Lesser Sundas - Birdtour Asia

Lesser Sundas
(Sumba, Roti, Timor, Flores & Komodo)
8th – 25th September 2015
Leader: James Eaton
Participants: Jan-Joost Bouwman, Howard Ackford, Chris and Mandy Farman,
Peter Maaskant, Chris Quispel, Martin Painter
Flores Scops Owl
© James Eaton / Birdtour Asia
The Lesser Sundas once again delivered a fascinating tour across the islands of Sumba, Roti, Timor, Flores and
Komodo, with amazing sets of island endemics on each. We began on Sumba with a clean sweep of endemics
including a trio of smart night-birds; Little Sumba and Sumba Boobook, and Mees’s Nightjar, the extremely rare
Orange-crested Cockatoo, a fortunate sighting of Sumba Green Pigeon, three unimaginatively named flycatchers;
Sumba, Sumba Jungle-, and Sumba Brown, Chestnut-backed Thrush, Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher, our first
Elegant Pitta, Sumba Buttonquail, and many more.
A change of islands brought us to the scarcely explored island of Roti where in addition to our first ‘Timor
endemics’ we found the fascinating ‘Roti Leaf Warbler’, ‘Roti Myzomela’ and the magnificent ‘Roti Boobook’ besides
tricky species like Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon, Timor Black Pigeon and Olive-shouldered Parrot. Back on Timor
proper we found all our desired endemics with particularly good views of Black-banded Flycatcher, Spot-breasted
Dark-eyes, Timor Cuckoo Dove, Timor Stubtail, ‘Timor Nightjar’ and Buff-banded Bushbird. Higher in the
mountains we were thrilled to find the undescribed parrotfinch species discovered by James during our 2013 tour,
both Iris and Olive-headed Lorikeets and the distinctive race of Pygmy Cupwing.
Flores was our last major island and another flood of new endemics included Flores Green Pigeon, Flores Hawk
Eagle, Flores Minivet, Leaf Lorikeet, Wallace’s Hanging Parrot, Flores Monarch and many more. Night-birds were
thrilling with Wallace’s Scops Owl surpassed by our bird-of-the-trip Flores Scops Owl which was seen both at night
and at day-roost.
The tour finished with a typically enjoyable visit to Komodo where Yellow-crested Cockatoo and Green Junglefowl
were the bird highlights but could barely compete with a hulking 3-meter long Komodo Dragon walking right
towards us!
After arriving in Bali we began the tour with a short flight across to Sumba that was surprisingly punctual. Our first
destination was a rather warm late morning stomp through the grasslands, with several decent flight views of 10
Sumba Buttonquail, and many Australasian Bushlark. A nearby brackish marsh was full of life and a few species
unlikely to be seen elsewhere on the tour – a pair of Hardhead, several Javan Plover (including chicks), write-in
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, White-headed Stilt, White-browed Crake, Purple Swamphen and several migrant
Australian Pratincole. Next up was a rather non-descript patch of scrub on the edge of town where we found a
couple of tailorbirds which had been discovered here just a few years previously. They looked and sounded very
much like Olive-backed Tailorbirds, though how they have got here is anyone’s guess – introduced or gone-underthe radar native, and it was a good insurance bird should they turn out to be distinct, as tailorbirds were not
previously known east of Lombok.
Packing as much as possible into our first day, we ended up in a mosaic of forest patches and grasslands, picking
up our second endemic – 3 canopy-dwelling, easily-missed Sumba Brown Flycatchers, before hanging around until
dusk when a Mees’s Nightjar hawked in the spotlight, only to be cast-off as a pair of Greater Sumba Boobook
randomly flew into view, duetting side-by-side. Finally, we enjoyed superb views of a Little Sumba Boobook right
overhead, a species described as recently as 2002, having previously been thought an undescribed Otus. Not a
bad start at all!
Sumba Hornbill and Sumba Myzomela, Sumba
With night-birding over on the island so quickly, we could enjoy the diurnal birding after a good nights sleep. A
Red-naped Fruit Dove, preening and calling in the scope in the early morning sunshine was a perfect start to the
day as we enjoyed a productive spell as many desired birds were soon on the checklist – Pale-shouldered
Cicadabird, Yellow-spectacled Dark-eye, Apricot-breasted Sunbird, Ashy-bellied White-eye, Spectacled Monarch, a
brilliant male ‘Tenggara’ Paradise Flycatcher, Metallic Pigeon, then the more difficult species began to appear – a
pair of Sumba Green Pigeon flew-in for scope views (our first of 6), Sumba Jungle Flycatchers by the roadside
(also our first of 6 during the morning), Sumba Flycatcher and roadside Chestnut-backed Thrush for some of us.
Wanting more, we headed randomly inside the forest. Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher posed on a bare-branch, then
a pair of Chestnut-backed Thrush sat together on the same branch before further down the road we finally all got
views of Sumba Flycatcher, typically furtive in the under-storey, allowing scope views.
