CLASSIC PAPUA NEW GUINEA (I) TOUR REPORT 2023

10 - 27 June / 1 July 2023

by Pete Morris

Papua New Guinea provides one of the most testing yet rewarding experience for any birder with an interest in global birding! The unique avifauna is perhaps best known for the amazing birds-of-paradise and any birder remotely interested in birding abroad will dream about visiting this very special island to see these stunning birds which were first brought to many people’s attention by Sir David Attenborough’s various brilliant films about these avian jewels!

New Guinea is the second-largest island in the world, and to this day remains one of the wildest, most sparsely settled regions on earth. Over 700 species of birds are found here, the world’s richest island avifauna and nearly half of these are found nowhere else! As well as the birds-of-paradise there is so much else to attract the birdwatcher such as strange megapodes, a gorgeous array of doves, pigeons, parrots and kingfishers (all of which reach their greatest diversity here), sinister-looking frogmouths, amazing owlet-nightjars, skulking jewel-babblers, exquisite fairy-wrens, brightly coloured flycatchers, confusing honeyeaters, and fascinating bowerbirds, to mention just some of the highlights. New Guinea is also an essential destination for people interested in bird families, holding no fewer than seven endemic families! These are the monotypic Wattled Ploughbill (family Eulacestomatidae), the monotypic Blue-capped Ifrit (family Ifritidae), the longbills and berrypeckers (family Melanocharitidae), the painted berrypeckers (family Paramythiidae), the monotypic Mottled Berryhunter (family Rhagologidae), the satinbirds (family Cnemophilidae) and the melampittas (family Melampittidae).

With so many great birds, the challenge then is to see them! With a history of heavy hunting and exploitation, many of the birds are extremely shy. The hot, humid and often wet climate adds to the challenges, and the logistics of getting around the country, with a somewhat unreliable air service, is also a challenge! Fortunately we have had plenty of experience, and this tour, our first of two Classic Papua New Guinea tours this year, was another great success with many special birds showing to the group. All of the endemic families were found and seen well, and on the main tour highlights included five stunning species of owlet-nightjar (including magic views of the rarely seen Starry!), an amazing experience with the magnificent Flame Bowerbird, 20 species of stunning birds-of-paradise, including some great display, a fantastic Forest Bittern, amazing Sclater’s Crowned Pigeons, a fabulous array of kingfishers, and Papuan and Hooded Pittas to name just a few! On our short extension to New Britain, we were delighted to see the rare Golden Masked Owl and the attractive New Britain Boobook, thrilled to find the rare Pink-legged Rail, and excited to find the first Aleutian Tern for Papua New Guinea and Melanesia! All in all, a truly memorable tour with some great birds but with a fair bit of hard work!

We began the tour with a couple of visits to the nearby Varirata National Park, a great introduction to the Papuan avifauna, both in terms of the excellent variety of species present and the difficulty in seeing them! We bumped into our first good bird, the localized Grey-headed Mannikin, on our first drive in to the park! Over the course of two full mornings on the trails in the park, we amassed a good list of birds. We struck gold very early on, with a fantastic Forest Bittern showing superbly for us early on our first morning! The other main highlight was on our second morning when we watched in amazement as more than 20 Raggiana Birds-of-Paradise displayed raucously above our heads! Papuan Dwarf, Yellow-billed and Brown-headed Paradise Kingfishers, and Blue-winged and Rufous-bellied Kookaburras were much appreciated, a pair of roosting Barking Owls were great fun, and a Barred Owlet-nightjar popped up by pure fluke (none of the roosting holes were occupied). We spent much time trying to lure skulkers out from the undergrowth, with mixed success! Chestnut-backed Jewel-babblers eventually showed well, Painted Quail-thrush was seen briefly, a smart White-faced Robin and Crinkle-collared Manucode popped up, whilst a Black-billed Brushturkey showed really well, and a (Grey-naped) Pheasant Pigeon ran along the trail for long enough for some of the group to see it. We heard several, and eventually saw, a fine male Growling Riflebird, and a female Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise was seen visiting a fruiting tree which also held a variety of honeyeaters and doves including Spotted, Green-backed, Plain and Elegant Honeyeaters, Zoe’s Imperial Pigeon and Dwarf and Beautiful Fruit Doves as well as Black-fronted White-eyes. Birding along the trails was slow going overall, and flock activity was low though we did come across some flocks which held the localized Chestnut-bellied Fantail and smart Spot-winged and Frilled Monarchs, as well as Pale-billed Scrubwren, Yellow-bellied and Green-backed Gerygones, Black Berrypeckers, Black Cicadabird and Variable Shrikethrush.

On one afternoon we visited the drier forest along the entrance road to the park, finding the localized endemic White-bellied Whistler as well as Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pygmy Eagle, Papuan Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrots and a Yellow-streaked Lory, whilst flowering trees held Ruby-throated and Papuan Black Myzomelas and White-throated Honeyeaters. Back in Port Moresby itself, we found the scarce Silver-eared and Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters. On the other afternoon we visited the Pacific Adventists University (PAU) and visited the wetlands there. Here, a fine Spotted Whistling Duck (alongside Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks) really stole the show, though a pair of roosting Papuan Frogmouths were also much appreciated! A number of other wetland species were seen including Comb-crested Jacana, Nankeen Night Heron, Pied Heron and a surprise Royal Spoonbill, whilst we also saw numerous Pied Imperial Pigeons, good numbers of Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds and our only Black-backed Butcherbirds.

It had been a decent couple of days, and the following day, having signed an incredible number of dockets for a final time (!), we made our way to Port Moresby Airport for our introduction to Air New Guinea! Well it went as expected, perhaps better! We had a long wait for our delayed flight, but it went and we got to Kiunga in the middle of the afternoon! This was when we established the concept that if you arrive on the correct day, your flight is on time! It was raining heavily when we arrived, and we paused for a late lunch before making the long drive to Tabubil… in the rain. Once there we settled in and became acquainted with the speed of service there!

The following morning we made our way up to Dablin Creek, above Tabubil. Our first, but rather skittish, Papuan Boobook was seen before first light, and we spent the rest of the morning walking a relatively short but steep section of trail, looking for a number of specialities. Carola’s Parotia was top of the agenda, and plenty of scanning resulted in scope views of a few. A male Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise was also scoped, whilst along the trail we found a few localized White-eared Bronze Cuckoos, a pair of Torrent Larks and a White-rumped Robin. Birding was generally slow and hard work, though we did add a number of other species including our first Papuan Mountain Pigeons and smart Dusky-cheeked (formerly Orange-breasted) Fig Parrots, whilst a mixed flock held our first Long-billed Honeyeaters, numerous Mountain Honeyeaters, several smart Mountain Peltops, Stout-billed Cuckooshrike, Grey-headed Cicadabird, Northern Fantail and Capped White-eyes.

Back in Tabubil itself, we noted our first Great Woodswallows, before heading to the nearby Ok Menga Road. Here, we scoured the river, eventually locating a pair of smart Salvadori’s Teals, more Torrent Larks and a few Torrent Flyrobins. On the nearby ridge we located a couple of Pacific Bazas and an Oriental Hobby, whilst a dusk vigil gave us a couple of Large-tailed Nightjars and far better views of Papuan Boobook.

The following day we made the longish drive up the newly constructed Telefomin Road, to the Hindenburg Wall area. The weather stayed fair for most of the morning, with occasional fog, but birding was generally fairly slow going. That said, we saw some great birds including our first King Of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise, and, after much searching, the highly-desired Splendid Astrapia. Roadside, we encountered a fabulous group of Red-breasted Pygmy Parrots, along with flighty Plum-faced and Yellow-billed Lorikeets and some magnificent Stella’s Lorikeets feeding in a flowering tree. Thick-billed Berrypecker and Lorentz’s Whistler were great surprises, and additions to the list, and we were pleased to find a trio of Loria’s Satinbirds and several delightful Tit Berrypeckers, and we also saw smart Black-mantled Goshawks overhead. Other species seen through the course of the morning included Grey-streaked, Black-throated and Common Smoky Honeyeaters, Red-collared Myzomela, Belford’s Melidectes, Fan-tailed Berrypecker, Black-breasted Boatbill, Black-bellied Cuckooshrike, smart Regent Whistlers, Friendly Fantail and our first Slaty Robins. Sadly the rain then set in, and during the rather wet drive down we saw little of note other than our first White-shouldered Fairywrens. Back at lower elevations the weather was still poor, and although we encountered a mixed flock containing, amongst others, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, a lovely Golden Monarch and Grey Whistlers, the weather really put the mockers on anything else!

