Is a long journey from Malaysia – Sulawesi – Jayapura (~26 hours without a bed, too much coffee and waiting) …for the day1 when we arrive, we give Magnificent Riflebird a try but failed to have any photo .. but the bird was well seen above our “hide”
Day2 – Nimbokrang
We start our drive, walk ~430am, 15 min drive and ~20min walk … the first Bird-of-paradise is waiting for us .. before we walk into our “hide”. The bird keeps calling, trying to attract female … but seem it is not attractive enough. only one female comes close and fast. The male trying to “show off” with some action but the female flew off just immediate it trying to show his “dance”
I am mostly recording video, so this picture I share is a Jpeg extract from Canon Digital Photo Professional software …
– one of the most easier, walk not that far and the birds just there without any waiting
– first Bird-of-Paradise of the trip and amazing beautiful
非常漂亮的天堂鳥。
update 202509
Our 2025 group had a great session today as Feng Shu shared a presentation about the upcoming West Papua Bird Photography trip. While I couldn’t be there, I really miss the fun times we had together. Let’s plan again soon — and go after one of those stunning Birds-of-Paradise!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
update 202508
It’s amazing how this bird kept calling during all three of our visits—only once did it attempt to display for a nearby female. I really enjoy watching this species dance; it’s not as dark or fast-moving as some other birds-of-paradise, which makes it even more enjoyable to observe.
It’s our last day at the first birding spot, and we were happy with our choice—got an even better view of this stunning Bird-of-Paradise. Since I already had good shots of its display, I focused on capturing it in flight. And yes… it flew off right after a nearby female called!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202507
After several years, I’m finally back in West Papua—so excited to return! Our first bird-of-paradise of the trip was the same as before: a beautiful male Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, calling at dawn in the dim morning light.
– let’s share some old pictures and video
– this was 2019 Oct, our West Papua Bird Photography trip first Birds-of-Paradise and one of the most easier.
– special of this bird is the tails
2. King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟, 王天堂鳥, Cicinnurus regius, ヒヨクドリ, Cendrawasih Raja
update 202602
This is one of my absolute favorite birds, and seeing it always gets my heart racing. This trip was particularly special because we found a much better vantage point. Unlike the first spot where the birds stayed high up after a 15-minute walk, this site offered open, low-level views for everyone. It did require a 40-minute trek through flat, muddy trails, but the proximity was worth it. Some of us even went back for a second round to capture better shots. I am already looking forward to returning in August 2026. Who wants to join me?
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202508
This is definitely one of my favorite birds-of-paradise. It usually stays high in the canopy, but with some luck, you can still capture its stunning poses and display.
For this trip, we were lucky—it came down really low, giving us a perfect chance to photograph this beautiful bird up close!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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BoP #2 which is my target #1 for this tour, was just about 20min walking after Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, but this is so much smaller, higher & active makes only a very limited angle to get the full view. I am lucky to have this just ~5min wait.
King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟
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3. Lesser Bird-of-paradise, 小极乐鸟, 小天堂鳥, Paradisaea minor, コフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Kecil
– The only BoP we didn’t see much and dancing .. just hear most of the time … the location we wait seem not the really correct location for “dancing” … but it did flying across and let us record
– 在非常高的樹上叫不停，就見到它們飛來飛去。幸運都停了一會。
update 202508
Same as before—it stayed high up in the trees. But this time, we were lucky to be much closer (surprisingly, we didn’t walk much on this tour—except one guest who followed me for the Black Sicklebill). Still, the bird was displaying with a few females nearby, and everyone was happy with the show!
– another not so obvious Bird-of-Paradise got from Irian Jaya.
– this is so far away, and somehow it still belongs to BoP .. we got it record ..
– 鳥不是特別出色，還要在遠遠的。
– 攝於伊里安查亚
#
After 5 days of “enjoy”, reasonable food, easy walk (flat), air-cond room, not far from airport and bird spots .. we finally move to 2nd destination Arfak Mountain..
After got the information before, we get ready with some extra food … sleeping beg, insect repellent, etc .. just before we going into a “no Phone” (only a particular spot can get a phone signal which is a bit distance from our “homestay”. After ~2 hours of offroad travel, we arrive at our homestay a little bit late and with rain .. so we call this a day and enjoy our cold stay
Here, we need to split into a few groups to decide on different BoP hide due to limited “hole” for photography …
Day1 at Arfak Mountain
5. Western Parotia, 阿法六线风鸟, 阿法六線風鳥, Parotia sefilata, カンザシフウチョウ, Parotia Arfak
– lucky to have this amazing, lovely bird for bird #1 .. we walk a very steep hike ~45-60 degree uphill for ~500m … we saw the bird-eating, calling for the whole morning but just not dancing … at ~9 am, we almost give up … the female came to the dancing group, followed by the male than the moment begin …
update 202602
This is one of our main target species, both to photograph and to witness in person just how incredible its display can be. It is a big bird, and once it starts displaying, it looks both spectacular and amusing at the same time. No matter how many times we watch it, the display never gets boring. Sometimes, we even return again in the afternoon, hoping to catch more action.
##### It’s hard to miss this amazing bird when visiting West Papua—but getting good photos during its “dance” is still a big challenge. The bird moves in every direction with lightning speed, often in low light. Once we had enough photos, everyone switched to video mode, hoping to capture its incredible display. This shot shows the moment it ends its dance—standing still and shaking its head. Captured at 40fps and turned into a short video. Hopefully, I’ll get to share the full display video soon!
– 4 years ago 5 of us went to West Papua for Photography and today 3 out of 5 we back to same airport and same Starbuck ..good memory … and hope tomorrow we have same good experience for the photography tour
– a big overall blackbird, with a colorful throat depends on the angle and also have a Blue eye
– the male famous with ballerina dance displaying to attract female
– 非常特别的天堂鸟。大，黑，喉会变黄绿。为吸引母鸟会跳草裙舞
201910, Mount Arfak, West Papua, Indonesia
update 2020 Jul
Western Parotia, 阿法六線風鳥, 阿法六线风鸟, Parotia sefilata
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so amazing to see it dancing ..
update 2020 Jan 16
a close look at the Juv
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6. Red Bird-of-paradise, 红极乐鸟, 紅極樂鳥, Paradisaea rubra, ジュウニセンフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Mati-kawat
actually, this is the last BoP of the tour but I really like it so much when I process the pictures …. can’t wait to share this great moment with you all. Endemic, common but somehow I really like this
update 202508
This year’s setup is much better—a shorter walk and an improved bird hide gave us a better viewing angle. Unfortunately, no female showed up, so the bird just did a short display as if preparing, then left. Still, a stunning bird and a moment worth witnessing.
This marks the final Bird of Paradise for our 16-day West Papua trip. Everyone was thrilled to see this beautiful and relatively easier species. It looked like it was just starting to display and call for a female—but no luck today. Still, it was fun watching it practice its dance moves!
– another BoP that really amazes us, it keeps cleaning the “dancing” ground and displaying (dancing) to attract a female. make a lot of photo opportunity
– 唯一不冷場的鳥，從早上到中午。下午都一直清理它的舞場，叫不停。
update 202603
Meet one of the most accessible and stunning Birds of Paradise. The male features a striking yellowish hue overall, complemented by a magnificent tail that shimmers with different colors as the light hits it from various angles.
I am planning a photography trip for August 2026 to capture this beautiful species. Who would like to join me?
– one of the easiest and beautiful Bird-of-Paradise
– every morning, it will come to “dance” ground clearing and calling the female – this is a moment after an hour clearing, no female is approaching so it is resting and preening nearby
– 一隻蠻普通+漂亮的風鳥，天堂鳥。
– 每天它都會到這清理，呼叫。希望母鳥的到來。
update 202602
This is one of the easiest Birds-of-Paradise to see, yet it is still among the most stunning and beautiful. This time, the display site was amazingly right beside the roadside! Compared to past trips, where we needed to hike 1–2 hours on steep slopes, this felt like a real luxury. If we have an extra morning, I would definitely return to enjoy this spectacular display again.
I will be revisiting West Papua in 2026 — anyone interested in joining?
update 202509 ##### Still remember the moment—our porters and local guides were late, so everyone rushed to the birding spot without them. Luckily, we arrived just in time to witness something special. A truly lucky group to see this stunning Bird-of-Paradise performing its display to attract a female. Such an incredible experience with these amazing birds! 还记得当时的情景——我们的挑夫和当地向导迟到了，大家只能自己快步前往观鸟点。幸运的是，我们还是赶上了精彩的时刻。 真是幸运的一组人，看到天堂鸟为了吸引雌鸟而展示求偶舞。这种鸟真是太神奇了！
#####
update 202112
update 202105
– one of the most seen, photograph BoP, but still like this bird very much. the body contains so much color and the chest “green” can changing depend on lighting and angle to “purple”
A large, front-heavy brown bird with a long, pale downcurved bill and a distinctive elongated head with a flat crown and a forehead tuft. Orange legs. Unmistakable males have a green-blue breast shield and long creamy-white plumes extending from the shoulders. Females are entirely earth-brown, lacking the shoulder extensions and shield. Immature resembles female. Found in canopy of tall forests in lowlands and foothills, confined to three islands in north Moluccas. Regularly sighted at known display sites. Very loud when displaying, giving raucous “WAA-WAA…” and “KEE-KEE…” notes. [Ebird]
update 202504
What a beautiful bird—one of the most easily accessible Birds-of-Paradise. I’ll definitely be visiting this site again soon. Can’t wait to see you once more!
