only. Heard along the Jalan Korea, at Nimbokrang, and heard again a few time at Waigeo Barat, but never came in.

Grey Crow ◊  Corvus tristis  Endemic. Several seen, the first at Nimbokrang

Torresian Crow  Corvus orru  A few seen on Waigeo [nominate].

Lesser Melampitta ◊  Melampitta lugubris  Endemic. One heard and seen briefly on the way up to Gunung Nadim, above Zeth’s Homestay in the Arfaks.

Glossy-mantled Manucode ◊  Manucodia ater  Endemic. A couple seen perched up distantly at the Sentani Grasslands. Plenty more in the lowlands later in the tour.

Long-tailed Paradigalla ◊  Paradigalla carunculata  Endemic. Excellent views of one in the forest on the way up to Gunung Nadim, above Zeth’s Homestay.

Arfak Astrapia ◊  Astrapia nigra  Endemic. Great views of an immature male and a female on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks. Sadly not colourful!!

Splendid Astrapia ◊  Astrapia splendidissima  A few seen, but best was a stunning male along the Ibele trail, Lake Habbema. A truly stunning bird [helios].

Western Parotia ◊  Parotia sefilata  Endemic. Brilliant dancing and displaying males and a female from the hide in the Arfaks. Incredible birds! A few females/imm. males seen feeding on the rattan fruit subsequently!

Greater Lophorina ◊  Lophorina superba  Endemic. After some effort, a male seen well below the Baliem Valley Resort, and a couple of others more briefly there [nominate].

Crescent-caped Lophorina ◊  Lophorina niedda  Endemic. A few looks at females in the Arfaks, and a male from the rattan fruit blind was a bit tatty, but then a fine displaying male near to Minggre [inopinata].

Magnificent Riflebird ◊  Ptiloris magnificus  A male seen in a fruiting tree and several others heard at Malagufuk [nominate].

Black Sicklebill ◊  Epimachus fastosus  Endemic. Great views of several males and female along the ridge on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks.

Brown Sicklebill ◊  Epimachus meyeri  Endemic. A fine male seen well calling along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Black-billed Sicklebill ◊  Drepanornis albertisi  Endemic. Great views of a female on the rattan fruit at Maibriy village [nominate].

Pale-billed Sicklebill ◊  Drepanornis bruijnii  Endemic. A male was seen on top of a rattan at Nimbokrang, 15/7.

Magnificent Bird-of-paradise ◊  Diphyllodes magnificus  Endemic. Good views of males at their display grounds at Maibriy Village in the Lower Arfaks [nominate].

Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise ◊  Diphyllodes respublica  Endemic. Great views of an amazing male and a couple of females at Waigeo Barat. A stunner as expected!

King Bird-of-paradise ◊  Cicinnurus regius  Endemic. Good views of a couple of displaying males at Nimbokrang. Also a male seen at Malagufuk [coccineifrons].

Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise ◊  Seleucidis melanoleucus  Endemic. A couple of displaying males seen in the Nimbokrang area, the first with no wires!

Lesser Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisaea minor  Endemic. First seen at Nimbokrang and also seen well below Duibey in the Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Red Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisaea rubra  Endemic. Good views of a few females in a fruiting tree along the track at Waigeo Barat. Also a male seen at a display tree, but very shy!

White-winged Robin ◊  Peneothello sigillata  Endemic. A few seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [quadrimaculata].

Smoky Robin ◊  Peneothello cryptoleuca  Endemic. Excellent views of one on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks.

Slaty Robin ◊  Peneothello cyanus  Endemic. A few seen well along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [atricapilla] and plenty seen well in the Arfaks [nominate].

Black-chinned Robin ◊  Poecilodryas brachyura  Good views of an elusive individual in the lower Arfak Mountains [nominate].

Black-sided Robin ◊  Poecilodryas hypoleuca  Endemic. Heard at close range at Nimbokrang [hermani] and seen reasonably well at Waigeo Barat [steini].

Black-throated Robin ◊  Plesiodryas albonotata  Endemic. Excellent views along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [griseiventris] and great views of one or two on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks [nominate].

Ashy Robin ◊  Heteromyias albispecularis  Endemic. Great views of one on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks.

Torrent Flyrobin ◊  Monachella muelleriana  Endemic. Good scope views of one along a river to the west of Nimbokrang [nominate].

Olive Flyrobin ◊ (O Flycatcher)  Kempiella flavovirescens  Leader only. Seen by some on Waigeo.

Canary Flyrobin ◊  Devioeca papuana  Endemic. A pair seen well along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema. Also a few seen in the Arfaks.

Garnet Robin ◊  Eugerygone rubra  Endemic. Great views of a couple of males along the Ibele trail. Also heard in the higher Arfaks.

Mountain Robin ◊  Petroica bivittata  Endemic. Stunning views of one, and another more briefly, along the upper reaches of the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [caudata].

Green-backed Robin ◊  Pachycephalopsis hattamensis  Endemic. Great views of several, often from blinds, in the Arfaks [nominate].

Greater Ground Robin ◊  Amalocichla sclateriana  Endemic. Brilliant views of this superb antpitta-like bird along the Ibele Trail [occidentalis].

Lesser Ground Robin ◊  Amalocichla incerta  Endemic. A couple seen well on the walk up to the German Camp on Gunung Nadim in the Arfaks. Many others heard [nominate]. Song, and appearance, quite like Lesser Shortwing!!

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica  Several seen on both Biak and Numfor, and elsewhere [frontalis].

Tree Martin  Petrochelidon nigricans  100s seen at the Sentani Grasslands [nominate].