After a much needed siesta, the nearby rice fields held Pale-headed Munia and Sacred Kingfisher, while we
returned to the forest once more in the afternoon. The mission of this session was Elegant Pitta, of which we found
3, including scope views. Afterwards we headed to a clearing in preparation for the evenings event, with several
Edible-nest and Collocalia swiftlets – the birds on Sumba are actually an undescribed taxon, with the whole
Glossy/Cave complex currently under review, watch this space! After having more than our fill of swiftlets, a pair
of regal Sumba Hornbill flew-in, landing in a bare-tree before flying low, right over our heads to their roosting
tree.
Ready at a different clearing the next morning, shortly after sunrise, a pair of Sumba Hornbill kicked off
proceedings. Green Imperial Pigeons were numerous and eventually we found a couple of Pink-headed Imperial
Pigeons after hearing several – a species only added to the islands avifauna last year. Eclectus Parrot and several
excellent views of Marigold Lorikeet were had before the Orange-crested Cockatoos finally began to appear. We
probably saw at least 8, though the views were a bit too distant, so much so that a cheer rang out across the
valley when the orange crest finally became discernible! Broad-billed Monarch sang around us, and we flushed
both Sumba Buttonquail and Brown Quail.
In the afternoon we had two targets in mind. The first, sumbaensis Wallacean Cuckooshrike showed really nicely,
as 4 appeared around us. The family of Sumba Brown Flycatcher were still around though a Rusty-breasted
Cuckoo did little other than call continuously and flash by us, back-and-forth. Our last target, the endemic race of
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (or Canary-tit, as it’s actually more closely related to Paridae than Muscicapidae)
appeared right at the death. Finally, a Mees’s Nightjar hawked and circled around us in the spotlight at dusk for a
perfect ending to the day.
Having cleaned up on the islands endemics we spent the final morning attempting to better our views of a few
select species. This worked out nicely, as not only did we get Orange-crested Cockatoos perched close by and
flying overhead, Great-billed Parrots perched and more Brown Quail, brief hornbills but we also got some new
species, most interesting was the Tawny Grassbird chacking as it gradually worked its way to the top of the grass
stems. Another 3 Sumba Brown Flycatchers, all singing, was also noteworthy. It was then time to head to the
airport, via some very impressive pizzas, and fly eastwards to the island of Timor, with a number of Australian
Pratincole on the runways at either end. Arriving in Kupang we only had an hour to play with, so opting for a patch
village grove it was amazing just how much we picked up – Timor Friarbird, Streak-breasted Honeyeater, Blackchested Myzomela, Red-chested Flowerpecker, Sunda Zebra Finch, ‘Timor’ Northern Fantail and, best of all, Timor
Sparrow.
Roti Boobook and Roti Fantail, Roti
The next morning we took the fast ferry across to the island of Roti, lying just 12km southwest of mainland Timor,
this small island nevertheless holds much of interest with several distinct taxa soon to be elevated as full species
together with a host of difficult Timor endemics. From the ferry, Bulwer’s and Wilson’s Storm Petrel were both
logged, along with Brown Booby and several tern species. Driving out on the first afternoon felt very Australasian
with 92 Australian Pelican, Australasian Darter, White-headed Stilt, Grey Teal and Red-capped Plovers lining the
shoreline – joined by Timor Blue Flycatcher, several Broad-billed Monarch, Timor Bushchat and even more
bizarrely, a Pacific Emerald Dove. Once in a more forested area we found several Fawn-breasted Whistler and our
first Flame-breasted Sunbird and Timor Oriole. Our first target, ‘Roti Myzomela’, currently subsumed under Sumba
due to its similar appearance was in full song – revealing why it’s such a distinctive bird. Next was distinctive ‘Roti
Leaf Warbler’ with its remarkably long bill – yet another undescribed species restricted to the island. Our first of
several Olive-shouldered Parrots also appeared, perched distantly before flying across the road.
As the heat began to finally subside a pair of confiding tenkatei Northern Fantails buzzed around us (Roti Fantail,
surely!) before we located a beautiful Timor Black Pigeon that allowed prolonged scope views before it was time to
move on and wait for darkness. It took considerably longer than expected, but the tension was finally broken by
the rumbling calls of a Roti Boobook, which performed brilliantly once framed in the torch beam.
We headed to a different area the next morning where a viewpoint with an excellent vista hosted a succession of
excellent birds. First to appear was a singing Timor Bushchat (a very common bird in this area), then another Roti
Myzomela buzzing around us, followed by a gorgeous Orange-banded Thrush in full song in the scope and another
Janquill Parrot. Moving on to a more forested area, we picked up more Roti Leaf Warblers, another Timor Black
Pigeon – this time an immature, excellent views of Timor Stubtail, yet more Janquill Parrots, and finally, prolonged
views of a calling Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon. This drew our short but very productive visit to Roti to a close, and
we headed back on the delayed ferry to Kupang once more.