– this a weird scene I seen, or I missed out anything before .. why the female is on top and I record few times ..
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– another trip another good view of this bird after longer wait compared to previous trips. I didn’t have best angle but still trying to show the beauty of this bird .. 8km bird .. worth ? YES definitely
– will share some funny video about this bird … may be finish this trip
– 2nd trip to Halmahera 2023 and see you next week … never get bored to see it making noise and dance even the journey there bit challenge … I am coming
– lucky to see it display but not really full open view. capture video with 100p slowdown 50%
– 幸运的看到他在跳舞。可是没全露。可是还是记录下了。
###
another special tour, which has main target of this Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.
It is a real good experience to be Halmahera, we just spend 3 nights. We easily got ours’ targets seen.
This is our main target, on 2nd morning. We hike 3.7km straight to the “hide” (on the way, we heard owlet-nightjar which is my favorite bird but we failed to see the bird and also rushing to the hide for main target.
Arrived before 6am, while every still dark. We can heard many of them already calling infront of us but just very brief view. after 30minutes, finally we got clear view of this amazing beautiful bird. But I still only got some extreme high ISO picture even with my CANON RF400mm F2.8.
Long story short, the birds stay for long and from ISO 25600 – ISO800, Managed to have perfect view of the bird and pictures… oohh video too .
Immediate of this target, we walking out and birding. There is another very good story to talk about “pick up service for the Pitta”
It’s not a lifer for me, but watching this bird display openly—with such a unique courtship dance and even mating—definitely made my July 2025 unforgettable. Even with highlights like the dancing Western Parotia, displaying Black Sicklebill, close views of King Bird-of-paradise, a flying Twelve-wired BOP, and up-close Owlet-nightjars… this moment will stick with me forever.
It’s truly a privilege to witness this amazing courtship display. We were lucky to see it many times and even managed to capture it in slow motion with new technology—something that would’ve been nearly impossible just a few years ago. Enjoy the moment!
– it is under the same species but looks different from the one found in Peninsular Malaysia. The Bali one, head over all more red-black instead of red-yellow-black
– 与马来西亚半岛的头部很不一样。红-黑而已。
update 202105
201605, West Balu National Park, Bali, Indonesia
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2. Green Junglefowl, 绿原鸡, 綠原雞, Gallus varius, アオエリヤケイ, Ayam-hutan hijau
– the male, very colorful, The back neck is metallic green-blue-yellow
– previously under the same species of Banded Pitta which now split to 3 different species. Malayan Banded Pitta, Borneo Banded Pitta, and Javan Banded Pitta. all of them with slightly different looks especially male. But all with the same call, behavior.
– 之前与其他两种马来亚，与婆罗洲归为同种。叫声一样。
– 爪哇特有种
update 202105
– male bird with a blue neck, head yellow instead of rufuos
– 公鸟。颈部有蓝边，头部是黄不是棕色。
201605, Bali, Indonesia
7. Bali Myna, 长冠八哥, 峇里島長冠八哥, Leucopsar rothschildi, カンムリシロムク, Jalak Bali
An eye-catching white starling with black tips to the tail and wings, bare blue facial skin, and long plumes that hang down the nape. Juvenile is shorter-crested than adult, with yellow wash. Found in small groups in open forest, where it spends time in the trees and foraging on the ground. Avoids dense forest. Restricted to northwest Bali. Differs from Black-winged Starling in having the black on the wings confined to tips, and in showing blue facial skin. Song is an untidy jumble of scratchy, chattering notes and whistles. [Ebird]
– a very special and beautiful endemic for Bali, wont wrong as long as you see medium size and white bird .. think only near Bali National Park area
– 非常特别的巴厘岛特有种，白
2016, West Bali, Indonesia
8. Small Blue Kingfisher, 小蓝翠鸟, 小藍翠鳥, Alcedo coerulescens, ヒメアオカワセミ, Rajaudang Biru
a very common small blue-white small Kingfisher at Bali-Java, can be seen almost any where near stream, pond …but quite shy as usual
这小翠鸟在巴厘岛几乎蛮普通，可是还是不容易拍。很害羞。
update 202402
– this is a very good example of need more fps .. so not always correct we do not need .. I normally shoot ~15fps in most of the camera by default … when this bird sudden dive in I am too late to change the fps .. and most of the frame without very good “eye contact” or I would say too less frame within the dive action (~7frames)
– a transit easy shooting near ours hotel, saw few of them and need small movement to get close to get closer pictures.
– 再去看松巴岛前，在巴厘岛酒店附近就找到。还蛮还几只，慢慢的走近还是可以拍好。
20240118, Bali, Indonesia
9. Little Black Cormorant, 小黑鸬鹚, 小黑鸕鷀, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, ミナミクロヒメウ, Pecuk-padi hitam
– overall black and mid size of bird always found near ponds, river.
update 202401
– transit to Sumba Island so spent some time in Bali for casual birding, managed to have this pond for small fun for everyone .. this bird very common here first arrive every one chase haha .. and day2 everyone target other bird except me waiting some bird fall into better light position but saw these 2 birds fighting for fish even not at the direction I wanted but just capture the moment 😀
– shy and not difficult to be found at most the islands near Sabah
update 202404
– a casual relax short break with only camera and myself .. managed to have few good birds and enjoy my cold drink with beautiful beach view. Lucky to have few birds included this use to be shy bird and came out feeding without worry about me.
– a very active and shy bird
– reddish eye-ring
– first saw at Sabah, also same very active and shy
非常活躍與害羞的鳥。與在沙巴見得都一樣。
update 202511
It’s strange how this species, once commonly heard and briefly seen in Tangkoko, has become harder to encounter in recent visits. But this time, luck was on our side—it was feeding just beside the trail and gave us a rare opportunity for some decent photos.
– a special almost represent Sulawesi as almost any where you can see symbol
A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– another main target for a short Photography tour, not really a difficult bird to be seen but it stay far from the hide and very alert with sounds. But there are few individual come to the ranger area which gave some close pictures.
A very common bird in Lombok, but not always easy to photograph. This time, we were lucky—three individuals appeared to be sharing nesting territory, allowing us to capture some great close-range photos and videos.
1. Plain Flowerpecker, 纯色啄花鸟, 純色啄花鳥, Dicaeum minullum, ムジハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI KECIL BIASA
– plain overall
update 20240110
– so many of dull fellow, meet up minimum 3 birds in 2-3 hour. very active but this bird just stay there for so long
– 一个早上，尽然遇上好几只。通常非常活跃，可是今天2只站很久
20240105, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
202205
– the bird still active, even not so colorful but it is a lifer for guest is always a good bird
– 还好还在，虽然很普通的鸟（鸟如其名）。可是还是客人新鸟种。
202205, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202204
– a plain color bird but as same as other flowerpecker, small and active
– 鸟如其名。纯色，可是还是一样的活跃。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202112
– just another casual birding day and see this plain and small bird
– 没目标的一天，见到这淡+小的鸟。陪我过了30钟。
202112, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202105
– a pale bird, that not that common. but 2 days in a row saw 4 birds in different locations.
– overall pale brown-light green, with no mark on the face.
– 如名。純色。蠻不起眼的小鳥。
202105, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Plain Flowerpecker, 纯色啄花鸟,純色啄花鳥, Dicaeum minullum,ムジハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI KECIL BIASA
– common, found near the forest edge, parks, mangrove, sub-montane etc
– with bright orange mostly front-underpart
update 202508
It’s a very common but still incredibly beautiful bird of Malaysia. However, because of its small size, it’s always a challenge to get a really good photo of it.
这是马来西亚非常常见但又很漂亮的一种鸟。不过因为体型小，总是很难拍到理想的照片。
202507, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202011
3. Black-sided Flowerpecker, 黑胁啄花鸟, 黑脅啄花鳥,Dicaeum monticolum, ボルネオノドアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BORNEO
– montane Borneo endemic
update 202504
#####
update 202407
– it is always co-operative for us, this time even lower and closer for us. While we busy to get good view of the Bornean Treepie. This bird just perch few feet from us and lets everyone has good view
– after long, again using R5 for this long trip, hope I change my view on this camera.
– 通常都很合作的鸟，今天竟然站离我们几尺而已。没个人都看的很好。
– 好几年没再认真用佳能R5，这次会在婆罗洲用上。希望会对它有点改观。
202407, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– it is a raining day, this common montane endemic just stand there for so long for us .. lovely Borneo endemic
– 在下雨天，这婆罗洲特有种。很乖的站很久让我们拍够够。
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– an endemic that not that difficult but beautiful to be seen …
– common lowland small flowerpecker, overall yellow
Update 202508
There were plenty of Green Broadbills in the national park—we heard and saw several during just 1.5 days of birding. This particular pair stood out, as they came in close to us, looking curious and unbothered.
