Gentle New Guinea 2018 -...

Sicklebill Safaris Gentle New Guinea 2018

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SICKLEBILL SAFARIS GENTLE NEW GUINEA

June 27 – July 10 2018 New Britain extension July 10-14

Led by Phil Gregory

This was a Gentle New Guinea outing, designed to hopefully not be too strenuous, and to maximize photo opportunities in what is a challenging place for photographers. We were blessed with atypically good weather, actually losing no birding time at all to rain, which is most unusual. Air Niugini excelled themselves in leaving on time and getting luggage out with amazing alacrity, plus the new terminal at Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen is a huge improvement on the disgusting old facility there. The rebranded PNG Air (formerly Airlines PNG) were good in getting us out of Kiunga, and the TNT charters all worked very nicely, though due to the cancellation of scheduled services to Tari we had to have an extra charter back to Mt Hagen at horrible cost. Kiunga, Kumul, Rondon Ridge and Ambua were great destinations with some terrific birds as always, and our hotel in Port Moresby is a very pleasant haven. Our arrival afternoon intro on June 27th was a tour around to see the Waigani Houses of Parliament (Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, and Fawn-breasted Bowerbird) and Ela Beach (Frigatebirds). June 28th we had a morning up at Varirata and a rewarding afternoon at the PAU. Varirata was great for kingfishers with Yellow-billed, Papuan Dwarf, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blue-winged Kookaburra and Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher, and the Raggiana lek was also good. Some fruiting trees by the car park picnic site gave us Orange-bellied, Pink-spotted, Dwarf and Wompoo Fruit Doves, Red-cheeked Parrot, several cuckooshrikes and a lovely Dwarf Koel. The PAU gave us Plumed and Wandering Whistling-Duck, Papuan Frogmouth, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Black-backed Butcherbird and Fawn-breasted Bowerbird with a nice bower, plus Grey-headed Mannikin, and is always a nice easy intro. Next saw us over to Kiunga, and an excellent late afternoon trip up to Km 17 for the Greater Bird of Paradise lek, which had 3 fine showy males displaying, plus a lovely bonus of a terrific male King Bird of Paradise en route. A river trip was very nice, and we had some great looks at Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, a brief Southern Crowned Pigeon and sundry parrots and pigeons. We hit a sudden downpour not 15 minutes out of Kiunga after a nice overcast day, which was not too sunny, all part of the experience. The next morning watch at the mound at Km 14 gave us a total of 50 species, see my e-bird report for July 1st, including the hybrid between Greater and Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Lupton’s Bird of Paradise), a male Flame Bowerbird, Meyer’s Friarbird, Yellow-billed Kingfisher plus Grey-headed Goshawk. An afternoon trip up to the oxbow gave White-spotted Mannikin. Over then to Mt Hagen and Kumul Lodge, which gave us some fine sightings, with up to 6 (each differently plumaged!) Ribbon-tailed Astrapia coming at various times to the feeder, including a striking adult male; there were also several female-plumaged Brown Sicklebills, some lovely Brehm’s Tiger-Parrots, remarkably few Belford’s


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Melidectes and great looks at Rufous-naped Bellbird, Island Thrush, White-winged Robin and Regent Whistler along with Eastern Crested Berrypecker, The trip to the lek at Kama paid off with a single adult male Lesser Bird of Paradise and several shy female plumaged birds, along with an amazing bower of Yellow-breasted Bowerbird for those who did the steep trek down the slope. Luckily we got to see this species not too far way at Lai-Mambis later this morning, whilst Torrent Flyrobin showed nicely at the Sepik headwaters. From Kumul we drove back via Murmur Pass, seeing male King of Saxony and a terrific male Mountain Fruit Dove there on a brief visit. Next came the much more luxurious Rondon Ridge near Mt Hagen, with lovely big rooms, and the 40 steps to climb up to the dining area keeping us fit! Thankfully they now have a good system of trails in the forest here and we found it a rewarding place, albeit still hard to see things well. One afternoon was very quiet, and the pre-dawn trek next morning up to the ridge top was disappointing as it got very hot and sunny by 0700 and activity basically ceased. Star birds here included King of Saxony BoP, Superb BoP male and female at a fruiting tree, Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia, a fine male Brown Sicklebill, a great hearing experience but sadly no sighting of Black Sicklebill, (it was just too sunny!), MacGregor’s Bowerbird, Black Shrike-thrush (Pitohui), Stella’s and Goldie’s Lorikeet, Elfin and Red-collared Myzomela, Green-fronted White-eye and heard Mottled Berryhunter. Tari was as ever full of surprises; one rather dramatic when the lodge was raided by 10 armed and painted Huli on a beer raid and probably with a payback grudge against the manager. None of us was hurt, and thankfully I was able to quarantine our group out of view in the business centre, whilst David in the car park was rescued by young Henry the trainee bird guide. Unfortunately though the track where they were hiding was the one where the entire group of raskols went out right by them, with Henry saving my scope and the cameras from the miscreants, one of whom waved cheerfully as they went past! Such events happen, but are not directed against tourists, Tari really is a wild-west sort of place but such happenings make for a good diner table conversation piece. Despite this, we were able to make our outings much as desired once the coast was clear. I was also very pleased to see much less logging in evidence, and far less traffic on the highway now the oil and gas start-up is over. The charter flights ex-Hagen worked very well, I was pleased to see George is still the pilot as he supposed to be retiring and he is a tremendously experienced New Guinea pilot, always a comfort. I am hopeful Tari airport will be serviced by the two big airlines again, sadly it’s all very political but will no doubt resolve in time. Bird sightings included photos of King of Saxony, Brown Sicklebill, Short-tailed Paradigalla and Superb BoP, we saw Black Sicklebill twice, and a window in the business centre was very rewarding with nice photo ops for the rare Bicoloured Mouse Warbler, Sclater’s Whistler, Fan-tailed Monarch, Orange-crowned Fairywren and Blue-grey Robin, whilst some got Bronze Ground Dove, Tit Berrypecker and Superb Bird of Paradise female. Mountain Peltops and Great Woodswallow were terrific, and a Rufous Owl showed on two successive nights enabling everyone to get photos. Thanks to Sue and Rowan at Sicklebill Safaris for good logistics, to Leonard at Port Moresby, Samuel, Edmund, Joseph and Ashley at Kiunga, Max 1 and Max 2 at Kumul, Joseph Ando at Rondon, and Joseph Tano and young Henry at Ambua. My


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particular thanks to the group for good company and the chance to do the trip and get some great sightings, various recordings and a few nice photos. I do hope you were able to get some good photos, New Guinea is not an easy place for bird photography but some things do come good. We saw some 15 species of Bird of Paradise and heard 4 more, with many of them photographed too and some nice displays seen. The group had some memorable characters: Steven with this hand-carried enormous lens, David with his signature Rupert Bear trousers was also known as the late David or Captain Flash, and we learned that Peter is a world expert on Penny Red stamps with a serious collection of same, whilst Frayda is a skilled table tennis player, amazing what surprises groups can give you! The Land of the Unexpected treated us well overall, albeit with one exciting interruption at Ambua, with good weather throughout with no time lost to rain, and with no flight misdemeanours beyond no service to Tari. Tenk yu tru. Itinerary

• June 27 Port Moresby arrival, visit Waigani Houses of Parliament, Koki stilt Village and Ela Beach. Fine conditions. Overnight Raintree Lodge.