With just a couple of hours at our disposal in the afternoon we visited a fertile river valley close to Kupang.
Streak-breasted Honeyeater (or better named Timor Meliphaga) were abundant and birdlife in general was good.
Timor Stubtail belayed its usual elusive nature by remaining motionless on several perches while even better was,
on two separate occasions, Buff-banded Bushbird allowing good views. An immature Timor Sparrow appeared
briefly while Common Kingfishers and rufiventris Northern Fantail, so different from the Roti birds, were noisy and
conspicuous.
After another excellent meal and comfortable night in Kupang we set off the next morning to begin our forest
birding at Camplong. Even before we were parked up, an Orange-banded Thrush was feeding in the middle of the
road – we found more visiting a fruiting tree shortly after our field breakfast. Timor Bushchats were in full song,
Fawn-breasted Whistler appeared yet again before we entered the forest, striking gold quickly with yet more
prolonged views of Buff-banded Bushbird. A pair of Spot-breasted Dark-eye were found, calling and feeding just
overhead, though it took much longer before we laid eyes on a beautiful male Black-banded Flycatcher that took
an age to eventually coax out of the denser understorey. While doing so a Timor Boobook was flushed, and we
also found our first Timor Leaf Warbler, and repeat views of Black-chested Myzomela. Another notable sighting
was the Wallacean Drongo – the much larger, longer-tailed version, ‘Timor Drongo’, that’s a scarce bird in West
Timor.
In the afternoon we visited another area of dry forest, Timor Bushchats welcomed us into the forest and it didn’t
take too long to find our diurnal target of the area – Timor Cuckoodove, as it perched in an open tree giving nice
scope views. After enjoying views of a couple of new birds, Little Bronze Cuckoo and the wonderful Black-backed
Fruit Dove, we settled down for dusk to descend. Even before it was dark we had a Timor Boobook in view,
spotlight not even required at this point. The undescribed nightjar on the island, ‘Timor Nightjar’ floated over the
canopy above us, calling its unique vocalisation, not ideal views but we could return again.
‘Timor Parrotfinch’ and Timor Flowerpecker, Timor
The next morning we were on the road well before dawn for the short but bumpy and painfully slow drive up to
Gunung Mutis. We started this time at slightly lower elevations, enjoying our extensive picnic breakfast of
omelette and banana pancakes, as usual as the sun rose and the air filled with bird sound and Olive-headed
Lorikeets perched above us. Walking along a pleasant open track through the forest good numbers of Island
Thrush and Yellow-eared Honeyeaters were logged and we soon heard the characteristic high pitched calls of the
new parrotfinch species which was found by James as recently as 2013 on our Birdtour Asia tour. It took some
time but eventually we pinned down the occasional bird for brief perched views before culminating in locating 5
birds in a mixed feeding flock with 3 Tricoloured Parrotfinch – talk about striking gold! Between these moments we
enjoyed repeated views of Metallic Pigeons, ‘Timor Flowerpecker’ – part of a four-way split of Blood-breasted,
Sunda Cuckoo, 4 Chestnut-backed Thrushes perched in the same view and superb views of Iris Lorikeet, making
our morning well and truly complete.
Moving to higher elevations, on an even more terrible road, it was hot and sunny but we soon found the distinctive
timorensis Pygmy Cupwing hopping around among some mossy boulders, and suffering vertigo as it ventured up
above head height. Yet more Metallic Pigeons were perched or flying around, with just a very distant Timor
Imperial Pigeon heard, a Little Cuckoo Dove flew-away from us and another parrotfinch appeared briefly before
the flight path of roosting Olive-headed Lorikeet got underway above us, meaning it was our time too.
Having seen all but Timor Imperial Pigeon some of us were keen for better views of Timor Nightjar predawn, which
we had, as it swooped down nearly taking our hats off. We spent the morning concentrating on improving views of
any of the specialities, with the pick of the morning going to the pair of Black-banded Flycatcher that continually
circled us, even perching in the canopy overhead to sing. Rose-crowned Fruit Dove was common, Timor Figbird
conspicuous, Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher appeared again and a male Timor Oriole also showed up.
Returning in the late afternoon after a long siesta we had a Black-chested Myzomela almost touching the ground,
another ‘Timor Drongo’, though the fruiting tree we had high hopes for failed us, leaving us to make do with a pair
of Timor Boobooks peering down at us at dusk.
With another day to kill on Timor we headed to an area of coastal paddy fields. Shortly after breakfast we
fortuitously found our main target, a pair of Red-backed Buttonquail failing to jump over the irrigation channel
allowing brilliant views of the red nape (not back) before they finally scurried off. Next on the agenda was Fivecoloured Munia, small flocks of which were soon found, though the paddies were not ideal so the numbers of
munia were quite low, but did contain a single Pale-headed Munia and several Red Avadavat. Feeding in the
paddies were good numbers of waterbirds – 3 Royal Spoonbill, several Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Long-toed
Stints and White-faced Herons.