We were back out early the following morning, and although we heard the much-wanted Shovel-billed Kookaburra calling pre-dawn, and even saw its heat in the thermal imager, it steadfastly refused to show unfortunately. We did manage to locate some other goodies including a lovely pair of Wallace’s Fairywrens, a noisy Magnificent Riflebird, and a pair of Papuan Scrub Robins, which were a great surprise, especially after our failed attempts at Varirata! Other birds of note during the morning included Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, an ultra-distinctive Long-tailed Honey Buzzard, a singing Pale-billed Scrubwren and an unexpected pair of Black-headed Whistlers. We also managed some decent views of the shy Piping Bellbird. After lunch, we made the rather long and wet drive to Kiunga. We did make a detour to look for the rare New Guinea Flightless Rail, but sadly luck was not on our side!

After a comfortable night, we made our way down to the dock in Kiunga at first light. With lots of rain around, and the knowledge that we were heading outside our comfort zone, we boarded our boat and headed upriver with some trepidation, though fortunately the rain stayed away and our journey up the Fly and then Elevala Rivers was dry. At this time of day, the riverside trees were adorned in a great variety of birds. On setting off, we soon noted huge Channel-billed Cuckoos and flocks of Collared Imperial Pigeons, whilst flocks of Metallic Starlings skimmed across the water. The variety of doves was impressive and included Wompoo, Orange-fronted and Orange-bellied Fruit Doves, whilst a number of Palm Cockatoos impressed and careful scrutiny of smaller parrots in the huge trees revealed Red-flanked Lorikeets, and Large and Double-eyed Fig Parrots. A Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise was noted, a fine Grey-headed Goshawk crossed over us calling, and frequent Glossy-mantled and a few Trumpet Manucodes were seen displaying. Other species noted included a few Streak-headed Honeyeaters, some superb Golden Mynas and, after some effort, Boyer’s and unusual-looking Golden Cuckooshrikes. Before we arrived at our camp, we made a short detour, and after a slide along a very muddy river bank, we enjoyed a magical hour with a stunning male King Bird-of-Paradise.

We arrived at our camp in time for lunch and settled in as best we could! In the afternoon we made our first excursion further upriver. We initially targeted the scarce and localized Little Paradise Kingfisher in an area of rather wet, seasonally-flooded forest, and after a fair bit of hunting around, attained some great looks. We also saw the similar Common Paradise Kingfisher in the same area, though both species were shy! Back on the boat, we saw our first incredible Sclater’s Crowned Pigeon (one on a nest – a species that we were to go on to see even better), found a flock of skittish White-bellied Pitohuis, and managed to get some good looks at the scarce Yellow-eyed Starling. That evening, our planned excursion was thwarted by heavy rain, though we did go out close to our camp, though sadly only heard a Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar.

We were out early the following morning, once again heading a little further upriver. Fairly soon after setting off on foot, we had an amazing Starry Owlet-nightjar fixed in the spotlight, and life seemed good! A young Black-billed Brush Turkey and a roosing Large-billed Gerygone were also found, and further down the trail we found a stunning pair of roosting (Papuan) Hooded Pittas. Sadly, our encounter with Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar was once again limited to an aural experience! The leeches were fun too!

We returned to the lodge for breakfast, and then made our way back downriver a substantial distance to a small settlement that has become famous, in birding circles, as the place to see the magnificent Flame Bowerbird. Walking to the hide, we saw a fine pair of Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeons, and at the hide, after a tense wait, we enjoyed an incredible experience with a truly magnificent male Flame Bowerbird. And boy, what a bird it was, tending its bower for a long time, literally glowing out from the dark undergrowth! An act that would be tough to follow!

Back at the lodge, we enjoyed lunch and a break, and were interrupted by an excellent singing Long-billed Cuckoo at the camp. In the afternoon we again travelled upriver, for a rather tough birding experience. Little obliged, though we did manage good views of the stunning Papuan Pitta and saw our only Dwarf Koel of the trip. After dark found a fine Marbled Frogmouth and, on our way back, another Papuan Frogmouth.

The following morning we visited areas closer to our camp. Just at first light a Papuan Nightjar drifted over, and we then made our way to a Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise display area, where, we managed some good scope views, though not a great deal of activity in the rather dull weather. Nearby, a Red-necked Crake called and was glimpsed, and a pair of Emperor Fairywrens were much appreciated. Continuing on, we finally laid eyes on the skittish but superb Blue Jewel Babbler, and saw some other goodies including the sneaky Ivory-billed Coucal, the scarce Obscure Honeyeater (seen well in the scope), Fairy Gerygone, Yellow-bellied Longbill, the subtle Arafura Shrikethrush, smart Rufous-backed Fantails, and, perhaps best of all, an excellent and showy pair of Black-sided Robins.

After a final lunch at the camp, we began the boat transit back to Kiunga, but took our time to find a few birds from the boat as we went. This was pretty successful as we found first a showy White-bellied Thicket Fantail (finally!), a Scrub Honeyeater and a brief male Hooded Monarch. We also spent some time with a very shy mixed flock, managing decent views of a group of Papuan Babblers, as well as the localized endemic White-bellied Pitohui and our only Southern Variable Pitohuis of the trip. Back in Kiunga, we attempted to find some grassland species around the airfield, but our chances were somewhat thwarted by the fence that had recently been constructed around the airfield! We did however manage to see numerous Australian Pratincoles, a Black-billed Coucal and one of several White-faced Herons surprisingly seen this year.

The following morning we made an excursion out of Kiunga, finally managing to spotlight the elusive Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar! We also spent some time watching the now much-diminished Greater Bird-of-Paradise display (though still a great experience), and found our only Sooty Thicket Fantail of the tour. We also spent some time watching another King Bird-of-Paradise at its display tree. A species that it is hard to get too much of. We were also fortunate to find a pair of Lowland Peltops at their nest, a species that probably has not adapted well to the huge increase in slingshot ownership! The rest of the day was spent hanging around at Kiunga Airport for our slightly delayed (and therefore on time!!) flight to Mount Hagen, from where we transferred to Kumul Lodge, arriving after dark.

The following morning we were out early and birding a track at lower altitude. Our main target here was the stupendous Blue Bird-of-Paradise, and although we had to wait a while, we were eventually treated to great scope views of this incredible bird. Whilst waiting, we found an excellent Mountain Kingfisher, several Yellow-browed Melidectes, an obliging Slaty-headed Longbill, numerous Papuan White-eyes, and a small group of Hooded Mannikins. A little lower down we found a small mixed flock mobbing something, and these mobbing birds included Buff-faced Scrubwren, Black and Dimorphic Fantails, Black Monarchs and a brief Streaked Berrypecker. Heading back to the lodge we stopped to watch a huge Gurney’s Eagle being mobbed by a Peregrine, but this excellent sighting was upstaged by an incredible and showy New Guinea Quoll, as we were heading back to the lodge. A really seldom-seen mammal!

Back at Kumul Lodge, we spent the afternoon around the feeders and along the trails. Here, we stood in awe as incredible Ribbon-tailed Astrapias and Brown Sicklebills mesmerised us, alongside Brehm’s Tiger Parrots, Belford’s Melidectes and Common Smoky Honeyeaters. On the lawn, Island Thrushes and Rufous-naped Bellbirds hopped around, whilst White-winged Robins flitted from trunk to trunk. Around the lodge itself, we were thrilled to find the brilliant Blue-capped Ifrit, a female Crested Satinbird and gorgeous Eastern Crested Berrypeckers, whilst in the undergrowth we looked hard at the Papuan and Large Scrubwrens. Just before dusk, we got some great views of the much-wanted Lesser Melampitta, and as darkness fell, we spotlit an excellent Archbold’s Nightjar. And we didn’t finish there… after an excellent dinner, we were back out, and enjoyed fantastic views of both Feline and Mountain Owlet-nightjars. What a great result!

The following morning we headed lower again, this time to the Lai River. Here, we found the hoped-for Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, getting some good scope views, though they seemed a little shy in the casuarinas. Also here were colourful Ornate Melidectes and numerous Black-headed Whistlers, whilst a stop at a nearby hospital yielded Singing Starlings and some showy Great Woodswallows. Nearby, we scoped the localized Yellow-breasted Bowerbird and Papuan Grassbird, though it took a considerable effort to find the hoped-for Sepik-Ramu Shrikethrush, which eventually showed well to all. Back at Kumul Lodge, we were pleased to see the marsupial Speckled Dasure, and had some good looks at Mountain Mouse-warbler, but in the rather wet and rainy weather, most of us rested or watched the feeders.

Our final full day from Kumul Lodge saw us out at a nearby pass. Here, we once again had a big target in mind, and again it took a fair effort, but we did eventually get everyone to enjoy good views of the unique Mottled Berryhunter. Also here was a fantastic male Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia, stunning male King Of Saxony Birds-of-Paradise, the localized Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo and several Rufous-backed Honeyeaters. In the undergrowth we found a brilliant Black-capped Robin, saw more showy Lesser Melampittas, and found our first Blue-faced Parrotfinches of the tour. We also saw our first Archbold’s Bowerbird of the tour, though it was brief. Fortunately we saw a pair that evening at Kumul Lodge, and these showed much better, and we also finally found our first Canary Flyrobin there.