• June 28 Varirata NP morning, then PAU trip afternoon. Fine conditions. Overnight Raintree Lodge.

• June 29 POM-Kiunga via Tabubil, then Km17 lek pm. Overcast. Overnight Kiunga GH.

• June 30 Fly River and Elevala, visiting Watame Lodge. Mainly overcast, heavy shower just as we neared Kiunga late pm. Overnight Kiunga GH

• July 1 Boystown Road Km 14 am, then Fly River oxbow and Nomad Junction pm. Nicely overcast. Overnight Kiunga GH.

• July 2 Kiunga to Mt Hagen on PNG Air, then Kumul Lodge 2600 m. • July 3 Kumul Lodge /Kama lek/Lai-Mambis then Max’s Orchid garden area pm.

Overcast later. Overnight Kumul Lodge • July 4 Kumul to Rondon Ridge via Murmur Pass 0800-0900. Fine conditions.

Overnight Rondon Ridge • July 5 Rondon Ridge track to 2300 m. Too sunny. Overnight Rondon Ridge • July 6 Rondon fruiting tree, the Mt Hagen and TNT charter to Ambua Lodge

departing 1240. Tari Gap pm. Overcast and heavy mist • July 7 Ambua surrounds and King of Saxony Trail. Misty and overcast, rain later • July 8 Ambua area, Naieda Track and Tari Gap. Misty and rain later • July 9 Ambua then charter at 1440 to Mt Hagen and flight to POM • July 10 Depart for Australia or on to Hoskins for the New Britain extension.

BIRD LIST * Heard only I Introduced Bold type denotes endemic to New Guinea [Denotes seen or heard by leader only] XC posted on Xenocanto IBC posted on Internet Bird Collection The family sequence follows the chronological order of the Tree of Life (2015) project Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)


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WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) Nice looks at 15 at the PAU. PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna eytoni) 11 at the PAU, this was formerly a vagrant to PNG but the status seems to have changed recently. RADJAH SHELDUCK (Tadorna radjah) One seen by a couple of folks at the PAU was a good find, uncommon here. PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa) 15 seen at the PAU. Megapodiidae (Megapodes) * YELLOW-LEGGED (BLACK-BILLED) BRUSHTURKEY (Talegalla fuscirostris) Heard at Varirata and Kiunga, honking away like a goose, and huge active nest mounds still at Varirata NP. This species is always very hard to see and quite unlike the Australian Brush-turkeys. . Podicipedidae (Grebes) AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) An adult at the PAU was the only sighting. Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) FRIGATEBIRD sp (Fregata sp) Ten very distant birds over Ela Beach bay, in bad late afternoon light. If you got any photos let me have a look and we might get an identity, I suspected at least one Lesser. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) FERAL PIGEON (Columba livia) I Birds at Mt Hagen may or may not be feral..... AMBOYNA (SLENDER-BILLED) CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia amboinensis) A couple at Varirata, then seen at Km 17, Watame, Kama and Rondon. Now split as Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove and an eastern NG and Bismarcks endemic. GREAT CUCKOO-DOVE (Reinwardtoena reinwardtii) A nice adult feeding on fruits by the Ambua car park. STEPHAN’S GROUND DOVE (Gallicolumba stephani) One shot by across the Fly River. PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia striata) Seen at the PAU. * BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE (Geopelia humeralis) Heard at the PAU, this is a bird of the Trans-Fly savannas and around the Port Moresby area. BRONZE GROUND DOVE (Alopecoenas beccarii) David and Steven were lucky enough to get one walk by from the picture window at Ambua, and Steven even got a photo, this is a very shy and elusive species and seldom seen. SOUTHERN CROWNED PIGEON (Goura scheepmakeri)


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Brief views of one of this terrific species on the trail at Watame, it is always a trip highlight but we saw none from the boat this time. WOMPOO FRUIT DOVE (Megaloprepia magnificus) 2 nicely at Varirata, and 4 feeding at Boystown Road, it is now moved out of Ptilinopus and gets its own genus. PINK-SPOTTED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus perlatus) 2 seen well at Varirata, then more at Km 17 and Kiunga. ORANGE-FRONTED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus aurantiifrons) A single at the PAU, this is one of the less common fruit-doves and quite easily missed. SUPERB FRUIT Dove (Ptilinopus superbus) A female at Varirata and another flew across the Fly River. * BEAUTIFUL FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus pulchellus) Heard at Kiunga and Watame. MOUNTAIN (WHITE-BIBBED) FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus (rivoli) bellus A male was seen and photographed beautifully up at Murmur Pass. Now split by the IOC from the White-bibbed Fruit Dove (P. rivoli) of the Bismarcks and Solomons. ORANGE-BELLIED FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus iozonus) Seen perched in treetops at Varirata and then along the Elevala DWARF FRUIT DOVE (Ptilinopus nainus) One female seen at Varirata and another at Boystown Road. This can be an elusive species. * PURPLE-TAILED IMPERIAL PIGEON (Ducula rufigaster) Heard at the Km 17 lek where Edmund did a good imitation of the call. PINON’S IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula pinon Just 3 of this large and striking pigeon were seen along the Elevala. COLLARED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula mullerii About 20 seen on the upriver journey at Kiunga, again scarce, where do they go? I fear this species is being hunted as it now seems very shy; it roosts in treetops along large rivers and is very tied to riparian forest. ZOE’S IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula zoeae Seen well along the Elevala River. TORRESIAN IMPERIAL PIGEON (Ducula spilorrhoa) 10 at Waigani, then 2 at the PAU. PAPUAN MOUNTAIN PIGEON (Gymnophaps albertisii) A flyby at Max’s orchid garden, then one sat by the road at Ambua and a flock zipping overhead. Centropodidae (Coucals) * GREATER BLACK COUCAL (Centropus menbeki) Heard from Kiunga, also at Varirata, but as ever shy and very elusive. PHEASANT COUCAL (Centropus phasianinus) One seen briefly whilst en route from Varirata. * LESSER BLACK COUCAL (Centropus bernsteini) Heard at Nomad River boat area but stayed out of sight. Cuculidae (Cuckoos)