In the afternoon, those not enjoying Mojito’s and a swim in the pool returned to the nearby river valley where we
enjoyed close scope views of both Timor Friarbird and Orioles, along with a final farewell to many of the more
numerous endemics we had enjoyed over the past few days, as well as Brown Quail and more Red-backed
Buttonquail.
Chestnut-backed Thrush, Sumba and Chestnut-capped Thrush, Flores
An early flight the next morning delivered us to yet another major new island, landing in Ruteng nestled in the
highlands of Flores where a whole new set of endemics awaited.
We wasted no time in heading up into the nearby highlands and quickly enjoyed success with two ‘Flores
Shortwings’ close to roadside giving ample chances to appreciate the vocal and plumage differences from the
vastly over-lumped White-browed Shortwing with which it currently resides. Next up we visited our favourite spot
in the mountains and let the birds come to us – they came thick and fast, and it took an hour before we could
finally sip our morning coffee. Dainty Flores Minivets, trumpeting Brown-capped Fantails, ‘Flores Flowerpecker’ –
soon to be split from Blood-breasted, and a nice comparison to the Timor and Sumba birds from earlier in the trip,
Scaly-crowned Honeyeaters, even a pair of Leaf Lorikeets in perfect sunlight that nearly took our heads off as they
whizzed up the gulley straight to us, Rufous-bellied Eagles, Chestnut-backed Thrush, a fine Dark-backed Imperial
Pigeon quietly sat in the undergrowth, ‘Flores Wallacean Drongo’, Golden-rumped Flowerpecker, and a male Barethroated Whistler belting out his ear-splitting chorus.
With the heat rising we enjoyed the air-con as we weaved our way down to the steamy lowlands at Kisol. In spite
of the overcast weather we teased out some great initial sightings including our first Flores Crow with its bizarre
calls and fast whooshing flight and nice scope views of a roadside Flores Green Pigeon. At nightfall a Mees’s
Nightjar hawked overhead in the spotlight and a Moluccan Scops Owl sat and called while being scoped, though
Wallace’s Scops Owl was conspicuous by its absence.
Early next morning was a quiet night birding session but the diurnal birding was electric! We started off with a
Chestnut-capped Thrush, a species so rare now due to trapping, flying back-and-forth around us but never
perching. A flock of some 15 Flores Green Pigeons sat motionless by the roadside before exploding into the forest
– very wise. Deeper inside the forest another Chestnut-capped Thrush appeared but this time boy did it show well
– perching in full view, at times even with the chestnut cap glistening in the sunshine, perfect. Not wanting to miss
the main performance, we positioned ourselves at our trusted viewpoint that has remained reliable since we
discovered it back in 2005 and sure enough, though later than usual (and after a couple of immature Bonelli’s
Eagles briefly raised alarm) a superb female Flores Hawk Eagle finally rose up from the valley, circling slowly up
on the hillside thermals before disappearing over the ridge. Satisfied with the performance we spent a little bit of
time back in the forest, picking up the vocally distinct concinna Elegant Pitta sat calling.
With our targets at Kisol under the belt we headed back up to the highlands. Crested Dark-eye and Ruddy Cuckoo
Dove were new for us though our first effort with Flores Scops Owls typically ended in frustration – we would be
back! When we did, once again the bird tantalised us behind some improbably wide leaves! We decided to try a
different bird at dawn and it typically appeared in the spotlight within minutes of arrival, absolutely brilliant.
Topping that, returning later in the morning we managed to locate the little rufous owl roosting, offering some of
the best views of the species since it was rediscovered by Rob and James in 2005, when the vocalisations were
unknown. On top of this we enjoyed a great morning – Crested Dark-eye, eye-level Scaly-crowned Honeyeater,
Bonelli’s Eagle, Little, Barred and Ruddy Cuckoo Doves, good numbers of Metallic Pigeons, excellent looks at a pair
of Russet-capped Tesia feeding ABOVE eye-level, more Flores Minivet and a singing Flores Jungle Flycatcher.
With 3 high-altitude targets remaining we spent the afternoon in search of these, all of which were easily found –
good numbers of Yellow-browed Dark-eye, a fine male ‘Flores’ Blood-breasted Flowerpecker and Flores Leaf
Warbler. On top of that, another Bare-throated Whistler appeared, as did a male albocintus Black-backed Fruit
Dove, a nice comparison with the snow-white Timor birds. At dusk a Wallace’s Scops Owl called close, but once
again we would have to wait for the following day. Returning predawn it didn’t take long for a Wallace’s Scops Owl
to appear in the spotlight, unfortunately it lingered for just a few, but crucial seconds before fleeing. After a bit of
waiting and walking we eventually found it, or another flying overhead to perch and even call, in the spotlight for
prolonged views of this huge Otus. Dawn on the road was impressive – 10 Chestnut-backed Thrush and a ‘Flores
Shortwing’ hopping back-and-forth.