A final early morning at Kumul Lodge failed to yield anything new. We then made our way down to a rather foggy Mount Hagen, ready for our flight to Tari. Unfortunately the fog delayed the flight considerably, but we did eventually get away, and after a thrilling charter flight over the mountains and over the infamous Tari Gap, we transferred from Tari up to the comfortable Ambua Lodge, where we had a much appreciated lunch. In the afternoon we explored areas close to the lodge, where it was sad to see recent habitat destruction. We persevered and found a few goodies including our first Island Leaf Warblers and a male Sclater’s Whistler, and were delighted to see some noisy Papuan King Parrots. Nearby, some roadside fruiting trees held White-bibbed Fruit Dove and a much-appreciated pair of Macgregor’s Bowerbirds.

The following morning we began low down below the lodge, spending much time scoping the distant hillsides. Here we managed to pick out Short-tailed Paradigalla and Greater Lophorina with the scope, as well as Black Butcherbirds, and, nearby, a Mid-mountain Berrypecker, but it was generally slow going.

The rest of the day, and the whole of the next day, we spent our time at various sites above the lodge, up to and beyond the Tari Gap. Here, in the grasslands, we found a small covey of Brown Quails as well as a smart Papuan Harrier which showed very well on a couple of occasions. Along the limited trails through the forest we found the much-wanted Papuan Treecreeper, a couple of smart female Papuan Logrunners, some showy Lesser Ground Robins, and, after much effort, the all important and unique Wattled Ploughbill. Along the road, we found a smart Meyer’s Goshawk, a singing Garnet Robin, more Eastern Crested Berrypeckers, Hooded Cuckooshrikes, Brown-backed Whistlers, more brilliant King Of Saxony Birds-of-Paradise, an excellent Mountain Firetail, and a most unexpected Alpine Pipit. Equally unexpected was a Feather-tailed Possum in broad daylight! In the evenings we had a little look around the lodge, and here we found another fine Papuan Boobook, as well as a few smart mammals, namely Ground, Silky and Mountain Cuscuses.

We only had a very short period to find any new birds on our last morning, but did manage a fine male Spotted Berrypecker. We then made our way back down to Tari for our early charter flight back to Mount Hagen, and surprise surprise, we were once again thwarted by the fog, not just at Tari, but at Mount Hagen. Eventually we got airborne for another terrifically scenic flight. As we approached Mount Hagen we were confronted by a sea of low cloud. Fortunately this was no match for our skilled Kiwi pilot, and very soon we were diving through a hole in the cloud and touching down. We were met at the airport and taken up to Rondon Ridge, where we spent a pleasant couple of hours on well made trails through the forest. Birding was fairly quiet but we did see more smart Greater Lophorinas and Princess Stephanie’s Astrapias, found our only Black Pitohui, and a couple of excellent bonus birds in the shape of the localized Yellowish-streaked Honeyeater, and the rare and poorly-known Papuan Parrotfinch.

We made our way back to Mount Hagen airport expecting a quick bag drop and a flight back to Port Moresby. Arriving at the airport we were confronted by mayhem! A final challenge, fortunately I had checked us in the previous evening. I managed to get to the front, and thankfully our boarding passes were the trump card, and although a little late, we made it back to Port Moresby, that evening, and therefore on time!

Our adventure around the mainland of Papua New Guinea had come to an end. We’d made it around without too much disruption and without too much bad weather. We’d worked hard, and we’d reaped the rewards. As some of the group headed home, the rest of us were up in the morning and flying off to Hoskins on the island of New Britain. Once again we were blessed with great luck, our flight took off, and arrived on New Britain a little late, but on the correct day!

We were met at the airport by our brilliantly well-organised hosts, and headed to our lovely base. Our first endemic, the blue-eyed Bismarck Crow, was seen along the way, and we arrived in time for lunch.We spent most of our time on the island exploring remnant forest patches not far from our hotel.

Heading for the forest on our first afternoon, we were amazed by the number of Stephan’s Emerald Doves found along the tracks through the plantations. We worked hard over several sessions and came up with a great haul of endemics. Perhaps pride of place went to the stunning Golden Masked Owl which was seen near to our hotel, but other much appreciated species included the superb New Britain Boobook, and, on our final evening, a trio of rare Pink-legged Rails! The other delights of the forest were many and varied and included the stunning Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher, smart White-mantled Kingfishers and the lovely New Britain Dwarf Kingfisher, impressive Melanesian Megapodes at their breeding grounds, and a great variety of Columbids including fabulous Nicobar Pigeons, Knob-billed Fruit Dove, and Red-knobbed, Finsch’s and Yellowish Imperial Pigeons. Hulking White-necked and Violaceous Coucals were seen superbly, parrots included pleasingly common Blue-eyed Cockatoos and Purple-bellied Lory, as well as Song Parrot, and other canopy goodies included New Britain Friarbird, Long-tailed Myna and Red-banded Flowerpecker. Flowering trees held Ashy and Black-bellied Myzomelas, whilst forest flocks held smart Black-tailed Monarchs, initially confusing Velvet Flycatchers, and the smart local race of Northern Fantail. We also spent a lot of time looking for the very elusive Bismarck Pitta, eventually securing some good views. In more open areas we found White-rumped Swiftlet, tiny King Quails, Black Bittern, a surprise Forest Kingfisher, Australian Reed Warbler, the local race of Papuan Grassbird and smart Buff-bellied Mannikins.

On one of our mornings we made a boat excursion out into Kimbe Bay. We began looking around some islands where we found Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-Dove, more brilliant Nicobar Pigeons, Island Imperial Pigeons, noisy Melanesian Kingfishers, colourful Sclater’s Myzomelas, delightful Mangrove Golden Whistlers, and, eventually, an Island Monarch. We also went a little further out to sea, but seabirds were very thin on the ground. We did see Black Noddy, Black-naped and Bridled Terns, Lesser Frigatebird, and Brown Booby, but the star of the show was a 2nd calendar year tern which approached the boat and proved to be a fine example of an Aleutian Tern in a seldom seen plumage! A first for New Britain, Papua New Guinea and indeed Melanesia, and a bit of excitement on an otherwise quiet trip.

Our journey back to Port Moresby was another smooth one, boy we were lucky with those flights. It had been an excellent adventure, and for those that took it, the extension to New Britain rounded things of nicely. So many great birds… it would just be nice if they’d give themselves up a bit more easily, but I guess that’s half the fun!!??

BIRD OF THE TOUR

1st Starry Owlet-Nightjar
2nd Flame Bowerbird
3rd= King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise
3rd= Raggiana Bird-of-paradise
5th Blue Bird-of-Paradise
6th Forest Bittern
7th Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise
8th Blue-capped Ifrit
9th Sclater’s Crowned Pigeon
10th Wattled Ploughbill

TOP BIRDS FROM NEW BRITAIN

1st Golden Masked Owl
2nd Aleutian Tern
3rd New Britain Boobook

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).
The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2023. IOC World Bird List (v13.2) (this was the current version when the checklist for the tour report was created).
Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.
Species only seen in New Britain are given the symbol (NB).

BIRDS

 Spotted Whistling Duck ◊  Dendrocygna guttata  Great views of one at PAU with four Plumed Whistling Ducks.

Plumed Whistling Duck ◊  Dendrocygna eytoni  Four at PAU.

Wandering Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna arcuata  c50 seen at PAU [australis].

Radjah Shelduck ◊ (White-headed S)  Radjah radjah  Just one seen at PAU [nominate].

Salvadori’s Teal ◊  Salvadorina waigiuensis  Excellent scope views of a pair along the Ok Menga Road at Tabubil.

Pacific Black Duck  Anas superciliosa  Good numbers seen at PAU [pelewensis].

Grey Teal  Anas gracilis gracilis  Two seen at PAU [nominate].

Black-billed Brushturkey ◊  Talegalla fuscirostris  Great views of one walking sedately through the undergrowth at Varirata National Park. Yellow legs clearly seen well. Also a youngster spotlit along the Elevala River.

Melanesian Megapode ◊  Megapodius eremita  (NB) Great views of a few perched up and a few on the ground, and many more flushed at Garu Forest, New Britain.

Brown Quail  Synoicus ypsilophorus  A few seen well in the grasslands at the Tari Gap [mafulu].

King Quail  Synoicus chinensis  (NB) A male and then a female flushed from the grassland near to Walindi on New Britain [lepidus].

Papuan Nightjar ◊  Eurostopodus papuensis  One seen over the river at Kwatu Lodge.

Archbold’s Nightjar ◊  Eurostopodus archboldi  Great spotlight views of a singing bird at Kumul Lodge.

Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus  Seen around Kiunga [schlegelii].