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* BRUSH CUCKOO (Cacomantis variolosus) Heard at Kiunga and Varirata. * FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis excitus) One heard by the King of Saxony Trail at Ambua, this montane form is a potential split. DWARF KOEL (Microdynamis parva) One male at Varirata showed well. This is a species where the (presumed) host is unknown. LONG-BILLED CUCKOO (Rhamphomantis megarhynchus) An adult calling well at Watame but it flew before anyone got onto it in the scope. It is quite a rare bird, the host species still unknown too. RUFOUS-THROATED BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx ruficollis) One at Murmur Pass came in well to the recording. Another where the host species is still unknown. LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx minutillus) 3 seen chasing around at Km 14 at Kiunga. PACIFIC KOEL (Eudynamys scolopaceus) Seen at Kiunga at the lek and Km 14. CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (Scythrops novaehollandiae) Three flew over along the Fly River with a single later at the oxbow, winter migrants from Australia. Podargidae (Frogmouths) PAPUAN FROGMOUTH (Podargus papuensis) Three fine birds sat in a tree in at the PAU were a nice addition to the tour. Aegothelidae (Owlet-nightjars) BARRED OWLET-NIGHTJAR (Aegotheles bennetti) My old faithful was still present this year in the roost hole with the stick poking out of it. Hemiprocnidae (Tree-swifts) MOUSTACHED TREE-SWIFT (Hemiprocne mystacea) One from Varirata and 2 by Boystown Road mound (km 14), unusually few this time around. Apodidae (Swifts) GLOSSY SWIFTLET (Collocalia esculenta) Quite common at all localities we visited except Kiunga where it is absent. UNIFORM SWIFTLET (Collocalia vanikorensis) Seen around Varirata and Kiunga. MOUNTAIN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus hirundinaceus) Just a few were seen at Kumul and Ambua. PAPUAN SPINE-TAILED SWIFT (Mearnsia novaeguineae) A couple of sightings over the Fly and Elevala rivers, and one from Km 14. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)


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* BUFF-BANDED RAIL (Gallirallus philippensis) Heard calling in long grass at Bob’s House at Rondon, not a very vocal species. PACIFIC (AUSTRALASIAN) SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio (porphyrio) melanotus) 12 seen at the PAU, and now at long last split. DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa) Four were seen at the PAU. Jacanidae (Jacanas) COMB-CRESTED JACANA (Irediparra gallinacea) Great views of 3 at the PAU, with a tiny juvenile, a superb little bird. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles miles) 12 seen at the PAU and a couple at Jackson’s airport. Glareolidae (Pratincoles) AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella) Phil saw one at Kiunga airstrip, and Peter got one at Jackson’s Airport, a winter migrant. Laridae (Gulls & terns) CRESTED TERN (Sterna bergii) Singles at Ela Beach and Koki. Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Just a single at the PAU. LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) 25 at the PAU. Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) AUSTRALIAN WHITE IBIS (Threskiornis molucca) Three at the PAU, this is an uncommon winter migrant here. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) GREAT-BILLED HERON (Ardea sumatrana) A nice view of an adult flying over the Elevala was a good find as they are both shy and difficult when the water levels are high. EASTERN CATTLE EGRET (Asian) (Bubulcus (ibis) coromandus) About 30 near the PAU. Split by the IOC from Western Cattle Egret, the breeding dress is very distinct. NANKEEN (RUFOUS) NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax caledonicus) A smart adult at the PAU, then another beside an immature at the overgrown ponds there. GREAT EGRET (AUSTRALASIAN) (Ardea alba modesta) Just 2 from the Fly River. INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Egretta intermedia)


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One seen at the PAU, then unexpectedly one at Mt Hagen, and another at about 2300 m near the King of Saxony Trail, my first Ambua record. Split by HBW/BirdLife as Plumed Egret. PIED HERON (Egretta picata) Six seen at the PAU, in both summer and winter plumage. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) PACIFIC BAZA (Aviceda subcristata) One flew by at Varirata. LONG-TAILED HONEY BUZZARD (Henicopernis longicauda) One was perched up along the Elevala for I hope quite acceptable photos? BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans affinis) Quite common around Mt Hagen and Kumul, and singles near Port Moresby. WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus) A single was over the Fly River. BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) 3 seen along the Fly River, and one bird by Ambua Lodge. WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) An adult seen well up the Fly River. PAPUAN HARRIER (Circus (spilonotus) spilothorax) One female/imm.by the airstrip at Mt Hagen as we were taking off to go to Ambua, a good pick up of a scarce species which is often split as Papuan Harrier. VARIABLE GOSHAWK (Accipiter hiogaster leucosomus) One was perched along the Elevala, and another along Boystown Road. BROWN GOSHAWK (Accipiter fasciatus) One flew over at Lai-Mambis near the Sepik headwaters, the rounded tail seen clearly. GREY-HEADED GOSHAWK (Accipiter poliocephalus) A single was seen nicely and heard calling at the Km 14 mound. Strigidae (Owls) RUFOUS OWL (Ninox rufa humeralis) A fabulous bird right by Ambua Lodge, seen well by three of us on our first night foray, and again next night, even returning after an over-enthusiastic photographer used a flash and scared it off as I was getting my video. Captain Flash was duly forgiven. This is a rare bird in New Guinea, very little known and very hard to find, this was only my second sighting here. * PAPUAN BOOBOOK (Ninox theomacha) Eventually heard calling on the second foray at Ambua, after failing on the previous night, but kept back after being initially close. Also heard at both Rondon and on the pre-dawn boat trip at Kiunga. Bucerotidae (Hornbills) BLYTH’S HORNBILL (Aceros plicatus) A male at Varirata was unusual there, then about 26 above Kiunga. Meropidae (Bee-eaters)