White-rumped Kingfisher and Wallace’s Scops Owl, Flores
Birding lower down for the day we picked up a pair of White-rumped Kingfisher while still scoffing down our
pancakes and omelettes which allowed scopes views for everyone present, including a local policeman. The same
couldn’t be said for the Wallace’s Hanging Parrot that zipped by, with just James witnessing the green plumage!
We had an enjoyable day, walking down the road, observing rural life in this coffee-growing area. Birds were
abundant – Thick-billed and Crested Dark-eyes, more minivets, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Whistlers,
Modest, Black-fronted and Golden-rumped Flowerpeckers, another Chestnut-capped Thrush, a single Flores Green
Pigeon and in the late afternoon we finished off with another pair of White-rumped Kingfisher. For the first time in
a while, night birding was not required!
We then began the drive down to the western lowlands for our next base in Labuanbajo but there was an
important stop to be made en-route because the mid-elevation forests at Puarlolo are famous as the easiest place
to see the endemic Flores Monarch. Fortunately, the monarch is not uncommon at this location and we had
excellent views of a pair shortly after breakfast. A fruiting tree held 3 Chestnut-capped Thrush, Thick-billed and
Crested Dark-eyes and inside the forest another Black-backed Fruit Dove and beautiful pair of Asian Paradise
Flycatcher appeared. We also tried a different patch of forest, probably unbirded before, where we discovered two
more pairs of Flores Monarch, and another White-rumped Kingfisher and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo before we
weaved our way down to beachside side lodge to almost relax.
In the afternoon just Peter was fortunate enough to clap eyes on a Wallace’s Hanging Parrot zipping over while the
rest of us could enjoy 16 Great-billed Parrots.
Our last full day of the tour was one of the most eagerly anticipated as we boarded a speedboat before sunrise for
the spectacular ride across to Komodo Island, land of the immense Komodo Dragon. Lesser Frigatebird, Greater
Crested Terns, White-bellied Sea Eagle and Red-necked Phalaropes all enlivened the hour-long journey and once
on the island we enjoyed a succession of confiding Green Junglefowl before an immense Komodo Dragon casually
wandered into view, walking straight past us on her way to the beach, shortly followed by another huge beast that
came for a drink. Yellow-crested Cockatoos also appeared here, this critically endangered species continues to
cling on here at one of just a handful of sustainable sites now. Several more common species appeared – the
orange-tinged Black-naped Orioles, Golden Whistler, Lemon-bellied White-eyes before we wandered over to the
rangers quarters where another 8 dragons loafed under the shade. To complete the morning we anchored off a
sandy beach for 90 minutes of fantastic snorkelling above a beautiful coral reef with thousands of small to large
fish dazzling around us.
After a late lunch we wandered back over to the nearby forest to enjoy more Great-billed Parrots and great looks
again at a Flores Crow, but no hanging parrot again, leaving us on tender hooks for a final mornings birding.
The Wallace’s Hanging Parrot couldn’t have timed itself better. Just after arriving at our usual mornings spot we
waited 15 minutes, just for the sun to appear behind us when this tiny bullet appeared from our right, and gave us
a slow motion pass with the sun glistening off its green body and blood red tail – the full suite of Flores specialities
was now complete enabling us to enjoy and relax for the rest of the day, arriving back into Bali in the afternoon to
toast to one of our most successful tours of this region.