– similar look as Borneo endemic Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker
update 202509
The forest has been unusually quiet for the past two days — even common species like bulbuls, flowerpeckers, and sunbirds are nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, this bird was one of the few that came low and close, feeding calmly without being bothered by our presence.
– it is almost one of the rareness bird to be seen in Malaysia, I dont have chance see this bird too much every year.. but it is such a good experience seeing this from Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo within 1 month ..
– one of the main reason visit KLIAS forest reserve, Sabah …
– rare, or always overlook brown canopy small flowerpecker
update 202311
– at the same fruiting tree, we had both dull brown-white flowerpecker. One with dark eye and the other pale eye .. but need to show customers the Brown-backed so I missed the chance again 🙁
– 同一棵果树。见到两只淡淡的啄花鸟。一只眼暗色，另一只“白”可惜又错过拍哪只褐背啄花鸟。
202311, Merapoh, Kelantan, Malaysia
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update 202301
– a rare occasion where more than 10 of this species bird on same fruiting tree
– Borneo endemic, which very similar to Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker which is rare in Borneo.
– different by the rumped and breast “red”
update 202407
– a raining afternoon, almost lost full half day but before we call it a day. Got few birds gave us some good view include this Borneo endemic. a pair stay low and long for us.
– 几乎整个下午都下雨，看是没什么机会。我还是叫大家到有花的地方等雨停，还好好几只不错的鸟出现。包括这只婆罗洲特有种。
202407, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202405
– active and common Borneo endemic in certain places like Sabah RDC, Danum Valley BRL
– for the group this is the only bird that keep seeing again and again in very close distance.
– 在婆罗洲, 西必洛,丹浓谷保护区 都不难拍到这鸟。
– 在上一团，这可是见最多的婆罗洲特有种。还要是特别近距离的。
202405, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202012
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9. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, 朱背啄花鸟, 朱背啄花鳥, Dicaeum cruentatum, セアカハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI BELAKANG MERAH
– common flowerpecker for Malaysia
– urban, mangrove, and 2nd forest
– 非常普通的啄花鳥
update 202405
– one of pretty common flowerpecker but not sure what happen. keep miss this bird recently and finally have this again with good view.
– 慢普通的，可是最近终是见不到这鸟。终于还是飞来我们面前让我们拍好好。
202405, Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202103
#
10. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, 红胸啄花鸟, 红胸啄花鸟, Dicaeum ignipectu, ハナドリ, SEPAH-PUTERI GUNUNG BIASA
– a montane flowerpecker which male having overall blue with “ref-fire” on breast
One of the most common birds at Fraser’s Hill, often seen feeding around flowers. Like other flowerpeckers, it’s small and constantly on the move—making it a fun but challenging subject to photograph.
– a common, tiny and active bird found Fraser Hill.
– with new camera AI technology, capture such a active and tiny bird picture with much easier compare to old DLSR time. Anyone want share how you shoot active (AF)and small bird with yours’ Camere ?
– as other’s flowerpecker, good to find near some flowering tree
– 蘇拉威西特有種
update 202310
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
A tiny, short-tailed songbird. Unmistakable male is dark with a red cap, breast spot, and rump. Underparts white, with a dark vertical line on the belly and white tufts on sides of breast. Female is gray, with red confined to rump; this color patterning is diagnostic. Juvenile resembles female, but lacks the red rump. Singles or pairs inhabit the upper reaches of hill and montane forest and forest edges. Restricted to Sulawesi. Gives thin, high-pitched “tzeet” and “kwit” call notes. Song starts with “tzeet-tzeet” phrases, then descends into a rapid warble.
[ebird]
update 202307
– a lovely and beautiful bird to be seen, previously saw it high up and finally have it low and beautiful view
– anyone want join me Oct 2023 for Photography trip to Sulawesi ?
– another Borneo montane endemic – bigger than other white-eyes
– with a black eye mask
婆羅洲高山特有種。不很稀有。
update 202509
This common Bornean endemic can still be highly luck-dependent to see well. During our short few-hour visit to Kinabalu Park, luck was on our side—we had an excellent, close-up view of this bird after waiting less than five minutes.
– a heavy rain morning, make us lost direction just birding with umbrella and raincoat. Lucky to have this bird so close at eye-level. beautiful Borneo endemic
– 一个下雨的早上，没办法带上雨伞一样的找鸟。还好这漂亮的特有种站的这么近。
202408, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202306
– surprise for last trip, it was so tough to meet one of this common bird, even we had many sights again last day of the long tour. But this bird gave us very good view and picture opportunity
3. Hume’s White-eye, 休氏绣眼鸟, 休氏繡眼鳥, Zosterops auriventer, KELICAP-KACAMATA RIMBA MELAYU
– previously belong to Everett’s White-eye.
– almost cannot differentiate with another similar white-eye Swinhoe’s (Oriental). but easier distinct from the environment. Where Hume’s normally found near forest instead of mangrove.
– very tiny active bird, note gray-brown upperparts, yellow-washed underparts, pale gray face, pale eyes, and white-speckled “scaly” forehead.
– 非常活跃与小的婆罗洲特有种。全是几乎白灰，身下带黄。
We had been trying hard to photograph this bird, but with no luck—until the final five minutes of our two-day birding trip at Kinabalu National Park. Finally, success just before the end!
– a very tiny small pale Borneo endemic, which normally moving in group
– a special endemic for the group, which told them very small bird and not very attractive but they say want have a try .. bingo .. got it quite low for us take picture
– common Borneo montane white eye with obvious black forehead and lores
update 202408
– a raining morning, everyone got wet, but it still do not stop everyone continue look for their target .. this bird came close and give us very good view
a montane common endemic, normally moving in flock feeding together make a lot sound
高山特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。
update 20240105
– so many good pictures opportunity, December in Taiwan but I am there not just for Photography … lets plan 2024 ? 2025 ? Autumn color with birds .. 😀
– this endemic normally moving in group and active making soft call
– 这特有种通常群体活动，蛮普通。叫的很小声。
– 台湾12月很多红叶，应该可以拍些好照片。。2024，2025再去？
202312, DaXueShan, Taiwan
update 20231218
– the only species that I saw 2 day in the row at DaXueShan, lovely and moving fast as other Yuhina.
– the RF200800 does not failed me to fast lock focus and track the bird even I missed quite a lot due to low light (low shutter speed while moving the lens direction fast) but as long as the bird stand still for a second or more most of the continuous series I had more than 70% keeper.
– It is a small parrot (18 cm) and is primarily green with bright red underwing coverts, a reddish shoulder patch, and yellowish margins on the wing coverts. It is sexually dimorphic. The female has a grey-brown head. The male has a black mantle, red upper mandible, and blue head and rump.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-rumped_parrot
– a rare small parrot, male with blue-grey-green wing
5. Rose-ringed Parakeet, 红领绿鹦鹉, 紅領綠鸚鵡, Psittacula krameri, ホンセイインコ, BAYAN GELANG BIASA
– feral for Peninsular Malaysia.
– Vibrantly bright green parakeet, frequently found in woodland, parks, gardens, where feeds mainly in trees. Nests in cavities, including holes in buildings. Easily overlooked if quiet, as the bright green plumage blends easily with foliage. Note the very long slender tail, bright red bill; male has narrow black-and-rose neck ring. Closely resembles larger Alexandrine Parakeet, which has a wine-red patch on each shoulder. (ebird)
– the flower withered but the bird still coming … good view of this cute bird
– 花都开始谢了，可是话还是来。真的很美。
202404, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202403
– as usual this tree still attract few birds, but today too bad just this hanging parrot available. This bird is so small and cute
– 这树几乎吸引蛮多鸟，可是今天就这一只小家伙。可是他很可爱+小。
202403, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
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update 202310
– it is always good to see this bird perch and most of the time we always tell guests .. see it is Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot flying … haha such a tiny bird flying …
A large green parrot with a thin pair of tail rackets, confined to North Sulawesi and satellite islands. Entirely green, except for distinct yellow wash on breast and collar. Males show a small red crown patch. Juveniles lack rackets. Found in pairs and groups in canopy of forests and edges in lowlands and foothills. Prominent yellow breast and large size of this species distinguish it from Golden-mantled Racquet-tail. If rackets are not seen, note the silvery-gray bill, unlike Blue-naped Parrot. Noisy, giving varied vocalizations. Song is a high-pitched “kut-ut-ut-kler-kler.” Also gives screeches, squeaking, piping, and ear-splitting “kraa” notes. [Ebird]
– Racquet-tail always attract us, even just the common Greater Racquet-tail at Malaysia. This colorful parrot with Racquet-tail, just another bird that I want to photograph i close range. finally it perch so just infront of us.
This tiny parrot was feeding—maybe on ants?—along a tree trunk. Luckily, a few came down low near the village, giving us a great look. Up close, it’s truly beautiful; otherwise, it just looks like a little green blur zipping around!
This is one of the most common birds on Waigeo Island—you can often see them flying around. We were lucky to stay at a resort where they flew close by and occasionally perched on nearby fruit trees. Just before heading out for our evening birding session, this lovely female came really close and low for us—what a treat!