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RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus) 20 over at Kama lek, and with one at Mt Hagen. Coraciidae (Rollers) ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis) 3 along the Varirata approach road, and common upriver from Kiunga with 30+ seen. Halcyonidae (Tree Kingfishers) * COMMON PARADISE-KINGFISHER (Tanysiptera galatea) Heard along Ketu Creek. BROWN-HEADED PARADISE-KINGFISHER (Tanysiptera danae) Leonard got us a fine bird at Varirata. It's endemic to SE PNG and this is the only place I have ever seen them. I like to get them without using tape; they sit quietly and can often be picked up by the bright red breast. * HOOK-BILLED KINGFISHER (Melidora macrorrhina) Heard at Watame and along the Fly, always very tricky to find, as it is a crepuscular species. BLUE-WINGED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo leachii) 2 lovely birds showed well at Waigani Houses of Parliament, and one was at Varirata. RUFOUS-BELLIED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo gaudichaud) A very nice view of 2 at Varirata, and also seen upriver from Kiunga. SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus) An Australian migrant here, it was seen at the PAU but oddly only one at Kiunga oxbow, and none Ambua where some usually winter. FOREST KINGFISHER (Todiramphus macleayii) One seen briefly along the Sogeri road up to Varirata. YELLOW-BILLED KINGFISHER (Syma torotoro) Quite vocal at Varirata where we saw one, and another at the Km 14 Boystown Road mound. Alcedinidae (River Kingfishers) PAPUAN DWARF KINGFISHER (Ceyx solitarius) Seen nicely from along the Lookout Trail at Varirata, another very hard bird to get to see. Falconidae (Falcons) BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora) One seen near Mt Hagen was the only sighting. Cacatuidae (Cockatoos) SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita triton) About 20 on the river trip above above Kiunga. PALM COCKATOO (Probosciger aterrima) A good view of a single along the Elevala, also a Cape York special. Psittaculidae (Australasian Parrots)


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COCONUT (RAINBOW) LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus) New Guinea birds are often now split as Coconut Lorikeet; the plumage is pretty distinct from the Australian birds. We saw them along the approach road to Varirata. YELLOW-STREAKED LORY (Chalcopsitta sintillata) Several flyovers of raspy-voiced small flocks from Km 14 at Kiunga. GOLDIE’S LORIKEET (Psitteuteles goldiei) Two in a fruiting tree at Rondon were in deep shade and hard to photograph, an uncommon and nomadic species. BLACK-CAPPED LORY (Lorius lory) These were noisy and we got some good looks at Varirata and Km 14 as well as on the Fly R. RED-FLANKED LORIKEET (Charmosyna placentis) A few flybys at Km 14 at Kiunga, but really a BVD (better view desired). STELLA’S (PAPUAN) LORIKEET (Charmosyna stellae) There was a nice flyby at Rondon Ridge, and brief views up at Tari Gap; it really is one of the most beautiful of all the parrots. Now split from the Papuan Lorikeet of the Vogelkop too. PLUM-FACED LORIKEET (Oreopsittacus arfaki) This tiny lorikeet with the husky voice was seen briefly above Rondon Ridge. RED-BREASTED PYGMY-PARROT (Micropsitta bruijnii) A single by the car park at Ambua, where it is the only Micropsitta, but not sitting for very long. YELLOW-CAPPED PYGMY-PARROT (Micropsitta keiensis) We saw a single dot flying over calling at Km 14, often the only way we see this species. YELLOW-BILLED LORIKEET (Neopsittacus musschenbroekii) A few at Ambua where we got to see them well. ORANGE-BILLED LORIKEET (Neopsittacus pullicauda) Singles on two days at Ambua were a nice find but did not linger. BREHM'S TIGER PARROT (Psittacella brehmii) Good looks at Kumul with up to 3 birds including a fine male, the group greatly enjoyed their chunky antics. MODEST TIGER PARROT (Psittacella modesta) Two of this smaller species on the Naieda Trail at Tari Gap, the yellow collar and extensive brownish breast identified them, one of the more elusive parrots. MADARASZ’S TIGER PARROT (Psittacella madaraszi) Peter saw one at Murmur Pass, and then we had two birds of this smaller tiger parrot twice at the car park at Ambua. RED-CHEEKED PARROT (Geoffroyus geoffroyi) Some good views both at rest and in flight from Varirata and Kiunga. ECLECTUS PARROT (Eclectus roratus) Heard along the Varirata approach road, then 8 upriver at Kiunga including a couple of females, and 3 at Km 14. PAPUAN KING PARROT (Alisterus chloropterus) Calling and seen badly at Varirata. ORANGE-BREASTED FIG-PARROT (Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii)


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Good views of the usual small flocks of 4-6 upriver from Kiunga. DOUBLE-EYED FIG-PARROT (Cyclopsitta diophthalma coccineifrons) A few seen flying over along the Elevala, the red face very obvious. I suspect multiple species are involved in this complex and it struck me as odd that HBW/BirdLife split out all the other fig parrots but not this one. LARGE FIG-PARROT (Psittaculirostris desmarestii godmani) One flew over calling up the Elevala. HBW/BirdLIfe split this into 3 species, this one being Yellow-naped Fig-Parrot P. godmani. Pittidae (Pittas) *PAPUAN (RED-BELLIED) PITTA (Erythropitta (erythrogaster) macklotii) Heard at Watame Lodge. Now split as Papuan Pitta as a part of the break-up of the complex into 12 + species. * EASTERN HOODED PITTA (Pitta (sordida) novaeguineae) Heard but unresponsive along the Elevala, and now split from the mainland Asian Birds. Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds) * BLACK-EARED CATBIRD (Ailuroedus melanotis) Heard calling from along the Elevala by the Twelve-wired site, this is a now a split from Spotted Catbird (A. maculosus) of N Queensland, though the Cape York birds belong to Black-eared as well. The species was split into 6 a couple of years ago but all except Spotted Catbird are really hard to see. ARCHBOLD’S BOWERBIRD (Archboldia papuensis) One female flew over Max’s garden area, and another was up at the King of Saxony Trail, but neither posed for photos. It’s a rare bird of the higher altitudes, liking frost pockets in the Antarctic beech forests. MACGREGOR’S BOWERBIRD (Amblyornis macgregoriae) We saw a female at a fruiting tree at Rondon, a very tricky bird to get a view of indeed. FLAME BOWERBIRD (Sericulus aureus) A male flew over us near the mound at Km 14, but again no photos were feasible. YELLOW-BREASTED BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera lauterbachi) A very fine bower at Kama lek, viewable after a short muddy scramble down, then a couple of birds in the garden bush area at Lai-Mambis, quite bright yellow beneath. The unique bower of this species is a kind of double avenue, with the outer set of walls at right angles to the centre avenue bower, decorated with blue quandongs and small stones. FAWN-BREASTED BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera cerviniventris) Several at the PAU with a good bower too, and then 2 up along the Varirata approach. Maluridae (Fairywrens) WALLACE’S FAIRYWREN (Sipodotus wallacei) Seen briefly at Km 14 mound, skulking in thick foliage. EMPEROR FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyanocephalus) A female of this striking species was seen at Watame, but was not very responsive. WHITE-SHOULDERED FAIRYWREN (Malurus alboscapulatus lorentzi) Both males and females were seen well in the gardens at Rondon, females here are black above and have white on the face and white throats, whereas other taxa have male-type