Marbled Frogmouth ◊  Podargus ocellatus ocellatus  Great views at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Papuan Frogmouth ◊  Podargus papuensis  Great views of a roosting pair at PAU. Also seen near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Feline Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles insignis  Excellent spotlight views of a pair at Kumul Lodge.

Starry Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles tatei  Brilliant spotlight views of a stunning individual at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga. Bird of the trip!

Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles wallacii  After hearing them a couple of times on the trip upriver from Kiunga, great views of one north of Kiunga.

Mountain Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles albertisi  Brilliant views on a few occasions around Kumul Lodge. Cracker!

Barred Owlet-nightjar ◊  Aegotheles bennettii  Good scope views of one at Varirata National Park. A real fluke as it flew by unexpectedly and perched! [nominate].

Moustached Treeswift  Hemiprocne mystacea  Several seen, the first near to Tabubil [nominate]. Also seen well on New Britain [aeroplanes].

Glossy Swiftlet  Collocalia esculenta  Common, first seen at Varirata National Park [nitens].

Mountain Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus hirundinaceus  Common in the highlands. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [nominate].

White-rumped Swiftlet ◊  Aerodramus spodiopygius  (NB) Several seen very well on New Britain, the first along the Kulu River [noonaedanae].

Uniform Swiftlet  Aerodramus vanikorensis  First seen at Varirata National Park [yorki]. Also seen on New Britain [pallens].

Papuan Spinetail (P Spine-tailed S)  Mearnsia novaeguineae  Best views were from the boat along the Elevala River [nominate].

White-necked Coucal ◊  Centropus ateralbus  (NB) A few seen very well on New Britain, the first along the Kulu River.

Ivory-billed Coucal ◊ (Greater Black C)  Centropus menbeki  A few seen near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga, including good views of one [nominate].

Violaceous Coucal ◊  Centropus violaceus  (NB) A few seen very well on New Britain, the first along the Kulu River.

Black-billed Coucal ◊  Centropus bernsteini  One seen at Kiunga Airfield.

Pheasant Coucal  Centropus phasianinus  Only seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nigricans].

Dwarf Koel ◊  Microdynamis parva  One seen at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Pacific Koel  Eudynamys orientalis  A few seen and heard, the first on the boat trip to Kwatu Lodge on the trip upriver from Kiunga [rufiventer].

Channel-billed Cuckoo  Scythrops novaehollandiae  A few seen, the first on the boat trip to Kwatu Lodge on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate]. Also one seen on New Britain [schoddei].

Long-billed Cuckoo ◊  Chrysococcyx megarhynchus  Excellent views of one at the camp at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo ◊  Chrysococcyx ruficollis  A few heard and a couple seen well at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge.

White-eared Bronze Cuckoo ◊  Chrysococcyx meyerii  A couple seen well along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil.

Little Bronze Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx minutillus  One seen at PAU and another at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [barnardi].

White-crowned Cuckoo  Cacomantis leucolophus  Heard only.

Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo ◊  Cacomantis castaneiventris  Great scope views of one along Henry’s Road at Tabubil.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo  Cacomantis flabelliformis  Several seen well, the first at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [excitus].

Brush Cuckoo  Cacomantis variolosus  Several seen on the mainland [oreophilus] and on New Britain [macrocercus].

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon)  Columba livia ‘feral’ 

Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia amboinensis  First seen at Varirata National Park [cinereiceps]. Also seen on New Britain [carteretia].

Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove ◊ (Black-billed C-D)  Macropygia nigrirostris  Many seen in flight in the highlands with best perched views at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge.

Mackinlay’s Cuckoo-Dove ◊  Macropygia mackinlayi  (NB) A couple seen well on Malu Malu Island in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [arossi].

Great Cuckoo-Dove ◊ (Long-tailed C-D)  Reinwardtoena reinwardti  One seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park. A couple of others in flight [griseotincta].

Stephan’s Emerald Dove  Chalcophaps stephani  (NB) Remarkably common on New Britain where dozens seen, many well [nominate].

Peaceful Dove  Geopelia placida  A few seen at PAU [nominate].

Nicobar Pigeon ◊  Caloenas nicobarica  (NB) Great views of many on New Britain. First at the Kulu River but commonest on Malu Malu Island in Kimbe Bay.

Bronze Ground Dove ◊ (Eastern B G D)  Pampusana [beccarii] johannae  (NB) Heard only at Garu Forest on New Britain.

Pheasant Pigeon ◊ (Grey-naped P P)  Otidiphaps [nobilis] cervicalis  One jumped on to the trail, ran along bobbing its tail and then flew at Varirata National Park.

Sclater’s Crowned Pigeon ◊  Goura sclaterii  Brilliant views of 3 near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga, including one on a nest and one at night spotlit!

Wompoo Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus magnificus  First heard at Varirata National Park. A few seen around Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [poliurus].

Pink-spotted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus perlatus  A few seen nicely along the entrance road at Varirata National Park. Also a few elsewhere [zonurus].

Orange-fronted Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus aurantiifrons  One seen well on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge.

Superb Fruit Dove (Eastern S F D)  Ptilinopus [superbus] superbus  Several seen well, the first along Henry’s Road at Tabubil.

Beautiful Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus pulchellus  A couple in the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. A few others seen.

White-bibbed Fruit Dove ◊ (Mountain F D)  Ptilinopus rivoli  Great views of several around Ambua Lodge [bellus].

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus iozonus  A few seen on the trip upriver from Kiunga [finschi].

Knob-billed Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus insolitus  (NB) Quite scarce on New Britain. One scoped at Garu Forest, c20 flying over in a flock, and another scoped well that day. A few others heard [nominate].

Dwarf Fruit Dove ◊  Ptilinopus nainus  One seen well in the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. Others more briefly.

Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula rubricera  (NB) Common at all mainland sites on New Britain [nominate].

Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula rufigaster  Great views of a pair at Gusiore Village, between Kwatu Lodge and Kiunga [nominate].

Finsch’s Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula finschii  (NB) Excellent views of a few on New Britain.

Island Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula pistrinaria  (NB) Very common on the boat trip in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [vanwyckii].

Pinon’s Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula pinon  A couple seen on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [nominate].

Collared Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula mullerii  Plenty seen on the journeys to and from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge.

Zoe’s Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula zoeae  First seen at Varirata National Park. A few more in the lowlands.

Torresian Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula spilorrhoa  Several around Port Moresby with best views at PAU.

Yellowish Imperial Pigeon ◊  Ducula subflavescens  (NB) Small numbers seen brilliantly on New Britain.

Papuan Mountain Pigeon ◊  Gymnophaps albertisii  Good numbers seen, often flying over in sizeable flocks. First seen around Tabubil [nominate].

Buff-banded Rail  Hypotaenidia philippensis  A couple seen near to Ambua Lodge [lacustris], and good views of one at the farm south of Walindi, New Britain [meyeri].

Pink-legged Rail ◊  Hypotaenidia insignis  (NB) Scope views of three on the banks of the Kulu River just before dusk. An excellent bonus!

Dusky Moorhen  Gallinula tenebrosa  Several seen at PAU [frontata].

Australasian Swamphen  Porphyrio melanotus  Several seen at PAU [melanopterus].

Spotless Crake  Zapornia tabuensis  Heard only, near to Kumul Lodge.

Red-necked Crake ◊ (R-n Rail)  Rallina tricolor  Two heard and one seen briefly near to Kwatu Lodge.

Masked Lapwing  Vanellus miles  A few, first seen at PAU [nominate].

Comb-crested Jacana  Irediparra gallinacea  Just one or two seen at PAU.

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus  (NB) Eight seen on the boat trip from Walindi [variegatus].

New Guinea Woodcock ◊  Scolopax rosenbergii  Heard only, by some, at Kumul Lodge.

Australian Pratincole  Stiltia isabella  Great views on the edge of Kiunga Airstrip.

Black Noddy  Anous minutus  (NB) Just a couple seen well on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [nominate].

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii  (NB) Plenty seen around Walindi, New Britain [cristatus].

Aleutian Tern  Onychoprion aleuticus  (NB) Brilliant views of a 2cy about 20km NE of Bulumuri on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain. Seemingly the first for New Britain, Melanesia and Papua New Guinea!

Bridled Tern  Onychoprion anaethetus  (NB) One seen on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [nominate].

Black-naped Tern  Sterna sumatrana  (NB) At least four seen on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [nominate].

Common Tern (Eastern C T)  Sterna [hirundo] longipennis  (NB) Good numbers of 2cy birds seen in Kimbe Bay

Lesser Frigatebird  Fregata ariel  20+ seen on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [nominate].

Brown Booby (Forster’s B)  Sula [leucogaster] plotus  (NB) A few seen on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain.

Little Pied Cormorant  Microcarbo melanoleucos  Several seen at PAU [nominate].