One of the exciting moments was spotting this shy and rare bird through the thick morning mist. Thanks to Pak Esli’s persistence, he returned the next morning and got a much better view!
101. Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, 斯里兰卡短尾鹦鹉, 斯里蘭卡短尾鸚鵡, Loriculus beryllinus, ズアカサトウチョウ
– as other Hanging-Parrot small, always canopy. Sri Lanka endemic make no different
– 与其他短尾鹦鹉一样，小小+站高高
update 20240102
– while ours’ trip to Sri Lanka, so much rain while we planning to go out for more birds on day 2 but rain just too heavy for us. But it is glad that Sri Lanka is a place almost any where possible to birding. (ecxcept the forest reserve, bird really scared around) Included the garden of hotel, we got few good birds just at lobby of the hotel even raining
– as usual very colorful bird than move in pair, not very common only saw 2 times over 10 days
– 鹦鹉就是多色彩，不很普通。10天中就见了2次。
update 202401
– a raining evening, we been force to birding at Hotel garden and not a bad one we have this lovely endemic come to feed on palm seed
– 一个下雨的下午，没办法出去就在酒店前观鸟。还很不错这一只特有种。竟然飞过来吃果子。
202312, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
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update 202304
– always seeing this flying for the pass and finally before got “tick attack” (suspect we got the 200-400 tick bites here)we got this bird sitting good for good view to all and some picture opportunity.
Is a long journey from Malaysia – Sulawesi – Jayapura (~26 hours without a bed, too much coffee and waiting) …for the day1 when we arrive, we give Magnificent Riflebird a try but failed to have any photo .. but the bird was well seen above our “hide”
Day2 – Nimbokrang
We start our drive, walk ~430am, 15 min drive and ~20min walk … the first Bird-of-paradise is waiting for us .. before we walk into our “hide”. The bird keeps calling, trying to attract female … but seem it is not attractive enough. only one female comes close and fast. The male trying to “show off” with some action but the female flew off just immediate it trying to show his “dance”
I am mostly recording video, so this picture I share is a Jpeg extract from Canon Digital Photo Professional software …
– one of the most easier, walk not that far and the birds just there without any waiting
– first Bird-of-Paradise of the trip and amazing beautiful
非常漂亮的天堂鳥。
update 202508
It’s amazing how this bird kept calling during all three of our visits—only once did it attempt to display for a nearby female. I really enjoy watching this species dance; it’s not as dark or fast-moving as some other birds-of-paradise, which makes it even more enjoyable to observe.
It’s our last day at the first birding spot, and we were happy with our choice—got an even better view of this stunning Bird-of-Paradise. Since I already had good shots of its display, I focused on capturing it in flight. And yes… it flew off right after a nearby female called!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202507
After several years, I’m finally back in West Papua—so excited to return! Our first bird-of-paradise of the trip was the same as before: a beautiful male Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, calling at dawn in the dim morning light.
– let’s share some old pictures and video
– this was 2019 Oct, our West Papua Bird Photography trip first Birds-of-Paradise and one of the most easier.
– special of this bird is the tails
2. King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟, 王天堂鳥, Cicinnurus regius, ヒヨクドリ, Cendrawasih Raja
update 202602
This is one of my absolute favorite birds, and seeing it always gets my heart racing. This trip was particularly special because we found a much better vantage point. Unlike the first spot where the birds stayed high up after a 15-minute walk, this site offered open, low-level views for everyone. It did require a 40-minute trek through flat, muddy trails, but the proximity was worth it. Some of us even went back for a second round to capture better shots. I am already looking forward to returning in August 2026. Who wants to join me?
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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update 202508
This is definitely one of my favorite birds-of-paradise. It usually stays high in the canopy, but with some luck, you can still capture its stunning poses and display.
For this trip, we were lucky—it came down really low, giving us a perfect chance to photograph this beautiful bird up close!
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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BoP #2 which is my target #1 for this tour, was just about 20min walking after Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, but this is so much smaller, higher & active makes only a very limited angle to get the full view. I am lucky to have this just ~5min wait.
King Bird-of-paradise, 王极乐鸟
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3. Lesser Bird-of-paradise, 小极乐鸟, 小天堂鳥, Paradisaea minor, コフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Kecil
– The only BoP we didn’t see much and dancing .. just hear most of the time … the location we wait seem not the really correct location for “dancing” … but it did flying across and let us record
– 在非常高的樹上叫不停，就見到它們飛來飛去。幸運都停了一會。
update 202508
Same as before—it stayed high up in the trees. But this time, we were lucky to be much closer (surprisingly, we didn’t walk much on this tour—except one guest who followed me for the Black Sicklebill). Still, the bird was displaying with a few females nearby, and everyone was happy with the show!
– another not so obvious Bird-of-Paradise got from Irian Jaya.
– this is so far away, and somehow it still belongs to BoP .. we got it record ..
– 鳥不是特別出色，還要在遠遠的。
– 攝於伊里安查亚
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After 5 days of “enjoy”, reasonable food, easy walk (flat), air-cond room, not far from airport and bird spots .. we finally move to 2nd destination Arfak Mountain..
After got the information before, we get ready with some extra food … sleeping beg, insect repellent, etc .. just before we going into a “no Phone” (only a particular spot can get a phone signal which is a bit distance from our “homestay”. After ~2 hours of offroad travel, we arrive at our homestay a little bit late and with rain .. so we call this a day and enjoy our cold stay
Here, we need to split into a few groups to decide on different BoP hide due to limited “hole” for photography …
Day1 at Arfak Mountain
5. Western Parotia, 阿法六线风鸟, 阿法六線風鳥, Parotia sefilata, カンザシフウチョウ, Parotia Arfak
– lucky to have this amazing, lovely bird for bird #1 .. we walk a very steep hike ~45-60 degree uphill for ~500m … we saw the bird-eating, calling for the whole morning but just not dancing … at ~9 am, we almost give up … the female came to the dancing group, followed by the male than the moment begin …
update 202602
This is one of our main target species, both to photograph and to witness in person just how incredible its display can be. It is a big bird, and once it starts displaying, it looks both spectacular and amusing at the same time. No matter how many times we watch it, the display never gets boring. Sometimes, we even return again in the afternoon, hoping to catch more action.
##### It’s hard to miss this amazing bird when visiting West Papua—but getting good photos during its “dance” is still a big challenge. The bird moves in every direction with lightning speed, often in low light. Once we had enough photos, everyone switched to video mode, hoping to capture its incredible display. This shot shows the moment it ends its dance—standing still and shaking its head. Captured at 40fps and turned into a short video. Hopefully, I’ll get to share the full display video soon!
– a big overall blackbird, with a colorful throat depends on the angle and also have a Blue eye
– the male famous with ballerina dance displaying to attract female
– 非常特别的天堂鸟。大，黑，喉会变黄绿。为吸引母鸟会跳草裙舞
201910, Mount Arfak, West Papua, Indonesia
update 2020 Jul
Western Parotia, 阿法六線風鳥, 阿法六线风鸟, Parotia sefilata
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so amazing to see it dancing ..
update 2020 Jan 16
a close look at the Juv
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6. Red Bird-of-paradise, 红极乐鸟, 紅極樂鳥, Paradisaea rubra, ジュウニセンフウチョウ, Cendrawasih Mati-kawat
actually, this is the last BoP of the tour but I really like it so much when I process the pictures …. can’t wait to share this great moment with you all. Endemic, common but somehow I really like this
update 202508
This year’s setup is much better—a shorter walk and an improved bird hide gave us a better viewing angle. Unfortunately, no female showed up, so the bird just did a short display as if preparing, then left. Still, a stunning bird and a moment worth witnessing.
This marks the final Bird of Paradise for our 16-day West Papua trip. Everyone was thrilled to see this beautiful and relatively easier species. It looked like it was just starting to display and call for a female—but no luck today. Still, it was fun watching it practice its dance moves!
– another BoP that really amazes us, it keeps cleaning the “dancing” ground and displaying (dancing) to attract a female. make a lot of photo opportunity
– 唯一不冷場的鳥，從早上到中午。下午都一直清理它的舞場，叫不停。
update 202603
Meet one of the most accessible and stunning Birds of Paradise. The male features a striking yellowish hue overall, complemented by a magnificent tail that shimmers with different colors as the light hits it from various angles.
I am planning a photography trip for August 2026 to capture this beautiful species. Who would like to join me?
– one of the easiest and beautiful Bird-of-Paradise
– every morning, it will come to “dance” ground clearing and calling the female – this is a moment after an hour clearing, no female is approaching so it is resting and preening nearby
– 一隻蠻普通+漂亮的風鳥，天堂鳥。
– 每天它都會到這清理，呼叫。希望母鳥的到來。
update 202602
This is one of the easiest Birds-of-Paradise to see, yet it is still among the most stunning and beautiful. This time, the display site was amazingly right beside the roadside! Compared to past trips, where we needed to hike 1–2 hours on steep slopes, this felt like a real luxury. If we have an extra morning, I would definitely return to enjoy this spectacular display again.
