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The frequency of occurrence of Lesser Sundas endemic bird species, all Wallacean endemics and Lesser Sundas endemic subspecies, forest-dependent species and frugivores was greatest in closed canopy forest . Conversely, generalist “Australo-Papuan” species, granivores and nectarivores occurred more frequently in lowlands (including human-modified habitats). Protected area proposals were made in 1982, but there has been no management of natural areas for biological conservation on Lembata. Conservation activities aiming to stem forest loss and fragmentation in an Important Bird Area in southern Lembata, which includes significant populations of the Flores Green Pigeon Treron floris , may be an important step. Merits of the “Species list” survey method are discussed.
Stops will be made along the way so that we can catch our first glimpses of some of the birds of Halmahera. We will check in at the Weda Resort and have lunch there. In the afternoon, we can enjoy our first bird watching experience in the Weda Forest, where we will see more of the endemic birds.
Original Antique Bird Print, the Blackcap, circa 1870
The bee-eater breeds in roadside banks and often perches conspicuously, giving great views. Once again, pigeons and doves are much in evidence, with Grey-headed Imperial Pigeons regularly seen, as are Superb and Red-eared Fruit Doves while the inconspicuous Sombre Pigeon is sometimes encountered. Away from the flocks we may find Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, HoevellÍs Warbling-flycatcher, Sulawesi Malkoha, and if we are fortunate a Scaly Kingfisher hiding in a forest gully. Overhead we will look for fast-flying MeyerÍs Lorikeet and Sulawesi Racquet-tail while Sulawesi Grasshopper Warblers skulk in the understory, and Sulawesi Babbler is common. In the higher forests we will also be searching for Indonesian Serin and the inconspicuous Hylocitrea which recent studies show not to be at all related to the whistlers and is now placed firmly in its own monotypic family.
It is also called the Halmahera paradise crow, referring to its native islands. In ancient folklore, it is said that these birds are believed to be birds of God, hence the name ‘paradise’. The specific name of the nominal subspecies, Lycocorax obiensis refers to the Obi Islands which they are native to. We will leave early this morning to visit the remnant forest patches of Gunung Mahawu in the Minahasa highlands above Manado. Here we will be hoping to locate Scaly Kingfisher, perhaps the most elusive of the endemic Sulawesi kingfishers. Leaving Weda, we travel up the north-west arm of Halmahera for an overnight stay in Tobelo, stopping en route to search for Beach Kingfisher.
Indonesia’s Exquisite Birds of Paradise (November 9-18,
It is a part of the birds of paradise family which has 42 different species. The Halmahera paradise-crow is a medium-sized bird-of-paradise, reaching a body length of up to 42 cm, with a dark, soft and silky plumage that may appear all black, but is in fact a very dark brown. Both sexes are similar; the female is slightly smaller than the male.
- However, the paradise crow is not one of your regular crows.
- This authentic print originates from ‘Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds’ by Tom Iredale.
- On the afternoon or evening or Day 21 we transfer to Tomohon for an overnight stay.
- Gray tones can be found on the mantle and rump.
- Leaving Weda, we travel up the north-west arm of Halmahera for an overnight stay in Tobelo, stopping en route to search for Beach Kingfisher.
The nominate subspecies of this Lycocorax pyrrhopterus species make calls that consist of a double note sound like ‘hoow hoow’. Open your image file to the full size using image processing software. The subspecies Lycocorax pyrrhopterus morotensis by William Matthew Hart.
Pre-pay for multiple images and download on demand. Decorative print illustrating the Magnificent Bird of Paradise and the King Bird of Paradise. This authentic print originates from ‘Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds’ by Tom Iredale….
Originally published in
The nominate subspecies has the least or no white patch on the inner flight feathers. To the north of Kotamobagu lies another national park, Gunung Ambang, which will give us access to submontane forests that are equally rich in bird life. Though forest clearance is a severe threat to the park, some excellent tracts remain, holding some of SulawesiÍs least known and rarest species. They include another form of the recently described Cinnabar Boobook, and the local speciality, the rare Matinan Warbling-flycatcher, known only from the hill forests of the Minahasa Peninsula. We will see many of the now-familiar montane species here, plus chances of the rarely observed and skulking Sombre Pigeon and Scaly Kingfisher.
Alfonzo Bissonnette is a wildlife conservationist and a television personality. He is 29 years old. When he was just four years old, he found his first dead animal on the side of the road. From that day on, he knew that he wanted to work with animals.
Alfonzo has always been passionate about protecting the environment and its inhabitants. As a child, he would spend hours catching bugs and spiders in his backyard, then release them back into the wild unharmed. He later studied Wildlife Conservation at university, and now works tirelessly to protect endangered species all over the world.
Alfonzo is also a television personality. He has been featured on several shows about wildlife conservation, and has even hosted his own show about animal rescue operations.