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plumage or are brown and white, all very bizarre. ORANGE-CROWNED FAIRYWREN (Clytomias insignis) Great views from the window at the business centre at Ambua, foraging along the flowerbed and I think some even got photos. They are always tough to see as they skulk so much and move quite fast. Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters) RED-COLLARED MYZOMELA (Myzomela rosenbergii) Seen up at Rondon by a couple of people, the male is an eye-catching thing for sure. MOUNTAIN (ELFIN) MYZOMELA (Myzomela adolphinae) One beautiful diminutive male was foraging among flowers in a flowerbed at Rondon for some, and we saw one very well at Kama lek. TAWNY-BREASTED HONEYEATER (Xanthotis flaviventer) Seen well at Kiunga and Varirata. BLACK-THROATED HONEYEATER (Caligavis subfrenatus) They were quite vocal at Rondon and were seen nicely up at Tari Gap. YELLOW-TINTED HONEYEATER (Ptilotula flavescens) Seen well at Waigani, this is only found in the savannas around POM. MOUNTAIN MELIPHAGA (Meliphaga orientalis) This high altitude species has a small yellow ear spot and a “chup” call, we saw singles at Kama lek and then Lai-Mambis. ELEGANT (GRACEFUL) MELIPHAGA (Meliphaga (gracilis) cinereifrons) Ah, now the Meliphagas at Varirata with the big pale ear spots are actually not Graceful but this recently split taxon Elegant Honeyeater M. cinereifrons. It's one of the few readily identified taxa in the genus. MIMIC MELIPHAGA (Meliphaga analoga) What looked to be this species was seen well at Watame, it has a quite small ear spot and is fairly large and long billed, and this is as good as they get. SCRUB MELIPHAGA (Meliphaga albonotata) One seen from the mound at Km14, the small white ear spot and “plik” call being distinctive. WHITE-THROATED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus albogularis) One calling and seen briefly along the Varirata approach. PLAIN HONEYEATER (Pycnopygius ixoides) One seen nicely at Varirata car park fruiting trees, and one at the mound at Km 14, nondescript but distinctive in its very nonentity! * STREAK-HEADED HONEYEATER (Pycnopygius stictocephalus) Heard at Varirata. This is one of the friarbird mimics, along with Brown Oriole. MEYER’S FRIARBIRD (Philemon meyeri) A good view of one just along the road from the mound at Km 14, a small dark brown friarbird with a distinctive voice and no bill knob. NEW GUINEA (HELMETED) FRIARBIRD (Philemon (buceroides) novaeguineae Seen at Varirata and Kiunga, quite distinct from Helmeted in calls and morphology. It was split by Clements but was then oddly demoted, but happily the IOC now split it again and have it as a NG endemic (though note the new Pratt and Beehler book lumps it.)


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RUFOUS-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ptiloprora guisei) A couple seen on the King of Saxony Trail above Ambua, this is actually a PNG endemic. GREY-STREAKED (BLACK-BACKED) HONEYEATER (Ptiloprora perstriata) The Grey-streaked Honeyeater was seen very well at Kumul and Tari Gap. BELFORD'S MELIDECTES (Melidectes belfordi) Bel Mels are liked by clients, being big, noisy and obvious, we saw them very well at all 3 highland sites. YELLOW-BROWED MELIDECTES (Melidectes rufocrissalis) Quite common at Ambua, just as noisy as its cousin, and also seen near Rondon. ORNATE MELIDECTES (Melidectes ornatus) A couple seen well in the valley by Kama, and a nice recording posted to IBC and XC. LONG-BILLED HONEYEATER (Melilestes megarhynchus) Heard, and glimpsed near the Km 14 mound. SMOKY HONEYEATER (Melipotes fumigatus) The extraordinary blushing honeyeater was seen well at Kumul, Rondon and Ambua. RUFOUS-BANDED HONEYEATER (Conopophila albogularis) A few seen at the PAU and heard at Kiunga. Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies) * RUSTY MOUSE WARBLER (Crateroscelis murina) Heard at Varirata. * MOUNTAIN MOUSE-WARBLER (Crateroscelis robusta) Heard at Ambua. BICOLOURED MOUSE WARBLER (Crateroscelis bicolor) My own bird of the trip, one I saw up at Myola back in 1995 but never since, and long overdue for me at Ambua where it is rare and very hard to find. Imagine my shock when looking out of the window at the business centre, I see a Bicoloured Mouse Warbler hopping on the grass and foraging in the flowerbed! There were at least two, and they stayed for ages, giving me time to go get the video and get some shots myself. Video on the IBC site and Sicklebill Smugmug. LARGE SCRUBWREN (Sericornis nouhuysi) Seen nicely at Ambua and Rondon, and photos obtained from the former site. BUFF-FACED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis perspicillatus) Seen and photographed at Ambua, the wide buff eye surround is very obvious. PAPUAN SCRUBWREN (Sericornis papuensis) Heard at Tari Gap, where they sing late afternoon. * GREEN-BACKED GERYGONE (Gerygone chloronotus) Heard at Varirata and Km 14. YELLOW-BELLIED GERYGONE (Gerygone chrysogaster) A couple along the Lookout Trail, always members of the bird flocks here, a couple from Watame along the forest tail there, and heard at Km 14. * BROWN-BREASTED GERYGONE (Gerygone ruficollis) Heard at Lai-Mambis, Ambua and Rondon; the delightful smoky descending song is the best thing about it. Pomatostomidae (Australasian babblers)


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* PAPUAN BABBLER (Garritornis isidorei) One heard at Km 14. Cnemophilidae (Satinbirds) LORIA'S SATINBIRD (Cnemophilus loriae) A good view of a female at Ambua, now reallocated out of bops and into this fairly new endemic family. Melanocharitidae (Berrypeckers and Longbills) BLACK BERRYPECKER (Melanocharis nigra) A male was seen briefly at Varirata, this one of the NG endemic families. FAN-TAILED BERRYPECKER (Melanocharis versteri) Nice views at Kumul and above Ambua. * YELLOW-BELLIED LONGBILL (Toxoramphus novaeguineae) Vocal around Watame and Km 14 but none showed. * SPECTACLED (DWARF) LONGBILL (Oedistoma iliolophus) * Heard along the Lookout Trail, but no views. Paramythiidae (Tit Berrypecker, Crested Berrypecker) EASTERN CRESTED BERRYPECKER (Paramythia montium) Good views at Kumul, a lovely bird. It's a member of an endemic family. TIT BERRYPECKER (Oreocharis arfaki) A couple of folks saw a fine male from the window at the Ambua business centre, an amazing analogue of Great Tit plumage pattern. Cinclosomatidae (Jewel-babblers and quail-thrush) * PAINTED QUAIL-THRUSH (Cinclosoma ajax) * Heard at Varirata, always a very hard species to see. * CHESTNUT-BACKED JEWEL-BABBLER (Ptilorrhoa castaneothorax) * Heard at Varirata, this is always one of the mega-skulkers! * BLUE JEWEL-BABBLER (Ptilorrhoa caerulescens) * Heard at Boystown Road, yet another mega-skulker. * SPOTTED JEWEL-BABBLER (Ptilorrhoa leucosticta) * Heard across the Tari Gap. Machaerirhynchidae (Boatbills) BLACK-BREASTED BOATBILL (Machaerirhynchus nigripectus) Great views of this striking species at Ambua, 2 were very vocal along the King of Saxony Trail. Artamidae (Woodswallows) WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus) A few seen around Port Moresby and Kiunga. GREAT WOODSWALLOW (Artamus maximus) Great looks at Ambua, huddling in endearing fashion with about a dozen birds all cuddled up when we got to Ambua, then perching on the lodge roof.