I will be revisiting West Papua in 2026 — anyone interested in joining?
update 202509 ##### Still remember the moment—our porters and local guides were late, so everyone rushed to the birding spot without them. Luckily, we arrived just in time to witness something special. A truly lucky group to see this stunning Bird-of-Paradise performing its display to attract a female. Such an incredible experience with these amazing birds! 还记得当时的情景——我们的挑夫和当地向导迟到了，大家只能自己快步前往观鸟点。幸运的是，我们还是赶上了精彩的时刻。 真是幸运的一组人，看到天堂鸟为了吸引雌鸟而展示求偶舞。这种鸟真是太神奇了！
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update 202105
– one of the most seen, photograph BoP, but still like this bird very much. the body contains so much color and the chest “green” can changing depend on lighting and angle to “purple”
It’s not a lifer for me, but watching this bird display openly—with such a unique courtship dance and even mating—definitely made my July 2025 unforgettable. Even with highlights like the dancing Western Parotia, displaying Black Sicklebill, close views of King Bird-of-paradise, a flying Twelve-wired BOP, and up-close Owlet-nightjars… this moment will stick with me forever.
It’s truly a privilege to witness this amazing courtship display. We were lucky to see it many times and even managed to capture it in slow motion with new technology—something that would’ve been nearly impossible just a few years ago. Enjoy the moment!
Frogmouth is one of my favorite bird family .. and I like to see them at night .. this frogmouth is huge !!! average 53cm !!!! We do not really look for it but on the way to our BoP saw it on the wire, road site so I decided to walk down shoot it with handheld .. yes handheld 😀 to reduce time waste …
It’s a massive bird (according to the field guide, 45–60 cm), and it truly looks huge when seen up close. We were lucky that Ahmad took us to his house—yes, just right across from it—to see three of them roosting. But I still hope to see it one day at night, with those glowing red eyes!
这是一只体型非常大的鸟（根据图鉴约45–60厘米），现场看真的很大！
很幸运 Ahmad 带我们去他家（就在他家对面）看到3只正在栖息的鸟。但我还是很想哪天能在夜晚看到它，看到那双“红眼睛”的样子。
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
– One of the most beautiful Monarch seen so far …this male just lovely with a blue eye-ring.
– male Blue-white and female is orange-rufous
– 非常特別與漂亮的王鶲
update 202102
– when I first saw the female, I was like wow this Monarch is just gorgeous. then we spent quite some time getting the male into the frame too.– as other Monarch, active and noisy bird– 當我們見到母鳥時真的不能相信這麼漂亮的王鶲– 讓後我們都決定用一點時間把公鳥拍下。
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– heard this bird calling many places but just too shy to show
– obvious bill shape
– 很多點都能聽到它叫。就是很難見到。
update 202507
Excited to revisit this amazing birding spot soon! During our last trip, we spent quite a bit of time searching for this unique “hook-billed” bird—but the effort was totally worth it. Can’t wait to try again in West Papua!
58. Vogelkop Bowerbird, 褐色园丁鸟, 褐色園丁鳥, Amblyornis inornata, チャイロニワシドリ, Namdur Polos
– one of the amazing birds, how this bird behaves… we spend our rest time to monitor this bird for 2 evenings.. it just amazing collect and put the same color “rubbish” to decorate the house.
– while we hiking for other birding sites, I actually notice some colorful rubbish been hide in some hole …think the bird knows how to keep the “rubbish” in another location if it is not required.
– 蠻大，沒什麼顏色的鳥。
– 非常特別的鳥，會把不一樣的”垃圾“。顏色分類。真的很厲害。
update 202105
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59. Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea, ラケットカワセミ, Cekakak-pita biasa
– Blue-white, red bill & long-tailed
– this bird is common especially at Raja Ampat, but it just too active and shy ..
– 印尼拉賈安帕群島蠻普通的鳥，可是很害羞。不容易拍照片。
Common Paradise-Kingfisher, 普通仙翡翠, 普通仙翡翠, Tanysiptera galatea
– pink crown, green black-white breast- orange-yellow belly
– 非常漂亮的果鳩
– 粉紅頭冠，灰白臉與胸，綠背。
– 非常害羞。
update 202508
Small and stunning—another beautiful fruit-dove!
In all my previous visits, we only had brief glimpses, often high up and far away. But this time, it came down low and stayed with us for a good while. What a treat!
One of the most common lowland birds in West Papua—but still very special, especially when it opens its mouth, showing off that bright, shiny color. And the female is just as stunning! (I’ll post her next time.)
For us, after a long day of travel, this was the first bird to welcome us—right outside our room!
update 202102
- this bird very active and beautiful for both male and female
- captured our stay at our hotel at Raja Ampat
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62. Lesser Frigatebird, 白斑军舰鸟, 白班軍艦鳥, Fregata ariel, コグンカンドリ, Cikalang Kecil
– one of the least common in this region with the Greater
– male is easier to distinct but females sometimes confuse.
– LF which refers has obviously the extended spurs which absent from Greater Frigatebird. some angles may confuse with Christmas Island Frigatebird.
update 202101
- captured this at our hotel near the beach while our stay at Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- the spurs extend from the center white breast
- blackhead, the white breast should be an adult female?
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63. Golden Monarch, 金王鹟, 黑黃王鶲, Carterornis chrysomela, キイロカササギビタキ, Kehicap Emas
One of the most common birds around, but this time it kept its distance and wasn’t too friendly. Still, we managed to get plenty of nice flight shots.
Such a beautiful bird, especially when its wings are fully open!
This bird is endemic to Papua Island, and unlike some species that require long waits, this one was a quick and lucky tick! It perched right where we wanted—such a satisfying moment.
Big thanks to the team for their persistence! We finally got a good look at this fairly common lowland forest bird in West Papua. It was a bit of a shame the first one only I managed to photograph—but luckily, we found it again and everyone got their shot!
This was another tricky bird to get! We spent two hours on the first afternoon, and only I managed to get a partial shot of the head and body. The next day trying for Papuan Pitta was another tough one—again, I was the only one who got a photo. On our final evening, Ahmad suggested trying a new bird hide. （bird not come for feed) —just walked and flew around. But in the end, everyone finally got a look at this Papua endemic!
It’s a huge bird with a brightly colored head. I missed it during my last trip, but this time I finally got to see two—moving around almost like pets, even with names! Really happy to finally see this massive and beautiful bird.
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
69. Mountain Owlet-nightjar, 灰裸鼻鸱, 山裸鼻鴟, Aegotheles albertisi, ミヤマズクヨタカ, Atoku gunung
update 202508
This is another one of my favorite bird families—always a top priority whenever I visit sites where it’s possible to see them. During our 4-day stay at Mount Arfak, we saw four individuals: three Mountain and one Feline Owlet-nightjar. This one was especially memorable—so beautiful and just about 5–8 feet away, staring right at us!
It’s not a new family or species — I’ve definitely photographed this bird before during a previous visit to the Arfak area. But this time, I got to witness it fighting with a Lophorina superba while trying to attract a female at the “stage.”
This tiny parrot was feeding—maybe on ants?—along a tree trunk. Luckily, a few came down low near the village, giving us a great look. Up close, it’s truly beautiful; otherwise, it just looks like a little green blur zipping around!
This bird showed up a few times throughout our West Papua trip and became one of our frequently seen species. Unfortunately, only I managed to get some record shots—others only saw it walk past! It actually paused in this spot for around 4 seconds, but due to the bird hide’s viewing angle, not everyone could get a photo.
This is one of the most common birds on Waigeo Island—you can often see them flying around. We were lucky to stay at a resort where they flew close by and occasionally perched on nearby fruit trees. Just before heading out for our evening birding session, this lovely female came really close and low for us—what a treat!
74. Beach Kingfisher, 白头翡翠, 海灘翡翠, Todiramphus saurophagus, シロガシラショウビン, Cekakak Pantai
update 202509
This kingfisher is quite common from Maluku to Papua Island—not a rare bird, but like many kingfishers, it can be shy when approached. Also, it’s not the easiest to photograph, especially with its bright head that’s easy to overexpose.
After our noon break, we explored along the river and were lucky to spot one perched nearby. Even better, it came back again for another look!
One of the exciting moments was spotting this shy and rare bird through the thick morning mist. Thanks to Pak Esli’s persistence, he returned the next morning and got a much better view!
This bird behaves much like a fantail but has the appearance of a drongo—a truly unique combination. While the rest of the group was in the hide, I was left outside (no seat available), which turned out to be a blessing, as I got to enjoy this strange and wonderful bird up close!
78. Brown Oriole, 褐鹂, 褐色黃鸝, Oriolus szalayi, チャイロコウライウグイス, Kepudang Coklat
update 202509
It gives off a call similar to an oriole, yet its appearance is rather plain and understated. Despite its simple look, it’s a species we rarely get to see up close or capture in photographs, making this encounter quite special.
One of the easiest and most rewarding night birding moments! This lovely endemic owl started calling right at dusk near the roadside. We didn’t have to wait long — just a short walk into the bushes, and there it was, perched and showing well for everyone. A truly special night encounter!