Little Black Cormorant  Phalacrocorax sulcirostris  Hundreds seen at PAU.

Australian White Ibis  Threskiornis molucca  Good numbers seen at PAU [nominate].

Royal Spoonbill  Platalea regia  One came in to roost at PAU.

Forest Bittern ◊ Zonerodius heliosylus  Brilliant views of one at Varirata National Park. Quite confiding, we ended up with walk away scope views! Stunner.

Black Bittern  Ixobrychus flavicollis  (NB) Several seen around the Kulu River on New Britain [australis].

Nankeen Night Heron  Nycticorax caledonicus  A few seen at PAU. Also plenty seen on New Britain [australasiae].

Striated Heron (Green-backed H)  Butorides striata  One seen near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [flyensis].

Eastern Cattle Egret  Bubulcus coromandus 

Great Egret (Eastern G E)  Ardea [alba] modesta 

Intermediate Egret (Plumed E)  Ardea [intermedia] plumifera  Some nice plumed birds at PAU.

Pied Heron ◊  Egretta picata  c15 seen well at PAU.

White-faced Heron  Egretta novaehollandiae  A few seen around Tabubil and particularly around Kiunga.

Little Egret (Black-footed L E)  Egretta [garzetta] nigripes 

Pacific Reef Heron  Egretta sacra  (NB) Several seen on the boat trip from Walindi in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [nominate].

Osprey (Eastern O)  Pandion [haliaetus] cristatus  (NB) One seen over Malu Malu Island in Kimbe Bay, New Britain.

Pacific Baza  Aviceda subcristata  A few seen, the first along the Ok Menga Road at Tabubil.

Long-tailed Honey Buzzard ◊  Henicopernis longicauda  Best views were of one along Henry’s Road at Tabubil.

Pygmy Eagle ◊  Hieraaetus weiskei  One seen well along the entrance road at Varirata National Park.

Gurney’s Eagle ◊  Aquila gurneyi  Good views of a circling bird, being mobbed by a Peregrine, near to Kumul Lodge.

Variable Goshawk  Accipiter hiogaster  Plenty seen well on the mainland [leucosomus] and on New Britain [dampieri].

Brown Goshawk  Accipiter fasciatus  Just one seen, above Ambua Lodge [polycryptus].

Black-mantled Goshawk ◊  Accipiter melanochlamys  A couple seen well near to the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil. Another seen well at Ambua Lodge.

Grey-headed Goshawk ◊  Accipiter poliocephalus  A displaying bird over the river on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge.

Collared Sparrowhawk  Accipiter cirrocephalus  Just one seen near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [papuanus].

Meyer’s Goshawk ◊  Accipiter meyerianus  Great views of a hunting adult seen twice just below the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge.

Papuan Harrier ◊  Circus spilothorax  The same bird seen very well twice in the grasslands at the Tari Gap.

Black Kite  Milvus migrans  Particularly common around Mount Hagen [affinis].

Whistling Kite  Haliastur sphenurus  First seen at PAU.

Brahminy Kite  Haliastur indus  Common, first seen on the journey to Varirata NP [girrenera].

White-bellied Sea Eagle  Icthyophaga leucogaster  A couple seen at PAU. Also seen in Kimbe Bay.

Golden Masked Owl ◊  Tyto aurantia  (NB) Brilliant views of a very alert and skittish roosting bird in a forest patch just south of the Walindi Plantation Resort. A real stunner. None seen at night though, despite a couple of attempts..

Papuan Hawk-Owl ◊  Uroglaux dimorpha  Heard only. One heard, but not too close, at Kwatu Lodge.

Barking Owl  Ninox connivens  Great views of a roosting pair in the main picnic area at Varirata National Park [assimilis].

Papuan Boobook ◊  Ninox theomacha  First seen, an awkward pair along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil. One then seen well along the main road south of Tabubil, and another seen well at Ambua Lodge [nominate].

New Britain Boobook ◊  Ninox odiosa  (NB) Brilliant views of one in daylight near Walindi. Another daytime bird seen well along the Kulu River.

Blyth’s Hornbill ◊ (Papuan H)  Rhyticeros plicatus  First seen briefly at Varirata National Park. Plenty more seen well, particularly on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Oriental Dollarbird  Eurystomus orientalis  First seen on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Hook-billed Kingfisher ◊  Melidora macrorrhina  Heard only. Several heard, and we got close, but sadly no luck.

Common Paradise Kingfisher  Tanysiptera galatea  A couple seen well near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [minor].

Little Paradise Kingfisher ◊ (Aru P K)  Tanysiptera hydrocharis  Great views of a pair near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Black-capped Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera nigriceps  (NB) Common by voice on New Britain, but a really tricky customer to see well. Some good scope views of a few, but generally very skittish. First seen along the Kulu River [nominate].

Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher ◊  Tanysiptera danae  Great views on both visits to Varirata National Park.

Shovel-billed Kookaburra ◊  Dacelo rex  Heard only, at close range, and seen in the thermal along Henry’s Road at Tabubil, but sadly no luck!

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra ◊  Dacelo gaudichaud  Great views on both visits to Varirata National Park. Plenty more in the Kiunga area.

Blue-winged Kookaburra  Dacelo leachii  First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [intermedia].

Forest Kingfisher  Todiramphus macleayii  First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [elisabeth]. One also seen well on New Britain where apparently quite rare [incinctus].

White-mantled Kingfisher ◊ (New Britain K)  Todiramphus albonotatus  (NB) Good scope views of a couple of groups at Garu Forest on New Britain. Smart birds, but stayed high in the canopy.

Melanesian Kingfisher ◊  Todiramphus tristrami  (NB) First seen on the boat trip in Kimbe Bay, and a couple near Walindi.

Sacred Kingfisher  Todiramphus sanctus  One seen on the drive in to Varirata National Park. Plenty more seen [nominate].

Yellow-billed Kingfisher  Syma torotoro  A few seen well at Varirata National Park. A few others heard [nominate].

Mountain Kingfisher ◊  Syma megarhyncha  Excellent scope views of one along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Common Kingfisher  Alcedo atthis  (NB) A few seen along the Kulu River on New Britain, where the Cobalt-eared form hispidoides is found.

Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx solitarius  Great views of a pair at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. Others heard.

New Britain Dwarf Kingfisher ◊  Ceyx sacerdotis  (NB) Brilliant views of one at Garu Forest on New Britain. Many others heard, and a couple of others seen.

Azure Kingfisher  Ceyx azureus  A pair seen briefly along the river at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park [lessonii].

Rainbow Bee-eater  Merops ornatus  First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park. A few others seen.

Oriental Hobby  Falco severus  One scoped perched up along the Ok Menga Road at Tabubil. Also one seen very briefly at Garu Forest on New Britain.

Brown Falcon  Falco berigora  Non leader. One for some along the road above Ambua Lodge.

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus  One seen mobbing a Gurney’s Eagle near to Kumul Lodge [ernesti].

Palm Cockatoo ◊  Probosciger aterrimus  First seen along the Ok Menga Road at Tabubil. Plenty on the journeys upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [goliath].

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo  Cacatua galerita  First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [triton].

Blue-eyed Cockatoo ◊  Cacatua ophthalmica (NB)  Great views of quite a few on New Britain, the first along the Kulu River.

Pesquet’s Parrot ◊  Psittrichas fulgidus  Heard only, at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot ◊  Micropsitta bruijnii  Great views of a few at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [nominate].

Papuan King Parrot ◊  Alisterus chloropterus  Excellent views of two or three perched and a few more flying, just along the road by Ambua Lodge. Others heard [callopterus].

Papuan Eclectus ◊  Eclectus polychloros  Two forms. On the mainland, first seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nominate], solomonensis was common on New Britain. Note that Eclectus Parrot has been split into multiple species.

Red-cheeked Parrot  Geoffroyus geoffroyi  Fairly common. First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [aruensis].

Song Parrot ◊  Geoffroyus heteroclitus (NB)  Great views of a male and female, and others in flight, along the Vegae Ridge near Walindi, New Britain [nominate].

Brehm’s Tiger Parrot ◊  Psittacella brehmii  Many seen well, with best views around the feeders at Kumul Lodge [pallida].

Plum-faced Lorikeet ◊  Oreopsittacus arfaki  Seen in flight on several occasions and perched briefly at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge [grandis].

Red-flanked Lorikeet ◊  Hypocharmosyna placentis  Plenty seen in flight with some good perched views around Kiunga {nominate]. Also common on New Britain [pallidior].

Stella’s Lorikeet ◊  Charmosyna stellae  First seen very well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil. Many others seen in flight including dark morph birds.

Yellow-billed Lorikeet ◊  Neopsittacus musschenbroekii  First seen well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Purple-bellied Lory ◊  Lorius hypoinochrous (NB)  Reasonably common on New Britain with several seen well [devittatus].