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Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies) BLACK-BACKED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus mentalis) Fine views at the PAU, thanks David; it's otherwise a Cape York special. HOODED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus cassicus) A good singer, and seen well at Varirata. * BLACK BUTCHERBIRD (Melloria quoyi) Heard at Varirata, it is likely the thick-billed New Guinea birds will be split from the Australian ones, and they call differently too. LOWLAND PELTOPS (Peltops blainvillii) A couple along Boystown Road by the mound, always a neat trip bird. MOUNTAIN PELTOPS (Peltops montanus) Two fine birds were back in the car park area at Ambua again; I have posted a cut of the call to the IBC and I imagine there should be some good photos? Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes) STOUT-BILLED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina caeruleogrisea) A fine male of this huge species, one of the largest of the family, at the Varirata picnic site, with a huge bill and great long tail. BARRED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina lineata axillaris) 3 seen well at Varirata, with very different calls to the Queensland birds, only the females are barred here and I suspect this is a distinct species. BOYER’S CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina boyeri) Good views from Varirata. WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina papuensis) Three along the Varirata approach road. BLACK-FACED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae) A flock of 15 along the Varirata approach road. HOODED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina longicauda) 2 seen briefly by the King of Saxony trail, and heard at Ambua airstrip as we were departing, a large and striking species. * BLACK-SHOULDERED CICADABIRD (Edolisoma incerta) Heard below the Kama lek but too far away to get. BLACK-BELLIED CICADABIRD (Cuckooshrike) (Edolisoma montana) Calling well by the King of Saxony Trail above Ambua, they give a loud raspy duet call; see my cut on the IBC site. We saw a fine black-bellied male on our second visit. BLACK CICADABIRD (Edolisoma melas) A male was seen well at Varirata. * GOLDEN CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campochaera sloetii) * Effectively only heard several times around Kiunga and upriver, where they were quite vocal. VARIED TRILLER (Lalage leucomela) Seen at Varirata, and again upriver from Kiunga. Rhagologidae (Mottled Whistler)


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* MOTTLED BERRYHUNTER (WHISTLER) (Rhagologus leucostigma) Heard at Murmur Pass, Rondon and very close at Ambua but annoyingly not showing. Always a bit of an oddity, it is now given family rank as part of an ancient Tertiary radiation revealed by genetic work. Oreoicidae Australasian Bellbirds RUFOUS-NAPED BELLBIRD (WHISTLER) (Aleadryas rufinucha) This odd bird that is actually not a whistler at all showed very well at both Kumul and Ambua. It is now placed with the Crested Bellbird of Australia in the new family of Oreoicidae. Sound cut posted to IBC and XC. Eulacestomidae (Ploughbill) * WATTLED PLOUGHBILL (Eulacestoma nigripectus) Heard above Rondon by the KoS site, but sadly unresponsive. Another that was always a bit of an oddity, it is now given family rank as part of an ancient Tertiary radiation revealed by genetic work. Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies) BLACK SHRIKE-THRUSH (PITOHUI) (Melanorectes nigrescens) A calling male at Rondon, a good site for them. Sound cut posted to IBC and XC. SCLATER'S WHISTLER (Pachycephala soror) We got very nice looks and photos at Ambua from the picture window, with a fine male and an immature male. REGENT WHISTLER (Pachycephala schlegelii) A couple of good looks at a pair at Kumul, and again at Rondon ridge top, a really beautiful bird. BLACK-HEADED WHISTLER (Pachycephala monacha) A male was seen nicely in the valley by Kama lek. LITTLE (RUFOUS) SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla megarhyncha) Seen at Ambua, this Not-so-Little Shrike-thrush group of 28 taxa is reputedly about to become an 8+ way split, just what the world needs! * GREY SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica) Heard at Varirata approach and near Lai River Sepik headwaters, but stayed out of sight. * WHITE-BELLIED SHRIKE-THRUSH (PITOHUI) (Pseudorectes incertus) This upper Fly endemic was heard briefly by Kwatu, a shame it did not respond. * RUSTY SHRIKE-THRUSH (PITOHUI) (Pseudorectes ferrugineus) Heard at Km 14, it is one of those things that you hear more than see, but the pale eye is a good field mark if you do get it. Laniidae (Shrikes) LONG-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanius schach stresemanni) Seen well in the Wahgi Valley and at Tari Gap, a singularly beautiful shrike. This highland PNG endemic race is a possible split. Oriolidae (Orioles)


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BROWN ORIOLE (Oriolus szalayi) Seen at the PAU and Varirata, this is one of the friarbird mimics. AUSTRALASIAN FIGBIRD (Sphecotheres vieilloti salvadorii) One at Waigani, and 4 at the PAU, a distinctive endemic taxon, the male has a greyish chest and yellow belly. HOODED PITOHUI (Pitohui dichrous) 3 seen at Varirata, this orange and black species is now placed with orioles and is one of the few poisonous birds. * SOUTHERN VARIABLE PITOHUI (Pitohui uropygialis) Heard at Km 17 this is the race brunneiceps. Monarchidae (Monarchs) FANTAIL (BLACK) MONARCH (Symposiachrus axillaris) See at Rondon then 2 really well at Ambua from the picture window, we even got photos. It is an extraordinary mimic of male Black Fantail of all things, very strange, but the white shoulder flash is a giveaway, plus the raspy call. * GOLDEN MONARCH (Carterornis chrysomela) Heard at Boystown Road. FRILLED MONARCH (Arses telescopthalmus) Great views of a pair along the Lookout Trail. SHINING FLYCATCHER (Myiagra alecto) Some nice views of both males and females along Ketu Creek. Ifritidae (Ifrit) BLUE-CAPPED IFRIT (Ifrita kowaldi) This is also a poisonous bird a bit like pitohuis, certainly an important species to see on a New Guinea trip, and we saw 2 above Ambua. This oddity creeps along branches and picks over lichens. For many years no one knew what family it belonged to, it has been placed in various groups such as rail-babblers or Incertae Sedis, but is now given family rank as part of an ancient Tertiary radiation. Dicruridae (Drongos) PAPUAN SPANGLED DRONGO (Dicrurus (bracteatus) carbonarius) Common at Varirata and Kiunga with distinctive calls; I split this from the Spangled Drongo in my Field Guide. Rhipiduridae (Fantails) WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys) Very widespread, we even had them at Ambua at 2200m and Max’s garden at 2500m. FRIENDLY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albolimbata) Good looks at all montane sites, where it lives up to its name. * CHESTNUT-BELLIED FANTAIL (Rhipidura hyperythra) Heard along the Lookout Trail at Varirata. RUFOUS-BACKED FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufidorsa) David and I saw one at Watame Lodge forest and it was calling by the Km 14 mound. BLACK FANTAIL (Rhipidura atra)