Island Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus poliocephalus  One seen well along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [albigularis] and several seen well in the Arfaks [nominate].

Numfor Leaf Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus maforensis  Endemic. Great views of a pair along the track inland from Namber, on Numfor. Others heard and seen more briefly there.

Australian Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus australis  Heard only. Heard distantly at Anggi Lake, in the Arfaks [sumbae].

Papuan Grassbird ◊  Cincloramphus macrurus  Endemic. One seen briefly and others heard around Lake Habbema and the Ibele clearing [alpinus].

Golden-headed Cisticola  Cisticola exilis  Several seen well at the Sentani Grasslands [diminutus].

Lemon-bellied White-eye ◊  Zosterops chloris  A few seen well on Merpati Island, off Waigeo [nominate].

Green-fronted White-eye ◊  Zosterops minor  Endemic. Great views of a pair, and others heard, along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena [rothschildi].

Black-fronted White-eye ◊  Zosterops chrysolaemus  Endemic. Good numbers seen well in the lower Arfaks [nominate].

Capped White-eye ◊ (Western Mountain W-e)  Zosterops fuscicapilla  First seen in the Baliem Valley area. Also plenty in the Arfaks.

Biak White-eye ◊  Zosterops mysorensis  Endemic. Great views of three in scrub east of Biak City.

Metallic Starling  Aplonis metallica  Many on Biak and Numfor [inornata] and plenty seen at Malagufuk [nominate].

Singing Starling ◊  Aplonis cantoroides  Just a few seen well on Waigeo.

Long-tailed Starling ◊  Aplonis magna  Endemic. Several seen well on Biak [nominate].

and on Numfor [brevicauda].

Moluccan Starling ◊  Aplonis mysolensis  A few seen well on Merpati Island, off Waigeo.

Yellow-faced Myna ◊  Mino dumontii  A few seen in the Nimbokrang area. Also on Waigeo and at Malagufuk.

Golden Myna ◊  Mino anais  Endemic. Great views on several occasions at Malagufuk [nominate].

Island Thrush  Turdus poliocephalus  Plenty seen well in the upper reaches of the road to Lake Habbema and around the road itself [versteegi].

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata  First seen near to Wamena [belensis].

Olive-crowned Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum pectorale  Endemic. Great views of several in the lower Arfaks. Also seen on Waigeo and at Malagufuk [nominate].

Red-capped Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum geelvinkianum  Endemic. Common on Biak [misoriense], on Numfor [maforense] and common on the mainland [diversum].

Black Sunbird  Leptocoma aspasia  A few seen on Biak [mysorensis], Numfor [maforensis] and on the mainland [nominate].

Olive-backed Sunbird  Cinnyris jugularis  Common and widespread [frenatus].

Eurasian Tree Sparrow  Passer montanus  Common on Biak and in towns elsewhere.

Mountain Firetail ◊  Oreostruthus fuliginosus  Endemic. Brilliant views of a pair along the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Crimson Finch ◊  Neochmia phaeton  Plenty seen at the Sentani Grasslands, where probably introduced [evangelinae].

Streak-headed Mannikin ◊  Mayrimunia tristissima  Endemic. Great views of up to 15 in roadside agriculture at Nimbokrang [hypomelaena] and a couple seen briefly in the lower Arfaks [calaminoros].

Great-billed Mannikin ◊  Lonchura grandis  Endemic. 15+ seen well at the Sentani Grasslands [destructa].

Black-breasted Mannikin ◊  Lonchura teerinki  Endemic. Great views of a small group just outside Wamena.

Western Alpine Mannikin ◊  Lonchura montana  Endemic. Brilliant views of 3 along the upper reaches (cKM26) of the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema.

Grey-banded Mannikin ◊  Lonchura vana  Endemic. Great views of a flock of c30, and a few others, at Anggi Lake, in the Arfaks.

Hooded Mannikin ◊  Lonchura spectabilis  Endemic. Plenty seen well at the Sentani Grasslands [mayri].

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin ◊  Lonchura castaneothorax  A few seen well at the Sentani Grasslands [uropygialis].

Blue-faced Parrotfinch ◊  Erythrura trichroa  One seen briefly, flying across the road, along the Jayapura Road, northeast of Wamena. A few seen in the Arfaks too [sigillifer].

Alpine Pipit ◊  Anthus gutturalis  Endemic. Great views of many, especially on the upper reaches of the road from Wamena to Lake Habbema [wollastoni].

MAMMALS

Common Echymipera  Echymipera kalubu  One spotlit at Malagufuk.

Speckled Dasyure  Neophascogale lorentzii  Leader only. One for some at Lake Habbema.

Northern Common Cuscus  Phalanger orientalis  One seen at Malagufuk.

Waigeo Cuscus  Spilocuscus maculatus  Seen well on Waigeo.

Feather-tailed Possum  Distoechurus pennatus  Great views of one at Nimbokrang and another at Malagufuk.

Timor Deer  Rusa timorensis  Two seen at Nimbokrang.

Spinner Dolphin  Stenella longirostris  Some great views at sea.

Indo-pacific Bottlenose Dolphin  Tursiops aduncus  Four seen near to Waigeo.

New Guinea Naked-backed Fruit Bat  Dobsonia magna  Seen at Malagufuk.

Great Flying Fox (Bismarck F F)  Pteropus neohibernicus  Plenty seen.

Bruijn’s Pogonomelomys  Pogonomelomys bruijnii  One spotlit at Malagufuk.

White-tailed Giant Rat  Uromys caudimaculatus  One spotlit at Malagufuk.