Black-capped Lory ◊  Lorius lory  Fairly common with several good views [erythrothorax].

Yellow-streaked Lory ◊  Chalcopsitta scintillata  Excellent scope views of one along the entrance road at Varirata National Park. Others flying in the Kiunga area [chloroptera].

Goldie’s Lorikeet ◊  Glossoptilus goldiei  Several seen, with good perched views at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge and above Ambua Lodge.

Coconut Lorikeet ◊  Trichoglossus haematodus  Common, first seen at Varirata National Park [micropteryx]. Also common on New Britain [massena].

Large Fig Parrot ◊  Psittaculirostris desmarestii  Several seen on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge, with decent views of a few [cervicalis].

Dusky-cheeked Fig Parrot ◊  Cyclopsitta melanogenia  Several seen well, with the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [suavissima].

Double-eyed Fig Parrot ◊  Cyclopsitta diophthalma  Several seen well, especially in the Kiunga area [nominate].

Papuan Pitta ◊  Erythropitta mackloti  Good views of one called in at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga  [nominate].

Bismarck Pitta ◊  Erythropitta novaehibernicae (NB)  After much effort, several good looks at a very elusive individual on New Britain. Generally extremely hard to see [gazellae].

Hooded Pitta ◊ (Papuan H P)  Pitta [sordida] novaeguineae  Many heard and great views of two roosting at Watame Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Archbold’s Bowerbird ◊  Archboldia papuensis  A male seen in flight at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge, and a pair seen well in the car park at Kumul Lodge [sanfordi].

MacGregor’s Bowerbird ◊  Amblyornis macgregoriae  Ecellent views of a pair in a fruiting tree along the road just near to Ambua Lodge [nominate].

Flame Bowerbird ◊  Sericulus ardens  Brilliant views of a stunning male attending his bower near to Gusiore Village, between Kwatu Lodge and Kiunga.

Yellow-breasted Bowerbird ◊  Chlamydera lauterbachi  Great views of several near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [uniformis].

Fawn-breasted Bowerbird ◊  Chlamydera cerviniventris  Several seen well, the first around Port Moresby and common at PAU.

Papuan Treecreeper ◊  Cormobates placens  An elusive bird seen well at the start of the trail beyond the Tari Gap [meridionalis].

Wallace’s Fairywren ◊  Sipodotus wallacii  Brilliant views of a pair along Henry’s Road at Tabubil.

Emperor Fairywren ◊  Malurus cyanocephalus  A pair seen well near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [bonapartii].

White-shouldered Fairywren ◊  Malurus alboscapulatus  Several seen, the first on the drive down from the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [lorentzi].

Green-backed Honeyeater ◊  Glycichaera fallax  Seen well in the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. A couple of others later in the trip [nominate].

Yellowish-streaked Honeyeater ◊  Ptiloprora meekiana  Good views, after much searching for a calling bird, of one in the canopy above us at Rondon Ridge [nominate].

Rufous-backed Honeyeater ◊  Ptiloprora guisei  A few seen with best views at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge.

Grey-streaked Honeyeater ◊  Ptiloprora perstriata  Common in the highlands. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Rufous-banded Honeyeater ◊  Conopophila albogularis  One seen well in Port Moresby.

Long-billed Honeyeater ◊  Melilestes megarhynchus  A few seen with the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [nominate].

Common Smoky Honeyeater ◊  Melipotes fumigatus  Common in the highlands. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Plain Honeyeater ◊  Pycnopygius ixoides  A pair scoped in the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. A few others seen [finschi].

Streak-headed Honeyeater ◊  Pycnopygius stictocephalus  A few seen, the first on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge.

Ashy Myzomela ◊  Myzomela cineracea (NB)  Quite a few seen well on New Britain, the first at Garu Forest.

Ruby-throated Myzomela  Myzomela eques  Great views of a couple, including a distinctive male with a bright red throat stripe, in flowering mistletoe along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nymani].

Papuan Black Myzomela ◊  Myzomela nigrita  A couple of males seen well in flowering mistletoe along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nominate].

Mountain Myzomela ◊  Myzomela adolphinae  Just one or two, with best views along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge.

Sclater’s Myzomela  Myzomela sclateri (NB)  Common on Restorff and Malu Malu Islands in Kimbe Bay, New Britain. A few smart males seen well.

Black-bellied Myzomela ◊  Myzomela erythromelas (NB)  First seen in a huge flowering tree (male and 2 females) at Garu Forest. Seen again there, and better views of males along the Vegae Ridge there.

Red-collared Myzomela ◊  Myzomela rosenbergii  Common in montane areas. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

New Guinea Friarbird ◊  Philemon novaeguineae  Plenty. First seen at Varirata National Park [nominate].

New Britain Friarbird ◊  Philemon cockerelli (NB)  A few seen well on New Britain. First seen at Garu Forest on New Britain [nominate].

Spotted Honeyeater ◊  Xanthotis polygrammus  One seen coming to the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park [lophotis].

Tawny-breasted Honeyeater ◊  Xanthotis flaviventer  First seen well at the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park [saturatior].

Silver-eared Honeyeater ◊  Lichmera alboauricularis  Great views of a pair at a stake out right in Port Moresby. Quite smart and distinctive [nominate]. 

White-throated Honeyeater ◊  Melithreptus albogularis  Several seen well along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nominate].

Mountain Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis orientalis  Common with many first seen well along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [facialis].

Scrub Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis albonotatus  One seen well near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Mimic Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis analogus  A few seen well in Varirata National Park.

Elegant Honeyeater ◊  Microptilotis cinereifrons  Several seen well, and heard, in Varirata National Park.

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater ◊  Ptilotula flavescens  Seen well in the grounds of the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby [flavescens].

Black-throated Honeyeater ◊  Caligavis subfrenata  Fairly common by voice in the highlands. First seen well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Obscure Honeyeater ◊  Caligavis obscura  Excellent scope views of one near to Kwatu Lodge. Also heard near to Kiunga.

Yellow-browed Melidectes ◊  Melidectes rufocrissalis  First seen along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge, but best views around Ambua Lodge [thomasi].

Belford’s Melidectes ◊  Melidectes belfordi  Common in the highlands and very aggressive around the feeders at Kumul Lodge

Ornate Melidectes ◊  Melidectes torquatus  Only really seen well around Kama Village near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [emilii].

Rusty Mouse-warbler ◊  Origma murina  Heard and glimpsed in Varirata National Park. One or two seen around Tabubil, though never for long [nominate]!

Mountain Mouse-warbler ◊  Origma robusta  Some great looks, especially at Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Pale-billed Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias spilodera  A couple in a mixed flock along the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. Also seen well along Henry’s Road at Tabubil [guttatus].

Buff-faced Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias perspicillatus  First seen well along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge. Many more around Ambua Lodge etc.

Papuan Scrubwren ◊  Aethomyias papuensis  First seen well at Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Large Scrubwren ◊  Sericornis nouhuysi  First seen well at Kumul Lodge [stresemanni].

Brown-breasted Gerygone ◊  Gerygone ruficollis  Many heard at various sites, and seen well near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge.

Large-billed Gerygone  Gerygone magnirostris  A few seen in the spotlight especially near Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [brunneipectus].

Yellow-bellied Gerygone ◊  Gerygone chrysogaster  First seen at Varirata National Park. A few seen in the spotlight especially near Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Green-backed Gerygone ◊  Gerygone chloronota  First seen at Varirata National Park. Commonly heard and a few seen elsewhere [nominate].

Fairy Gerygone  Gerygone palpebrosa  Only seen at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Papuan Babbler ◊  Garritornis isidorei  Great views of a group on the journey back from Kwatu Lodge.

Papuan Logrunner ◊  Orthonyx novaeguineae  Great views of two different females above Ambua Lodge [victorianus].

Loria’s Satinbird ◊  Cnemophilus loriae  At least three, including a male, seen well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Crested Satinbird ◊  Cnemophilus macgregorii  A female seen well at Kumul Lodge [sanguineus].

Mid-mountain Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis longicauda  One or two seen well at Ambua Lodge [orientalis].

Black Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis nigra  Several seen well at Varirata National Park. A few elsewhere [unicolor].

Fan-tailed Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis versteri  A few in the highlands. First at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil, but best views at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge [maculiceps].

Streaked Berrypecker ◊  Melanocharis striativentris  One or two seen briefly along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Thick-billed Berrypecker ◊  Rhamphocharis crassirostris  A few, including males and distinctive females, seen well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [interposita].

Spotted Berrypecker ◊  Rhamphocharis piperata  A male seen well visiting a fruiting tree in the garden at Ambua Lodge. Long bill!

Yellow-bellied Longbill ◊  Toxorhamphus novaeguineae  A few seen well in the Kiunga area, the first at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [flaviventris].

Slaty-headed Longbill ◊  Toxorhamphus poliopterus  Brilliant views of one along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge.