It’s not a new mammal family, but definitely a new addition to our collection! Spotted this stunning-looking mammal on Waigeo Island. While everyone was enjoying coffee and waiting for fruit-doves, some local kids called us into the forest. We couldn’t really understand what they were saying—but soon enough, this beautiful creature appeared, low and close. What a surprise and such a beautiful moment!
this is a special bird for Sulawesi as it is only for South-Sulawesi (we got this from Makassar). the rest of the area having “Blue-headed” instead of Black-headed
update 202310
– a special target at South Sulawesi, it is not as easy as the Tangkoko version of Green-backed. Look different on head , darker
– an endemic for the Sulawesi that found near the mangrove. someone say this is the ugliest bird from Sulawesi… but not for me .. it is handsome for sure
Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, 鱗胸翡翠, Actenoides princeps
just another endemic of 5 Kingfishers
a male bird. slightly shy compare to female .. cant get close to the bird
female. very tame captured think ~10m away
6. Sacred Kingfisher, 白眉翡翠, 白眉翡翠, Todiramphus sanctus, ヒジリショウビン, Cekakak Australia
– winter Migrant (South) before heading home
– look very similar to Collared Kingfisher with more white overall
– 與白領翡翠像。
Got this extra bonus while we at Mangrove Boat ride for the Great Billed Kingfisher
7. Ruddy Kingfisher, 赤翡翠, Halcyon coromanda, アカショウビン, Cekakak Merah
– another common resident, widespread across Asia
– 亞洲蠻普通的翡翠。赤色，帶紫。
Got this extra bonus while we at Mangrove Boat ride for the Great Billed Kingfisher
8. Sulawesi Pitta,苏拉威西八色鸫, 蘇拉威西八色鶇, Erythropitta celebensis, スラウェシヤイロチョウ
– previously under Red-bellied Pitta and split
– one of the lovely endemic
– 紅胸八色鶇分出來的
– 蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202311
– a bird that we shoot nearby feeding station for this bird, but we didn’t feed the bird… so do we consider take photo of feeding bird ? Yes or No ?
– 我们在喂食点附近见到，拍到。可是这属于拍喂食点的鸟？ 有对有不对？
201909, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
update 202012
– small and red-bellied pitta
– a split from Red-bellied pitta, as the name stated. An endemic of Sulawesi.
update 202105
201911, Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202012
#############
missed this at Tangkoko, thought going to miss this .. somehow got it just ~1 hour arrived Tomohon and 15 min after got the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
9. Knobbed Hornbill, 苏拉皱盔犀鸟, 蘇拉皺盔犀鳥, Rhyticeros cassidix, アカコブサイチョウ, Julang Sulawesi
– another endemic for Sulawesi. very beautiful Hornbill
– 非常漂亮的特有種犀鳥。
update 202511
This was one of our main targets here, and we were lucky to have three individuals giving us great views and photo opportunities.
Personally, I think this is one of the most stunning hornbill species I’ve ever seen.
这是我们此行的目标之一，很高兴我们遇到了三只，都给了我们绝佳的观赏和拍摄机会。
对我来说，这是最美丽的犀鸟种类之一。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 2020 May 5
Knobbed Hornbill, 蘇拉皺盔犀鳥, Rhyticeros cassidix, アカコブサイチョウ, Julang Sulawesi
########
it is nesting season , so almost all will got the same tree, same angle 😀
so lucky saw ~6 birds flying across ..
10. Sulawesi Scops-Owl, 苏拉威西角鸮, 蘇拉威西角鴞, Otus manadensis manadensis, セレベスコノハズク, Celepuk Sulawesi
– common Sulawesi endemic
– 蠻普通的蘇拉威西特有種
update 202511
Incredible to see that this bird still remembers me since my last visit in June—it’s just as tame and approachable as before. It perched around 6 meters above ground and stayed for 10–15 minutes, giving us a lovely session.
– it is almost not possible to miss this bird either day time or night time. me and my buddy+guests like owl and and woodpecker for start .. and this is very first owl we got and before we meet our “torch holder” (guide found us in the dark in the forest)
– many raptors endemic of Sulawesi, this is a small raptor
– overall rufous-light brown with a black-white tail (whit spot)
– 蘇拉威西很多猛禽特有種。小猛禽，棕色與黑白尾。
update 202309
– ours’ boring morning which cannot find the thrush and heard this bird and slowly we trying to locate this lovely bird .. small and beautiful
– 很闷的一个早上。没什么鸟，可是当我们走远时听到这鸟叫。没很久，就找到这么美丽的猛禽
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
#
15. White-faced Cuckoo-Dove, 白脸蕉鸠, 白臉蕉鳩, Turacoena manadensis, カオジロクロバト, Merpati-hitam sulawesi
– a common endemic Sulawesi but as other cuckoo-doves very shy
– medium size, white-face, green
– 蠻普通蘇拉威西特有種，可是很害羞。不容易接近。
– 白臉，大部分綠
16. Minahassa Masked-Owl,米纳仓鸮, 米納倉鴞, Tyto inexspectata, ミナハサメンフクロウ, Serak Minahasa
– a rare Barn-owl endemic and the name derived from Minahassa Peninsula described as a breeding bird
– 非常稀有的蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202310
– a special owl, seem everyone wanted to have a look at Sulawesi (included the local) as believe lucky ? but it is always challenge to looking for one.
– 蛮特别的鸮，几乎每个观鸟的到这都想看到。（本土人也很希望看到，代表幸运）
201908, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
17. Sulawesi Woodpecker, 苏拉威西啄木, 蘇拉威西啄木, Yungipicus temminckii, セレベスコゲラ, Caladi Sulawesi
– very small endemic woodpecker
– 很小的啄木。蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202310
– another lucky bird my fellow buddy believe. He always think, after we got any woodpecker sign. The luck will be good .. so we normally look for woodpecker before look for ours target
Sulawesi Woodpecker, 坦氏啄木鳥, Yungipicus temminckii,セレベスコゲラ, Caladi Sulawesi
18. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 苏拉黄嘴地鹃, 蘇拉黃嘴地鵑, Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus, セレベスバンケンモドキ, Kadalan Sulawesi
– a very active and big Sulawesi endemic
– bill upper yellow down red
– rufous upper and bottom dark black-blue
– 蘇拉威西特有種
– 嘴 – 黃-紅。
– 與其他地鵑一樣，活躍。
update 202501
This large and beautiful bird is a common endemic of Sulawesi, but it’s always a pleasure to photograph. I was very fortunate to capture it in flight!
Still figuring out where to go for a few days in April 2025—anyone up for a quick Sulawesi trip?
这种体型大而美丽的鸟是苏拉威西的常见特有种，但拍摄它依然是一种享受。我很幸运能捕捉到它的飞行瞬间！
2025年4月还有几天行程待定，有人想来一趟苏拉威西短途旅行吗？
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202304
– a pre-tour day, arrive Tangkoko a day earlier. Decided to walk with guests in the evening. never saw so many of them.. total ~10 of them feeding on same tree.
take opportunity to trying BIF shot. not bad overall.
19. Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, 金衣盘尾鹦鹉, 金衣盤尾鸚鵡, Prioniturus platurus, ウチワインコ, Kring-kring bukit
– one of the very special Sulawesi endemic
– this parrot with racket-tailed
– this is a female bird
非常特別鸚鵡，這隻有盤尾。蘇拉威西特有種。
這是母鳥。
update 202102
#
20. Isabelline Bush-hen, 苏拉苦恶鸟, 蘇拉苦惡鳥, Amaurornis isabellina, チャバラバンクイナ, Kareo Sulawesi
– a shy Sulawesi endemic
– making a very noisy call just like other Rallidae (crake-hen)
– 很害羞的蘇拉威西特有種
– 與其他秧雞一樣都很吵。
#
21. Superb Fruit-Dove, 华丽果鸠, 壯麗果鳩, Ptilinopus superbus, クロオビヒメアオバト, Walik Raja
– one of the most beautiful bird, it can be found in Sulawesi Sub-montane area
– maybe been poach over the years, most of the time high up
– 算是我看或最漂亮的鳥。
– 通常都站高，害羞。
update 202505
Our 10-day birding trip to North Sulawesi and Halmahera ended on a high note with this incredible bird. It took us nearly the whole morning to find it, but in the end, it rewarded us with a great view.
– a Sulawesi endemic
– small size owl just like other Boobook
– 蘇拉威西特有種
– 與其他鷹鴞一樣，都蠻小的。
update 202511
This species has always been a favorite and rarely disappoints when it comes to good views. This time, four individuals came close, and two were even feeding together—such a cute moment! Big thanks to the guests for trusting the wait.
update202310
– as usual, even special target tour. we still spend some time for my lovely owls. Arrive here, not very long. There are 4birds calling and 2 of them perch near for us to take pictures.
– 如常，目标鸟团。我们一样晚上找找我喜爱的猫头鹰。到达折后，没等很久。4只鸟在叫，2只还让我们拍好好。
202310, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202304
– 2023 April Sulawesi-Halmahera Bird watch trip end. Today finally got to sleep until 6am and wake up for proper breakfast. Tomorrow another new challenge.