Komodo Dragon, Komodo
© James Eaton / Birdtour Asia
Bird of the trip
1) Flores Scops Owl
2) Sumba Hornbill
3) Flores Hawk Eagle
=4) Green Junglefowl
=4) ‘Timor Parrotfinch’
Little Sumba Boobook and Greater Sumba Boobook, Sumba
Sumba Brown Flycatcher and Sumba Jungle Flycatcher
Sumba Cockatoo and Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher, Sumba
Timor Black Pigeon and Jonquil Parrot, Roti
Timor Boobook and Iris Lorikeet, Timor
Timor Myzomela and Spot-breasted Dark-eye, Timor
Arafura Fantail and Black-banded Flycatcher, Timor
Flores Monarch, Flores and Orange-banded Thrush, Roti
Flores Green Pigeons and Dark-backed Imperial Pigeon, Flores
Black-fronted Flowerpecker and ‘Tenggara’ Modest Flowerpecker, Flores
Flame-breasted Sunbird and sumbawae Cave Swiftlet, Flores
Lemon-bellied White-eye and Yellow-spectacled White-eye
Yellow-crested Cockatoo and Green Junglefowl, Komodo
Flores Hawk Eagle and Flores Crow, Flores
Systematic List
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
Wandering Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna arcuata
Sunda Teal
Anas gibberifrons
Grey Teal
Anas gracilis
Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
Hardhead
Aythya australis
GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Megapodius reinwardt reinwardt
GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
Brown Quail
Coturnix ypsilophora pallidior
Coturnix ypsilophora raaltenii
Green Junglefowl
Gallus varius
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Metallic Pigeon
Columba vitiensis metallica
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis tigrina
Barred Cuckoo Dove
Macropygia unchall unchall
Timor Cuckoo Dove
Macropygia magna magna
Ruddy Cuckoo Dove
Macropygia emiliana emiliana
Little Cuckoo Dove
Macropygia ruficeps orientalis
Timor Black Pigeon
Turacoena modesta
Asian Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica indica
Pacific Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps longirostris timorensis
Barred Dove
Geopelia maugei
Sumba Green Pigeon
Treron teysmannii
Flores Green Pigeon
Treron floris
Black-backed Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus cinctus albocinctus
Ptilinopus cinctus conctus
Red-naped Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus dohertyi
Rose-crowned Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus regina flavicollis
Black-naped Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus melanospilus melanauchen
Green Imperial Pigeon
Ducula aenea polia
Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon
Ducula rosacea
Dark-backed Imperial Pigeon
Ducula lacernulata sasakensis
Timor Imperial Pigeon
Ducula cineracea
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
heard only
Sunda Cuckoo
Cuculus lepidus
Oriental/Himalayan Cuckoo
Cuculus optatus/horsfieldi
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo
Cacomantis sepulcralis sepulcralis
Brush Cuckoo
Cacomantis variolosus whitei
Little Bronze Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx minutillus
Asian Koel
Eudynamys scolopaceus malayana
Australian Koel
Eudynamys cyanocephalus everetti
Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis javanensis
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Timor Swiftlet
Collocalia [esculenta] neglecta
Cave Swiftlet
Collocalia linchi linchi
Collocalia [linchi] sumbawae
Edible-nest Swiftlet
Aerodramus fuciphagus
House Swift
Apus [affinis] nipalensis
Pacific Swift
Apus pacificus
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
'Timor' Nightjar
Caprimulgus [macrurus] sp nov
Mees's Nightjar
Caprimulgus meesi
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
White-browed Crake
Porzana cinerea cinerea
Australian Swamphen
Porphyrio melanotus
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus orientalis
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
White-headed Stilt
Himantopus leucocephalus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
Pacific Golden Plover
Pluvialis fulva
Red-capped Plover
Anarhynchus ruficapillus
Javan Plover
Anarhynchus javanicus
Lesser Sand Plover
Anarhynchus mongolus mongolus
Greater Sand Plover
Anarhynchus leschenaultii
Oriental Plover
Anarhynchus veredus
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
Eurasian Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus variegatus
Far Eastern Curlew
Numenius madagascariensis
Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Grey-tailed Tattler
Tringa brevipes
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
Red-necked Stint
Ereunetes ruficollis
Long-toed Stint
Ereunetes subminuta
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Turnicidae
Red-backed Buttonquail
Turnix maculosus sumbana
Barred Buttonquail
Turnix suscitator powelli
Sumba Buttonquail
Turnix everetti
CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae
Australian Pratincole
Stiltia isabella
CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
Brown Noddy
Anous stolidus
Little Tern
Sternula albifrons
Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilotica macrotarsa
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybrida
heard only
Black-naped Tern
Sterna sumatrana
Great Crested Tern
Thalasseus bergii
PROCELLARIIFORMES: Procellariidae
Bulwer's Petrel
Bulweria bulwerii
PROCELLARIIFORMES: Oceanitidae
Wilson's Storm Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
PELECANIFORMES: Sulidae
Brown Booby
Sula leucogaster
PELECANIFORMES: Fregatidae
Great Frigatebird
Fregata minor
Lesser Frigatebird