Tit Berrypecker ◊  Oreocharis arfaki  Great views at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Eastern Crested Berrypecker ◊  Paramythia montium  This smart bird was seen well at Kumul Lodge and again at the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge.

Blue Jewel-babbler ◊  Ptilorrhoa caerulescens  Tricky around Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga. Several flight views, but a male also seen singing from the ground by some [nigricrissus].

Chestnut-backed Jewel-babbler ◊  Ptilorrhoa castanonota  Plenty of frustrating time with these at Varirata National Park, but eventually some good views [pulchra].

Painted Quail-thrush ◊  Cinclosoma ajax  Plenty of frustrating time with these at Varirata National Park, with just brief views [goldiei].

Yellow-breasted Boatbill ◊  Machaerirhynchus flaviventer  A few seen well, the first along Henry’s Road at Tabubil [xanthogenys].

Black-breasted Boatbill ◊  Machaerirhynchus nigripectus  Several seen well, the first at Kumul Lodge. Even seen on roadside wires at Ambua Lodge [saturatus]!

White-breasted Woodswallow  Artamus leucorynchus  Plenty seen in Port Moresby [leucopygialis].

Great Woodswallow ◊  Artamus maximus  Many seen well in the highlands. Great songs from the birds in the garden at Ambua Lodge.

Lowland Peltops ◊  Peltops blainvillii  A pair seen well, one on the nest, near to Kiunga.

Mountain Peltops ◊  Peltops montanus  Plenty seen well in the highlands, the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil.

Black Butcherbird   Melloria quoyi  Two forms seen, alecto in the Tabubil area, nominate below Ambua Lodge.

Black-backed Butcherbird ◊ Cracticus mentalis  A couple seen well at PAU [nominate].

Hooded Butcherbird ◊  Cracticus cassicus  Very vocal, first seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nominate].

Mottled Berryhunter ◊  Rhagologus leucostigma  Good looks at a few at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge. The form concerned, obscurusis surprisingly dull and uniform. Also heard above Ambua Lodge.

Stout-billed Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina caeruleogrisea  A few seen well, the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil.

Hooded Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina longicauda  Good looks on a couple of occasions above Ambua Lodge.

Black-faced Cuckooshrike  Coracina novaehollandiae  Plenty seen, the first along the entrance road at Varirata National Park.

Boyer’s Cuckooshrike ◊  Coracina boyeri  Only a couple seen on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [subalaris].

White-bellied Cuckooshrike  Coracina papuensis  Just a few, first seen on the way to Varirata National Park [nominate].

Golden Cuckooshrike ◊  Campochaera sloetii  Best looks were on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [flaviceps].

Black-bellied Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma montanum  A smart bird, seen well a few times. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [nominate].

Grey-headed Cuckooshrike ◊  Edolisoma schisticeps  A few seen well, the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [poliopsa].

Black Cicadabird ◊  Edolisoma melas  A male seen well at Varirata National Park. Also seen near to Tabubil [nominate].

Varied Triller  Lalage leucomela  First seen at Varirata National Park [polygrammica]. Also several seen well on New Britain [falsa].

Wattled Ploughbill ◊  Eulacestoma nigropectus  After hearing a few, and much searching, decent views of a pair just below the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge. An elusive species!

Rufous-naped Bellbird ◊  Aleadryas rufinucha  Best views were around the garden at Kumul Lodge.

Piping Bellbird ◊  Ornorectes cristatus  Decent views of one crossing the track several times along Henry’s Road at Tabubil. Even the crest was clearly visible.

Brown-backed Whistler ◊  Pachycephala modesta  Excellent views of several around Ambua Lodge [nominate].

Grey Whistler  Pachycephala simplex  A couple seen in mixed flocks at Varirata National Park [brunnescens]. Also seen along Henry’s Road at Tabubil and one seen well in a feeding flock at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [griseiceps].

Sclater’s Whistler ◊  Pachycephala soror  A couple of smart males seen well above Ambua Lodge [klossi].

Mangrove Golden Whistler ◊  Pachycephala melanura (NB)  A few smart birds seen well on Malu Malu and Restorff Islands in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [dahli].

Lorentz’s Whistler ◊  Pachycephala lorentzi  One seen well at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Regent Whistler ◊  Pachycephala schlegelii  Several great looks at this smart whistler, the first at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [obscurior].

Black-headed Whistler ◊  Pachycephala monacha  A pair seen well along Henry’s Road at Tabubil, then several more near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [lugubris].

White-bellied Whistler ◊  Pachycephala leucogastra  An excellent male showed superbly along the entrance road at Varirata National Park [nominate].

White-bellied Pitohui ◊  Pseudorectes incertus  Groups seen well a couple of times along the river near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga. Skittish, but a few decent perched views.

Rusty Pitohui ◊  Pseudorectes ferrugineus  One briefly but well in a mixed flock at Varirata National Park [clarus].

Arafura Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla megarhyncha megarhyncha  Seen a couple of times near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Variable Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla fortis  A few seen reasonably well at Varirata National Park [despecta].

Sepik-Ramu Shrikethrush ◊  Colluricincla tappenbecki  After much effort, some excellent views below Kumul Lodge [maeandrina].

Australasian Figbird  Sphecotheres vieilloti  One female seen at PAU [salvadorii].

Southern Variable Pitohui ◊  Pitohui uropygialis  A couple seen well along the river near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [brunneiceps].

Hooded Pitohui ◊  Pitohui dichrous  Excellent views of a couple at Varirata National Park.

Brown Oriole ◊  Oriolus szalayi  A few seen well at Varirata National Park.

Spangled Drongo  Dicrurus bracteatus  On the main tour, first seen at Varirata National Park [carbonarius]. Also a few seen on New Britain, though skittish [laemostictus].

Willie Wagtail  Rhipidura leucophrys  Abundant throughout [melaleuca].

Northern Fantail ◊  Rhipidura rufiventris  Seen well a few times on the main tour, the first along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [gularis].Excellent views on a couple of occasions on New Britain, the first at Garu Forest [finschii].

Sooty Thicket Fantail ◊  Rhipidura threnothorax  Some decent views of a singing bird along the km17 track north of Kiunga [nominate].

White-bellied Thicket Fantail ◊  Rhipidura leucothorax  Skittish, but seen well in the end at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Black Fantail ◊  Rhipidura atra  A few seen well, the first along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Chestnut-bellied Fantail ◊  Rhipidura hyperythra  Three or four seen very well along the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park [castaneothorax].

Friendly Fantail ◊  Rhipidura albolimbata  Common in the highlands. First seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil.

Dimorphic Fantail ◊  Rhipidura brachyrhyncha  Several seen well in the highlands, though none with the pale tail!

Rufous-backed Fantail ◊  Rhipidura rufidorsa  Seen briefly along Henry’s Road at Tabubil then much better views at Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Black Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus axillaris  Best looks were of the mobbing birds along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [fallax].

Spot-winged Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus guttula  A few seen along the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. A few others later in the trip.

Hooded Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus manadensis  A male seen near Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga.

Black-tailed Monarch ◊  Symposiachrus verticalis  (NB) Excellent views at Garu Forest on New Britain. A smart monarch [nominate].

Island Monarch ◊  Monarcha cinerascens  (NB) One eventually seen on Restorff Island in Kimbe Bay, New Britain [impediens].

Black-winged Monarch ◊  Monarcha frater  One seen briefly in a mixed flock along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [periophthalmicus].

Golden Monarch ◊  Carterornis chrysomela  Several great looks, the first along Henry’s Road at Tabubil [nitidus].

Frilled Monarch ◊  Arses telescopthalmus  Several seen well at Varirata National Park [henkei].

Torrent-Lark ◊  Grallina bruijnii  Great views along the Dablin Creek and Ok Menga Roads at Tabubil. Males and females seen!

Shining Flycatcher  Myiagra alecto  Several seen around Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga (including one spotlit on a nest) and also seen on New Britain [chalybeocephala].

Velvet Flycatcher ◊  Myiagra eichhorni (NB)  After a bit of confusion, a pair seen well along the Vegae Ridge near Walindi.

Long-tailed Shrike  Lanius schach  Plenty seen in the highlands [stresemanni].

Grey Crow ◊  Corvus tristis  First seen along the entrance road at Varirata National Park. Several others noted.

Torresian Crow  Corvus orru  First seen along the drive to Varirata National Park [nominate].

Bismarck Crow ◊  Corvus insularis (NB)  Very common on New Britain and first seen on the drive from the airport. Nice blue eyes!!

Lesser Melampitta ◊  Melampitta lugubris  Several seen very well, especially at Kumul Lodge and the nearby Murmur Pass.

Blue-capped Ifrit ◊  Ifrita kowaldi  Brilliant views at Kumul Lodge and again above Ambua Lodge. A real stunner!