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A pair at both Rondon and Ambua, the sexes are strikingly different, the female being deep rufous, not black like the male. The pair that were flicking about on the mossy log above Ambua were very nice. DIMORPHIC FANTAIL (Rhipidura brachyrhyncha) Seen briefly at Kumul and at Rondon. SOOTY THICKET-FANTAIL (Rhipidura threnothorax) Vocal, hard to see but seen briefly at Varirata. * WHITE-BELLIED THICKET-FANTAIL (Rhipidura leucothorax) Heard upriver at Kiunga. Corvidae (Crows) GREY CROW (Corvus tristis) 5 flying over the Varirata approach one afternoon. TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru) A couple at the PAU. Melampittidae (Melampittas) * LESSER MELAMPITTA (Melampitta lugubris) Heard at Rondon. Genetic studies indicate it is of family rank, part of an ancient Tertiary radiation. Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-Paradise) GLOSSY-MANTLED MANUCODE (Manucodia ater) Seen at Varirata, our very first bird of paradise, then along the rivers at Kiunga, with some in the butterfly-like display flight and up to 6 in a day here. CRINKLE-COLLARED MANUCODE (Manucodia chalybatus) Two were seen by the car park at Varirata, with very obvious head bumps. TRUMPET MANUCODE (Phonygammus keraudenrii) A couple seen upriver from Kiunga and one at Km 14. This is the lowland taxon jamesii, and this species is due for splitting up into several species. RIBBON-TAILED ASTRAPIA (Astrapia mayeri) Great looks at a resplendent but still fairly short tailed adult male at Kumul. We saw 4 or 5 individuals here and each was in a different plumage! There was a subadult in the forest at 7-kona. This is one of the all-time great birds and a particular favourite of mine, and a PNG endemic. PRINCESS STEPHANIE'S ASTRAPIA (Astrapia stephaniae) Good looks at female plumaged birds at Rondon plus a male with damaged tail and a fully plumaged one atop the ridge. Then a couple of males at the sicklebill site below Ambua, distant but distinctive with those long waving paddle-shape tails, and a female-plumaged bird near the lodge. This is another PNG endemic too. BARNES’S LONG-TAILED ASTRAPIA (Astrapia stephaniae x mayeri) This hybrid between Ribbon-tail and Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia is not infrequent in some areas of the range overlap, though they tend to replace each other altitudinally. However, it is rare to see adult males and this male on July 6th was just the second time I have seen one. It had a hybrid tail shape, broad but with extensive white and a large dark tip, and a small bill knob. A lucky find.


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* LAWES'S PAROTIA (Parotia lawesii) None at the fruit tree at Ambua as the fruit seems to have failed, so only heard below the lodge this trip KING-OF-SAXONY BIRD OF PARADISE (Pteridophora alberti) A fine male but distant male was at Murmur Pass, then again in way too sunny weather at 2300 m above Rondon where he showed very briefly. Finally seen well above Ambua at a site above the Bailey Bridge, but not calling much this time. SUPERB BIRD OF PARADISE (Lophorina superba feminina) Nice female-plumaged birds at Rondon, with a good male at a fruiting tree near Bob’s house. Then another male sat up in big dead tree below Ambua, but a long way away. A female-plumaged bird was very close by at the window viewpoint and some folks got good shots here. * GROWLING (MAGNIFICENT) RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris (magnificus) intercedens) A male Growling Riflebird was calling along the Lookout Trail. The voice is so distinct this is clearly a good species, if the identical looking Chirruping and Chiming Wedgebills get split then so should this! * MAGNIFICENT RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris magnificus) One heard calling the wolf whistle notes at Boystown Road mound, but now very hard to see here. SHORT-TAILED PARADIGALLA (Paradigalla brevicauda) Great views of one along the King of Saxony Trail above Ambua, my video continues the rustling sounds it makes when in flight, see the IBC and Sicklebill Smugmug sites. BROWN SICKLEBILL (Epimachus meyeri) Several female-plumaged birds at Kumul were feeding on fruits and showing the pale blue eye nicely. The beautiful adult male who had been here for some years was hit by a catapult by a Western Highlander in 2014 and has now disappeared, the Great War on Nature continues. However, a fine male was happily at a fruiting tree at Rondon, and we saw another at the King of Saxony Trail. I also got a video of two female-plumaged bird poking about on the steep mossy roadside bank near here, an odd behaviour I had not noted before and which I must write up for my family monograph. BLACK SICKLEBILL (Epimachus fastosus) A male calling loudly above Rondon but disappointingly not allowing any views, and the sunny morning meant all was quiet by 0700. Then happily for us a far distant female was scoped atop a song post below Ambua, and a male at another distant site below the helipad on the morning we were leaving, good that this elusive bird is still around. [*BLACK-BILLED SICKLEBILL (Drepanornis albertisi)] Phil and Joseph heard this calling from the Ambua lodge car park early one morning, but far off and out of reach, it is one of the most difficult of the paradisaeids and still a species I have seen only a few times. * MAGNIFICENT BIRD OF PARADISE (Diphyllodes magnificus) Heard briefly below the Kama lek. KING BIRD OF PARADISE (Cicinnurus regius) A fine male was seen en route to the lek at Km 17, sat high in vine tangle for scope views. TWELVE-WIRED BIRD OF PARADISE (Seleucidis melanoleucus) A fine calling male was sat atop his song post along the Elevala early one morning, with a female plumage bird seen briefly too.