– a special boobook, with special call.
– this bird is first ever bird we saw so tame, it stand there for such a long time for us to have good view.
– small endemic owl captured from Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#
23. Great-billed Heron, 大嘴鹭, 大嘴鷺, Ardea sumatrana, スマトラサギ, Cangak Laut
- lucky to have these 2 birds displaying and managed to have a good session with them
- a not so common heron
非常幸運，拍到它們在配偶行為。
update 202102
- while w on the way to Great-billed Kingfisher. Saw these 2 birds displaying and stop to capture the good moment.
#
#
24. Purple-winged Roller, 藍翅佛法僧, 紫翅佛法僧, Coracias temminckii, セレベスブッポウソウ, Tiong-lampu sulawesi
– a very beautiful bird, just like Malaysia Indochinese Roller but this with less vibrant colors and a “purple” wing-tail. Sulawesi endemic.
– 非常漂亮的佛法僧，非常害羞。蘇拉威西特有種。
update 202505
This species is always one of my main photography targets whenever I’m at Tangkoko. It’s a darker-colored roller, typically found near the forest edge, with striking overall purple plumage.
– overall rufous front, brown back. Yelloweye, white-browed
– 蘇拉威西特有種的貓頭鷹。
– 棕色，前部淺棕色。
update 202511
We spent over 20 days in Sulawesi last month, and overall did quite well with owls. Among them was this small Sulawesi endemic owl—once considered common, but now increasingly harder to photograph.
Thankfully, we had a few great views and good opportunities to capture this shy species. A real treat for the tour!
– it is a season where most of them not roosting at common area. We stay until dusk (~5pm) and managed to have good view of a pair of them .. just wake up with stretch wing
– as other’s flowerpecker, good to find near some flowering tree
– 蘇拉威西特有種
update 202310
– our simple no target day at Tomohon, come across this best spot for all the small birds .. good photography spot … so close and good lighting and background
– a very active and shy bird
– reddish eye-ring
– first saw at Sabah, also same very active and shy
非常活躍與害羞的鳥。與在沙巴見得都一樣。
update 202511
It’s strange how this species, once commonly heard and briefly seen in Tangkoko, has become harder to encounter in recent visits. But this time, luck was on our side—it was feeding just beside the trail and gave us a rare opportunity for some decent photos.
– white eye-ring, a black forehead. White chest-bellied
– 苏拉威西特有种。
– 白眼圈，前头部黑。白胸-腹
update 202105
201909, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
#
34. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii, Serak Sulawesi, セレベスメンフクロウ
A very large barn-owl with a gray facial disk, gray crown, and rufous upperparts and wings with scattered dark markings. Prefers open country, like agricultural land, plantations, and forest edge, from lowlands to mountains. Limited to Sulawesi. Distinguished from smaller Minahassa Masked-Owl by gray face, gray forecrown, more extensive dark markings across wings and upperparts, and preference for open country.[Ebird]
While we were trying to get better shots of the boobook, this owl started calling right at dusk. It remained a bit shy and didn’t perch too close, but I did my best with the Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x extender to capture a decent shot.
当我们正努力拍摄鹰鸮时，这只猫头鹰在黄昏时分开始鸣叫。虽然它有些害羞，没有停在太近的位置，但我依然尽力用 Canon R5 Mark II + RF 400mm + 1.4x 增距镜拍下了它的身影。
202511, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
#####
update 202410
– a Sulawesi endemic with very Barn Owl look alike and call alike … white overall compare to Minahasa Masked Owl more “light rufous” and slight look different
– a owl that we tried many times, many location.. but after few tried what a surprise to see it in one dusk but missed the picture opportunity. But went for 2nd night and got it flying on the sky .. and lucky to have CANON focus monster R3 with RF400mm F2.8 to have this ..
– almost time to finish off Malaysia tours, and time for lovely places again. I am going Sulawesi and Halmahera again Oct. Anyone interest on 2025 ? 2024 full 😀
– hopefully see this owl again, lovely and wait for me.
– last night of birding, after Speckled Boobook, immediate got this rare endemic and managed to capture few flying (not really enough shutter speed for sharp picture) . It flying high up with torch the light still not enough for any picture opportunity. Thanks CANON R3 it lock focus in such dark environment and track it down.
35. Black Sunbird, 黑花蜜鸟, 黑花蜜鳥, Leptocoma aspasia, クロタイヨウチョウ, Burung-madu hitam
A small songbird with a long downcurved bill. Male is blackish with iridescent areas: crown glossed greenish or blue, and shoulders, rump, and tail glossed with blue. Throat iridescent reddish-purple in most of range, but blueish in the north Moluccas and Kai islands. Female is nondescript, with a grayish head, white throat, olive upperparts, and yellowish underparts over much of range. In the south Moluccas and Aru islands, underparts are grayish. Juvenile resembles female, but yellower on throat. Inhabits forest edge, open forest, gardens, and scrub in lowlands and hills. Male can be separated from dark-bellied forms of male Olive-backed Sunbird by glossy, iridescent crown and black back. Females differ from Olive-backed Sunbird by absence of eyebrow, absence of white tail tip, white throat, grayish head, and duller yellow underparts. Females lack eye-ring, unlike larger female Brown-throated Sunbird, and are less uniform underneath than female Elegant Sunbird. [EBird]
蛮普通的花蜜鸟，在苏拉威西等附近岛屿。光线不好时，几乎都是黑的。可是在光线好时，它真的很美。
update 202511
One of the most stunning birds in my opinion—and definitely not just “black”!
We missed it at the usual location where it only perched far away. But today, while we were escaping the afternoon heat in a shaded area, this beauty flew in and stayed for a long time right in front of us.
– a bird with good lighting, it become so colorful instead of “black”
– 在光线好的时候，这鸟不是黑的！
202304, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
update 202304
– last evening birding, we enjoy the cold weather. surprise so many small birds come to same area in close range. It look like we are birds photography instead of watching.
– we enjoy so much all the small bird such a good view and pictures
– the good evening light make the “black” bird so beautiful.
A large green parrot with a thin pair of tail rackets, confined to North Sulawesi and satellite islands. Entirely green, except for distinct yellow wash on breast and collar. Males show a small red crown patch. Juveniles lack rackets. Found in pairs and groups in canopy of forests and edges in lowlands and foothills. Prominent yellow breast and large size of this species distinguish it from Golden-mantled Racquet-tail. If rackets are not seen, note the silvery-gray bill, unlike Blue-naped Parrot. Noisy, giving varied vocalizations. Song is a high-pitched “kut-ut-ut-kler-kler.” Also gives screeches, squeaking, piping, and ear-splitting “kraa” notes. [Ebird]
– Racquet-tail always attract us, even just the common Greater Racquet-tail at Malaysia. This colorful parrot with Racquet-tail, just another bird that I want to photograph i close range. finally it perch so just infront of us.
– always seeing this flying for the pass and finally before got “tick attack” (suspect we got the 200-400 tick bites here)we got this bird sitting good for good view to all and some picture opportunity.
A distinctive large, spectacularly-marked pigeon. Green with a conspicuous pale gray head, a red eye-ring around a beady yellow eye, a dark neck and chest, a bold white belly, a chestnut base to the undertail, and a broad white band in the otherwise dark tail. Shows subtle bronze tones in some parts of the plumage, such as the nape. Singles, pairs, and small groups inhabit the upper levels of forests and forest edges, mostly in the hills and mountains, less often lower down. Gives a very deep, two-noted call, descending on the second note: “woop-mooo.” Also gives single “woop” notes. [Ebird]
– a very surprise to have eye level of Sulawesi Myna, Sulawesi Hawk Eagle follow by this always hidden bird. and it stay so long for us to have front, side, back view.
– 非常幸运，低角度见了苏拉王椋鸟, 苏拉鹰雕.这害羞的鸠也让我们看了很久。
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
38. Sulawesi Myna, 苏拉王椋鸟, 蘇拉威西王椋鳥, Basilornis celebensis, セレベスオオサマムクドリ
A glossy-black starling with a rounded crest and prominent pale markings on cheeks and breast sides. Juvenile dark brown with a pale underside. Inhabits canopy of forest, forest edge, and nearby degraded areas within lowlands and foothills, typically in pairs or small groups. Distinguished from Short-tailed and Asian Glossy Starlings by large-headed appearance (due to crest) and conspicuous pale patches in plumage. Calls include a clear, metallic, piercing “tzew” and “tzip” as well as “zowee” notes; also gives quiet buzzy warbles. [EBird]
– 几乎全黑.脸颊和胸前有白。蛮可爱的鸟。可是通常都站高高的。
这次很幸运的站了很低让我们拍。
update 202310
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202305
– always seen bird but always high up without any reasonable view or picture. finally this bird decided to stand low for us.