Glossy-mantled Manucode ◊  Manucodia ater  Many displaying along the river on the journeys upriver to and from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge.

Crinkle-collared Manucode ◊  Manucodia chalybatus  One seen well in the undergrowth at Varirata National Park.

Trumpet Manucode ◊  Phonygammus keraudrenii  A few seen on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [jamesii].

Short-tailed Paradigalla ◊  Paradigalla brevicauda  Scope views of one below Ambua Lodge.

Splendid Astrapia ◊  Astrapia splendidissima  After much searching, a female seen at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [helios].

Ribbon-tailed Astrapia ◊  Astrapia mayeri  The males visiting the feeders at Kumul Lodge were something else!!

Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia ◊  Astrapia stephaniae  First seen well, a male, at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Queen Carola’s Parotia ◊  Parotia carolae  Decent scope views of a few along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [chrysenia].

King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise  Pteridophora alberti  First seen (females) at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil. Later, great views of stunning males at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge and above Ambua Lodge.

Greater Lophorina ◊  Lophorina superba  Many heard, we eventually had good views of a couple of males around Ambua Lodge and a couple of females at Rondon Ridge [addenda].

Magnificent Riflebird ◊  Ptiloris magnificus  Plenty heard around Tabubil where a female-plumaged bird was seen well along Henry’s Road [nominate].

Growling Riflebird ◊  Ptiloris intercedens  Great views of a fine male at Varirata National Park. Others heard there.

Brown Sicklebill ◊  Epimachus meyeri  Brilliant views around Kumul Lodge especially. Watching a calling bird above Ambua Lodge was fun too! Males are subtle crackers!

Magnificent Bird-of-paradise ◊  Diphyllodes magnificus  A female seen well coming to the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park. A male scoped along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil, and others heard [hunsteini].

King Bird-of-paradise ◊  Cicinnurus regius  Great views of males near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga and again at km17, north of Kiunga [nominate].

Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise ◊  Seleucidis melanoleucus  First seen, a female, on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge. A fine male seen near to the lodge as well.

Greater Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisaea apoda  A few females seen around Tabubil and one male (pink tones to tail??) and several females and young males (and Raggiana’s??!!) at km17 at Kiunga.

Raggiana Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisaea raggiana  Brilliant views of the display lek at Varirata National Park. Amazing! Also a few around Kiunga [nominate].

Lesser Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisaea minor  A few seen at the display area at Kama Village near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Blue Bird-of-paradise ◊  Paradisornis rudolphi  Good scope views of a male along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge. Stunner [margaritae]!

White-faced Robin ◊  Tregellasia leucops  Great views at Varirata National Park [albifacies].

White-winged Robin ◊  Peneothello sigillata  Common and showy at Kumul Lodge [nominate].

Slaty Robin ◊  Peneothello cyanus  Plenty seen with the first at the Hindenberg Wall area along the Telefomin Road, near Tabubil [subcyanea].

White-rumped Robin ◊  Peneothello bimaculata  Good looks at one along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil [nominate].

Black-sided Robin ◊  Poecilodryas hypoleuca  Great views of a fine pair near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga [nominate].

Black-capped Robin ◊  Heteromyias armiti  Excellent views of one at Murmur Pass near to Kumul Lodge [rothschildi].

Papuan Scrub Robin ◊  Drymodes beccarii  Extremely frustrating with several heard at Varirata National Park, but no views despite much effort!! However, we then got decent views of a pair at Tabubil [nominate].

Torrent Flyrobin ◊  Monachella muelleriana  Best views were along the Ok Menga Road at Tabubil [nominate].

Canary Flyrobin ◊  Devioeca papuana  A few seen well, the first at Kumul Lodge.

Garnet Robin ◊  Eugerygone rubra  Best was the male seen well below the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge.

Lesser Ground Robin ◊  Amalocichla incerta  After a bit of effort, brilliant views of a couple above Ambua Lodge [brevicauda].

Pacific Swallow  Hirundo tahitica  Common. First seen in Port Moresby [albescens] and also seen on New Britain [ambiens].

Island Leaf Warbler  Phylloscopus poliocephalus  Best views were at Ambua Lodge and at Rondon Ridge [giulianettii].

Australian Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus australis (NB)  Good views of a few in the grassland at the farm south of Walindi [sumbae].

Papuan Grassbird ◊  Cincloramphus macrurus  Plenty heard and good scope views near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge [nominate]. Also good views of a few in the grassland at the farm south of Walindi [interscapularis].

Black-fronted White-eye ◊  Zosterops chrysolaemus  A few seen well around the fruiting tree at the start of the Lookout Trail at Varirata National Park [delicatulus].

Capped White-eye ◊  Zosterops fuscicapilla  First seen well along the Dablin Creek Road at Tabubil.

Papuan White-eye ◊  Zosterops novaeguineae  Good numbers seen, the first along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [wahgiensis].

Metallic Starling  Aplonis metallica  Common. First seen in Port Moresby [nominate]. Also abundant on New Britain [nitida].

Yellow-eyed Starling ◊  Aplonis mystacea  Good views of a few along the river near to Kwatu Lodge, on the trip upriver from Kiunga. Seen on at least three occasions, the first just upriver from the lodge. White eyes and forehead tufts distinctive!

Singing Starling ◊  Aplonis cantoroides  Best views were by the hospital near to the Lai River, below Kumul Lodge.

Yellow-faced Myna ◊  Mino dumontii  First seen on the way in to and at Varirata National Park. Many others seen well.

Long-tailed Myna ◊  Mino kreffti  (NB) Common on New Britain, with many seen well [giliau].

Golden Myna ◊  Mino anais  A few seen well, first on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [robertsonii].

Island Thrush ◊  Turdus poliocephalus  Best views at Kumul Lodge, where common [robertsonii].

Pied Bush Chat  Saxicola caprata  Plenty seen in the highlands.

Red-capped Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum geelvinkianum  First seen at Varirata National Park [rubrocoronatum]. Also seen in the Kiunga area [rubrigulare].

Red-banded Flowerpecker ◊  Dicaeum eximium (NB)  A few seen well on New Britain, where first seen at Garu Forest [layardorum].

Black Sunbird ◊  Leptocoma aspasia  A few, first seen at Tabubil [nominate]. Also several seen well on New Britain [caeruleogula].

Olive-backed Sunbird  Cinnyris jugularis  One seen on the journey upriver from Kiunga to Kwatu Lodge [frenatus]. Several seen well on New Britain where first seen at Walindi Plantation Resort [flavigastra].

Eurasian Tree Sparrow  Passer montanus 

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus 

Mountain Firetail ◊  Oreostruthus fuliginosus  Excellent views of one just below the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge.

Grey-headed Mannikin ◊  Lonchura caniceps  Excellent views of a flock of c30 by the Kikoda/Varirata fork [scratchleyana].

Hooded Mannikin ◊  Lonchura spectabilis  Quite common in the highlands. First seen along the Tonga Trail, below Kumul Lodge [wahgiensis].

Buff-bellied Mannikin ◊  Lonchura melaena (NB)  Common on New Britain with many seen well. First seen near to Walindi [nominate].

Papuan Parrotfinch ◊  Erythrura papuana  Three convincing birds seen at Rondon Ridge. First two were quite brief as they dropped into the bamboo and then we saw another well in a tree. The size and bill were striking, but also noted was the dull grey blue head with a slightly darker mask! As good as they get I guess!!

Blue-faced Parrotfinch  Erythrura trichroa  Good views of several at Murmur Pass [sigillifer].

Australian Pipit  Anthus australis  Only seen whilst taxiing at Mount Hagen Airfield [exiguus]!

Alpine Pipit ◊  Anthus gutturalis  Great views of one by the roadside just below the Tari Gap above Ambua Lodge [nominate]. A nice surprise.

MAMMALS

New Guinea Quoll  Dasyurus albopunctatus  The mammal sighting of the tour!! Great views of one at Kumul Lodge – a very seldom seen mammal.

Speckled Dasyure (Long-clawed Marsupial Mouse)  Neophascogale lorentzii  Seen very well at Kumul Lodge.

Mountain Cuscus  Phalanger carmelitae  Seen in the garden at Ambua Lodge.

Ground Cuscus  Phalanger gymnotis  Also seen in the garden at Ambua Lodge.

Silky Cuscus  Phalanger sericeus  Also seen in the garden at Ambua Lodge.

Common Spotted Cuscus  Spilocuscus maculatus  Seen along the Elevala River.

Feather-tailed Possum  Distoechurus pennatus  Amazingly seen well in the daytime above Ambua Lodge.

Striped Possum  Dactylopsila trivirgata  Seen at night at Kawatu Ladge.

Krefft’s Glider ◊  Petaurus notatus  Seen at night at Kawatu Ladge.

Great Flying Fox (Bismarck F F)  Pteropus neohibernicus