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GREATER BIRD OF PARADISE (Paradisaea apoda) Great looks and sounds from 3 displaying pure bred males at Km 17 late one afternoon, with no sign of any hybrid Raggiana x Greater (known as Lupton’s Bird of Paradise), though we did see a nice male of this odd form along Boystown Road later. RAGGIANA BIRD OF PARADISE (Paradisaea raggiana) The main lek at Varirata had 3 lovely plumed males, and we saw female plumaged birds and a subadult male later in the park, with quite a few along the Elevala River later. LESSER BIRD OF PARADISE (Paradisaea minor) The lek at Kama was back in business for visitors and it was great to see this BoP so nicely, though only one adult male was present and a couple of flyby female-plumaged birds. I hope it will still be feasible to see them here in future. BLUE BIRD OF PARADISE (Paradisornis rudolphi) * Sadly only heard briefly and very far away below Ambua, the formerly accessible sites all seem to be abandoned due to population growth and disturbance. This is a quite rare and restricted range species classified as VU (Vulnerable), endemic to a narrow and heavily settled height band and only in PNG. Petroicidae (Australasian Robins) WHITE-WINGED ROBIN (Peneothello sigillata) Seen very well at Kumul with a juvenile attended by a pair of adults. BLUE-GRAY ROBIN (Peneothello cyanus) Great looks and photos from the picture window at Ambua. * BLACK-CAPPED (ASHY) ROBIN (Heteromyias armiti) Heard along the King of Saxony Trail but elusive as ever, a split from what was formerly Ashy Robin, now a Vogelkop endemic. * BLACK-SIDED ROBIN (Poecilodryas hypoleuca) Heard at Kwatu and Watame. TORRENT FLYROBIN (Monachella muelleriana) Nice views of 3 at the Lai River Sepik headwaters. PAPUAN (CANARY) FLYROBIN (FLYCATCHER) (Microeca papuana) Seen twice above Ambua. * PAPUAN SCRUB ROBIN (Drymodes beccarii) Heard quite close at Varirata but in a very dense spot, so no views were possible. * LESSER GROUND ROBIN (Amalocichla incerta) Another mega-skulker, Heard at Tari Gap. Hirundinidae (Swallows) PACIFIC SWALLOW (Hirundo tahitica) A few seen at Port Moresby and Mt. Hagen. Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers) ISLAND LEAF-WARBLER (Phylloscopus poliocephalus) Seen very well singing at Rondon, and then heard at Ambua. Zosteropidae (White-eyes)


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* BLACK-FRONTED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops atrifrons) Vocal at Varirata but hard to get them to show, a heard only. * CAPPED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops fuscicollis) Heard at Rondon and Ambua but stayed out of sight. GREEN-FRONTED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops minor) Seen very well at Rondon, with white eye-rings, yellow throat and undertail and greyish-white underparts, but what are they? Both new field guides (but not yet the IOC) now split them as Green-fronted White-eye, formerly thought to be New Guinea White-eye. The whole taxonomy of these two species is a bit of a mess; I suspect New Guinea White-eye is more a state of mind than a reality, and that several different cryptic species are involved. Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies) PAPUAN GRASSBIRD (Megalurus macrurus) Now split as Papuan Grassbird, much larger than Tawny, with montane habitat and different song. It was seen at the Tari Gap and briefly at Lai-Mambis. Sturnidae (Starlings) METALLIC STARLING (Aplonis metallica) 10 seen at the PAU. SINGING STARLING (Aplonis cantoroides) A pair of this short-tailed species were seen at the PAU and 6 near Mt Hagen. YELLOW-FACED MYNA (Mino dumontii) A very obliging couple at the PAU, and widespread upriver from Kiunga. GOLDEN MYNA (Mino anais) A couple of nice looking birds along the Elevala river. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) ISLAND THRUSH (Turdus poliocephalus) Seen nicely at Kumul, very reminiscent of Eurasian Blackbird, a pair were feeding an importunate juv. here, it reminded me of Varied Thrush in the striking pattern! Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers) PIED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola caprata wahgiensis) Seen below Kumul, at Rondon and the Ambua area, a wide-ranging species in NG, this is one of the highland races. Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers) RED-CAPPED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum geelvinkianum) We saw this tiny bird very well at Rondon and Ambua. Nectariniidae (Sunbirds) BLACK SUNBIRD (Leptocoma sericea) Singles around Kiunga on two days, best at the Km 14 mound. Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)


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HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) I One at Mt Hagen, it has colonized since 1992 and is one of just a couple of introduced species in PNG. I also think it may be being displaced by the now almost ubiquitous Tree Sparrow. EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus) I A few in Port Moresby and at the PAU this is a colonist since 2007 and now exploding throughout all the urban areas in New Guinea, where we saw them at Port Moresby, Kiunga and Mt. Hagen. I anticipate it will reach northern Australia ere long. Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) WHITE-SPOTTED MANNIKIN (Lonchura leucosticta) Nice looks at 9 at the Nomad River junction in the tall grass there, a restricted range Trans-Fly endemic too. GREY-HEADED MANNIKIN (Lonchura caniceps) A small flock of 15 at the PAU, this species is endemic to SE PNG. HOODED MANNIKIN (MUNIA) (Lonchura spectabilis) Nice views at Rondon and above Ambua. Adults have a striking black head. Motacillidae (Pipits and wagtails) AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (Anthus australis exiguus) One at Mt. Hagen airport on the grass there, an uncommon bird and maybe specifically distinct from the Australian ones or allied to the northern taxon there as another species. MAMMALS Pteropodidae (Fruit bats) Greater Flying-fox (Pteropus neohibernicus) A couple seen flying over the Fly River, a huge great thing. Dasyuridae (Dasyures, quolls etc) Speckled Dasyure (Neophascogale lorentzi) A nice one along the King of Saxony Trail, the pale tipped ears and white outer tail showing well. Related to quolls, it is a diurnal species and quite common here. 2 fine Hercules moth (Coscinocera hercules) were shown to us by Alice at Ambua, one of the largest moths in the world.

Some of the photos are on the Internet Bird Collection (IBC), a free access site

via Lynx Edicions (publishers of the classic Handbook of Birds of World, now HBW Alive and a great database of all the world's birds). IBC is a superb collection of videos, photos and sound cuts and I usually post pictures and sound cuts from the tours here.

I recommend the xeno-canto website (XC) which has recordings of almost all the world's bird species, I contribute cuts from most tours and have uploaded some from this tour, just look under my name profile to see what is there. I also recommend the IOC World Checklist of Birds, a free access downloadable Excel file that gets updated every 6 months and is a great way to manage your overall list


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sightings; version 8.2 has just been published. Go to www.worldbirdnames.org or google IOC and ignore the Olympics stuff! Phil Gregory [email protected] www sicklebillsafaris.com

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