Fregata ariel
PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Australasian Darter
Anhinga novaehollandiae
CICONIIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Great-billed Heron
Ardea sumatrana
Purple Heron
Ardea purpurea
Eastern Great Egret
Casmerodius [albus] modestus
Intermediate Egret
Mesophoyx intermedia
White-faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Pacific Reef Heron
Egretta sacra sacra
Javan Pond Heron
Ardeola speciosa
Eastern Cattle Egret
Bubulcus coromandus
Striated Heron
Butorides striata
PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus cristatus
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
Pacific Baza
Aviceda subcristata timorloaensis
Oriental Honeybuzzard
Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis
Black Kite
Milvus migrans affinis
Brahminy Kite
Haliastur indus intermedius
White-bellied Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Short-toed Snake-Eagle
Circaetus gallicus
Spotted Harrier
Circus assimilis
Variable Goshawk
Tachyspiza hiogaster sylvestris
Brown Goshawk
Tachyspiza fasciatus wallacii
Tachyspiza fasciatus hellmayri
Bonelli's Eagle
Aquila fasciata renschi
Rufous-bellied Eagle
Lophotriorchis kienerii formosus
Flores Hawk Eagle
Nisaetus floris
STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae
Barn Owl
Tyto alba delicatula
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Flores Scops Owl
Otus alfredi
Wallace's Scops Owl
Otus silvicola
Moluccan Scops Owl
Otus magicus albiventris
Heard only
Greater Sumba Boobook
Ninox rudolfi
Timor Boobook
Ninox [novaeseelandiae] fuscus
Roti Boobook
Ninox [novaeseelandiae] rotiensis
Little Sumba Boobook
Ninox sumbaensis
CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae
Sumba Hornbill
Aceros everetti
PICIFORMES: Picidae
Sunda Woodpecker
Dendrocopos moluccensis grandis
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis floresiana
Collared Kingfisher
Todiramphus chloris chloris
Sacred Kingfisher
Todiramphus sanctus santus
Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher
Todiramphus australasia australasia
White-rumped Kingfisher
Caridonax fulgidus
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Merops philippinus
Rainbow Bee-eater
Merops ornatus
CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
Dollarbird
Eurystomus orientalis pacificus
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
Spotted Kestrel
Falco moluccensis microbalia
PSITTACIFORMES: Cacatuidae
Yellow-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua sulphurea parvula
Orange-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua [sulphurea] citrinocristata
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Marigold Lorikeet
Trichoglossus capistratus fortis
Leaf Lorikeet
Trichoglossus weberi
Olive-headed Lorikeet
Trichoglossus euteles
Iris Lorikeet
Psitteuteles iris iris
Red-cheeked Parrot
Geoffroyus geoffroyi floresianus
Great-billed Parrot
Tanygnathus m. megalorynchos
Tanygnathus megalorynchos sumbensis
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus roratus cornelia
Jonquil Parrot
Aprosmictus jonquillaceus
Wallace's Hanging Parrot
Loriculus flosculus
PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae
Elegant Pitta
Pitta elegans concinna
Pitta elegans maria
PASSERIFORMES: Meliphagidae
Scaly-crowned Honeyeater
Lichmera lombokia
Indonesian Honeyeater
Lichmera limbata
Yellow-eared Honeyeater
Lichmera flavicans
Sumba Myzomela
Myzomela dammermani
'Roti' Myzomela
Myzomela sp nov
Black-chested Myzomela
Myzomela vulnerata
Streak-breasted Honeyeater
Meliphaga reticulata
Timor Friarbird
Philemon inornatus
Helmeted Friarbird
Philemon buceroides buceroides
Philemon buceroides neglectus
PASSERIFORMES: Pardalotidae
Golden-bellied Gerygone
Gerygone sulphurea sulphurea
Plain Gerygone
Gerygone inornata
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
Timor Oriole
Oriolus melanotis melanotis
Black-naped Oriole
Oriolus chinensis broderipii
Timor Figbird
Sphecotheres viridis
PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae
Fawn-breasted Whistler
Pachycephala orpheus
Golden Whistler
Pachycephala pectoralis fulvotincta
Pachycephala pectoralis fulviventris
Pachycephala pectoralis calliope
Bare-throated Whistler
Pachycephala nudigula
PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae
White-breasted Woodswallow
Artamus leucorynchus albiventer
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
Wallacean Cuckooshrike
Coracina personata personata
Coracina personata sumbensis
Coracina personata floris
Pale-shouldered Cicadabird
Lalage dohertyi
White-shouldered Triller
Lalage sueurii
Flores Minivet
Pericrocotus lansbergei
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
'Timor' Northern Fantail
Rhipidura rufiventris
'Roti' Northern Fantail
Rhipidura [rufiventris] tenkatei
Brown-capped Fantail
Rhipidura diluta
Arafura Fantail
Rhipidura dryas semicollaris
Rhipidura dryas sumbensis
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
'Timor' Wallacean Drongo
Dicrurus [densus] densus
'Flores' Wallacean Drongo
Dicrurus [densus] bimaensis
'Sumba' Wallacean Drongo
Dicrurus [densus] sumbae
PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae
Black-naped Monarch
Hypothymis azurea prohata
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone paradisi floris
Terpsiphone paradisi sumbaensis
Spectacled Monarch
Monarcha trivirgatus trivirgatus
Flores Monarch
Monarcha sacerdotum
Broad-billed Monarch
Myiagra ruficollis ruficollis
PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach bentet
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
Flores Crow
Corvus florensis
Southern Jungle Crow
Corvus macrorhynchos
PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Culicicapa ceylonensis sejuncta
Culicicapa ceylonensis connectens
PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
Cinereous Tit
Parus [major] cinereus cinereus
PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae
Australasian Bushlark
Mirafra javanica parva
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Pacific Swallow
Hirundo tahitica javanica
Barn Swallow
Hiundorustica
Striated Swallow
Cecropis striolata striolata
Tree Martin
Petrochelidon nigricans timoriensis
PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Pycnonotus aurigaster
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
Oriental White-eye
Zosterops palpebrosus unicus
Mountain White-eye
Zosterops montanus montanus
Lemon-bellied White-eye
Zosterops chloris intermedius
Ashy-bellied White-eye
Zosterops citrinella citrinella
Yellow-spectacled Dark-eye
Heleia wallacei
Eyebrowed Dark-eye
Heleia superciliaris
Crested Dark-eye
Heleia dohertyi subcristatus
Thick-billed Dark-eye
Heleia crassirostris
Spot-breasted Dark-eye
Heleia muelleri
PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae
'Roti' Leaf Warbler
Seicercus sp nov [Roti]
Timor Leaf Warbler
Seicercus presbytes presbytes
Flores Leaf Warbler
Seicercus [presbytes] floris
Yellow-breasted Warbler
Seicercus montis floris
PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae
Mountain Tailorbird
Phyllergates cuculatus everetti
Russet-capped Tesia
Tesia everetti everetti
Timor Stubtail
Urosphena subulata subulata
heard only
PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae
Pygmy Cupwing
Pnoepyga pusilla everetti
heard only
Pnoepyga [pusilla] timorensis
PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae
Australian Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus australis sumbae
PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae
Timor Thicketbird
Buettikoferella bivittata
Tawny Grassbird
Megalurus timoriensis inquirendus
PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola juncidis fuscicapilla
Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis lineocapilla
Olive-backed Tailorbird
Orthotomus sepium
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
Short-tailed Starling
Aplonis minor
Javan Myna
Acridotheres javanicus
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
Chestnut-capped Thrush
Geokichla interpres
Chestnut-backed Thrush
Geokichla dohertyi
Orange-banded Thrush
Geokichla peronii peronii
Island Thrush
Turdus poliocephalus schlegelii
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Flores Jungle Flycatcher
Eumyias oscillans
Sumba Jungle Flycatcher
Eumyias [oscillans] stresemanni
Sumba Brown Flycatcher
Muscicapa segregata
Snowy-browed Flycatcher
Ficedula hyperythra clarae
Sumba Flycatcher
Ficedula harterti
Little Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula westermanni
Rufous-chested Flycatcher
Ficedula dumetoria
Black-banded Flycatcher
Ficedula timorensis
Timor Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis hyacinthinus hyacinthinus
Pied Bushchat
Saxicola caprata pyrrhonota
Saxicola caprata fruticola
Timor Bushchat
Saxicola gutturalis gutturalis
Saxicola gutturalis ssp nov [Roti]
Introduced
Flores Shortwing
Brachypteryx montana floris
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
Golden-rumped Flowerpecker
Pachyglossa annae
Modest Flowerpecker
Pachyglossa modesta tincta
Pachyglossa modesta obsoleta
Black-fronted Flowerpecker
Dicaeum igniferum
Red-chested Flowerpecker
Dicaeum maugei maugei
Blood-breasted Flowerpecker
Dicaeum sanguinolentum hanieli
Dicaeum sanguinolentum rhodopygiale
Sumba Flowerpecker
Dicaeum [sanguinolentum] wilhelminae
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
Brown-throated Sunbird
Anthreptes malacensis convergens
Anthreptes malacensis rubigena
Olive-backed Sunbird
Cinnyris jugularis ornata
Apricot-breasted Sunbird
Cinnyris buettikoferi
Flame-breasted Sunbird
Cinnyris solaris
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
Red Avadavat
Amandava amandava flavidiventris
Sunda Zebra Finch
Taeniopygia guttata guttata
Tawny-breasted Parrotfinch
Erythrura hyperythra intermedia
Tricolored Parrotfinch
Erythrura tricolor
Parrotfinch sp (Timor)
Erythrura sp nov
Black-faced Munia
Lonchura molucca
Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata nisoria
Five-coloured Munia
Lonchura quinticolor
Pale-headed Munia
Lonchura pallida
Timor Sparrow
Lonchura fuscata
heard only
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus malaccensis
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Paddyfield Pipit
Anthus rufulus albidus
Anthus rufulus medius
MAMMALS
Large Flying Fox
Pteropus vampyrus
Long-tailed Macaque
Macaca fascicularis
Indo-Pacific Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Tursiops aduncus
Eurasian Wild Pig
Sus scrofa
Introduced
Rusa Deer
Cervus timorensis
Introduced
REPTILES
Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensis
Tockeh
Gecko gecko
House Gecko
Hemidactylus frenatus
249 species recorded including 6 heard only
Introduced
Raja flippin’ breakfast pancakes!
© Mandy Farman
The tour recorded a total of 249 species of which only 6 was heard only. For further information on our tours to
the Lesser Sundas or other Indonesian destinations, please contact us via our e-mail or click here for our
scheduled departure tours.