An unmistakable long-tailed, black-and-white myna. Black except for broad white breast band and collar. South Sulawesi form has a pale-tipped bill; in north, bill is entirely dark. Juveniles less glossy and shorter-tailed than adults. Found in pairs or small groups in canopy of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills. Often perches out on prominent dead branches. Restricted to Sulawesi, satellite islands, and Togian Islands. Gives a variety of odd calls, including high-pitched piercing “keer,” soft low-pitched “kyop,” and other whistles and metallic notes. (ebird)
update 202511
Another productive morning clearing one more target on our final 2025 Sulawesi Bird Photography Tour. As we arrived at the location, this bird was already perched out in the open, offering great views and photo opportunities.
Never before has this bird stayed out in the open for us this long—easily 10 to 20 minutes! After such an extended view, everyone got ready for a flight shot… and yes, it finally took off with a perfect pose.
A tiny, short-tailed songbird. Unmistakable male is dark with a red cap, breast spot, and rump. Underparts white, with a dark vertical line on the belly and white tufts on sides of breast. Female is gray, with red confined to rump; this color patterning is diagnostic. Juvenile resembles female, but lacks the red rump. Singles or pairs inhabit the upper reaches of hill and montane forest and forest edges. Restricted to Sulawesi. Gives thin, high-pitched “tzeet” and “kwit” call notes. Song starts with “tzeet-tzeet” phrases, then descends into a rapid warble.
[ebird]
update 202307
– a lovely and beautiful bird to be seen, previously saw it high up and finally have it low and beautiful view
– anyone want join me Oct 2023 for Photography trip to Sulawesi ?
– a special almost represent Sulawesi as almost any where you can see symbol
A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.” [Ebird]
update 202310
– another main target for a short Photography tour, not really a difficult bird to be seen but it stay far from the hide and very alert with sounds. But there are few individual come to the ranger area which gave some close pictures.
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call. [Ebird]
update 202511
Compared to all my past visits, this bird has been surprisingly easy to photograph during the last two trips to Tangkoko—both within just two weeks! Still took some effort to get a clean shot, but it was definitely worth it. Such a lovely and stunning Sulawesi endemic!
46. Bay Coucal, 苏拉鸦鹃, 蘇拉鴉鵑, Centropus celebensis, セレベスバンケン, Bubut Sulawesi
A reddish-brown cuckoo with a long, often shaggy-looking tail. Juvenile shows a pale eye and a paler breast and throat than adults. The species favors vine tangles within forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills, where it is usually encountered singly or in pairs. The entirely brown body, lacking black, separates this species from Lesser Coucal. Song is a series of “hoot” notes that often encourages other nearby coucals to respond. Alarm call is a harsh, short rasping “burr.” [ebird]
– as other coucal, shy, moving in bushes … very coucal call alike
– 有如其他鸦鹃，害羞，喜欢活动在草丛里。
update 202512
This is a very common but typically shy species in Sulawesi. Fortunately, we had a few great moments where it took flight in open view, allowing us the rare chance to capture some nice bird-in-flight photos of this elusive bird.
– a bird always heard at lowland of Sulawesi, it is not so boring coucal overall but same it spend us sometime to have a good look of this bird
– 在苏拉威西，这特有种。通常都很容易听到。可是要拍到不是太容易。
201909, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
47. Sulawesi Myzomela, 苏拉摄蜜鸟, 蘇拉威西攝蜜鳥, Myzomela chloroptera, セレベスクレナイミツスイ, Myzomela merah-tua sulawesi
update 202602
As Chinese people, we embrace red as the essential color of the festive season; however, photographers also find beauty in a full spectrum of colors.
作为华人，我们在节日期间对红色情有独钟，但摄影师也同样热爱色彩斑斓的世界。
202511, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202503
it is one of very common endemic for Sulawesi, you wont miss the active “red” bird always feeding nearby flowers.
I am leaving to Sulawesi soon, hope more visit to the lovely Island in future.
它是苏拉威西岛常见的特有物种，你一定不会错过那只活跃在花丛间觅食的鲜红色鸟儿。
我马上要前往苏拉威西，希望未来能更多次造访这座美丽的岛屿！
202310, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
48. Black-billed Koel, 黑嘴噪鹃, 黑嘴噪鵑, Eudynamys melanorhynchus, スラウェシオニカッコウ, Tuwur Sulawesi
A commonly heard but very shy bird, with a call resembling that of the Malaysian Asian Koel—though its “woo” is slightly shorter.
这是一种常听见却非常害羞的鸟，它的叫声与马来西亚的亚洲噪鹃相似，但“喔”的声音稍微短一些。
update 202505
It was a dull and cloudy day when we first heard the call a few times and caught a glimpse of the bird flying, but no one managed a photo. Fortunately, the bird began circling near us, and while everyone searched for a perch shot, I took the opportunity to capture it in flight.
49. Sulawesi Crow, 苏拉威西乌鸦, 蘇拉威西烏鴉, Corvus celebensis
update 202507
This is a very common crow in Sulawesi, recently split from the Slender-billed Crow. With its new status as a separate species and a Sulawesi endemic, I made an extra effort on this trip to get better photos of it.
It’s rare! After so many visits to Tomohon without a single sighting, I finally managed to see one this year. Not the most colorful, but still a lovely bird to see.
51. Sulawesi Hornbill, 白颊犀鸟, 白頰斑嘴犀鳥, Rhabdotorrhinus exarhatus, カオジロサイチョウ, Kangkareng Sulawesi
update 202511
Another key target for Koel, and we got it almost immediately after arriving at the spot. A beautiful and small endemic hornbill. It made some soft calls too—hopefully I can convert the video and share it soon.
Soon heading back to Sulawesi! I’ve visited during different seasons, and this endemic bird has always been one of our key targets—alongside the impressive Knobbed Hornbill, another iconic endemic of Sulawesi.
Simplified Chinese Translation:
即将再次前往苏拉威西！我曾在不同季节造访这里，这种特有鸟类一直是我们重点寻找的目标之一，另一个就是体型更大的苏拉威西特有种——苏拉皱盔犀鸟。
202504, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
51. Purple-bearded Bee-eater, 须蜂虎, 紫鬚蜂虎, Meropogon forsteni, セレベスハチクイ, Cirik-cirik sulawesi
update 202511
It’s always one of our main targets when visiting Central Sulawesi. We’ve been here for two days and managed to see this bird twice, though still from a bit of a distance. We’re hoping to get a closer look soon!
A truly special Sulawesi endemic for us. Two more target species to go in the next day and a half — wish us luck!
This is truly one of the most beautiful mynas! We had seen this species a few times before, but usually perched high up near the canopy, offering only distant views.
This time, we were fortunate — a few individuals came down to feed, giving us a clear and close view, along with great photo opportunities.
这是最美丽的八哥之一！我们之前几次都看到过这种鸟，但总是停在高高的树冠上，只能远远望见。
这次非常幸运，有几只飞下来觅食，距离很近，让我们有清晰的观察和拍照机会，实在太棒了！
202511,
Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
53. Hylocitrea, 林啸鹟, 橙脇嘯鶇, Hylocitrea bonensis, Hylocitrea bonensis, Kancilan Buah
update 202511
Our main target at Lore Lindu turned out to be not as tough as we expected. We managed to see it twice, and both sightings were not high up in the canopy. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t ideal, making the photos appear a bit dull—but still a great bird to observe!
202511,
Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
54. Banda Sea Pitta, 斑达八色鸫, 斑達八色鶇, Pitta vigorsii, バンダカイノドグロヤイロチョウ
update 202511
This Indonesia bird photography trip was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be quite a successful one. One of our target birds showed up early, and I managed to capture this shot using Canon R1 at ISO16000—surprisingly good results despite the low light!
This has to be one of the cutest scops-owls I’ve ever encountered—endemic to the Banggai Islands. Its curious nature, constantly tilting its head while watching us, made the encounter even more delightful. Always a joy to see this charming little owl again!
Another endemic owl from Lore Lindu on our current Indonesia birding trip. This tiny species prefers to perch high and call frequently—thankfully, not too challenging to locate with a bit of patience.
202511,
Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
57. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii, Serak Sulawesi, セレベスメンフクロウ
update 202511
Not a lifer, but definitely a pleasant surprise! We were searching for another target when this lovely owl showed up. It stayed around for a while, giving us a great chance to enjoy and photograph it—always a joy to see.
What a delightful evening—two stunning and tiny fruit-doves perched low and nearby, giving us fantastic photo opportunities. We even attempted a few bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, these birds truly charmed everyone, and we ended up spending about 1.5 hours enjoying their presence.
This special moment, Photographers using nearly all camera brands were there to capture the moment, but not everyone managed to get that perfect shot.
What a wonderful evening—two beautiful and tiny fruit-doves perched low and close, giving us a great opportunity to enjoy and photograph them. We even tried for some bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, everyone was delighted to spend around 1.5 hours with these charming birds.
What an amazing start to our time at Tangkoko—almost all our targets were seen and photographed in just one morning! In the evening, we aimed for some special species, and this bird turned out to be very active, giving us great chances to capture some bird-in-flight shots. A lucky moment once again, made even better thanks to the superb tracking performance of the Canon R5 Mark II.
：
我们在Tangkoko有个非常棒的开始——几乎所有目标鸟/动物种在一个早上就拍到了！
傍晚我们尝试寻找一些特别的鸟类，结果这只鸟非常活跃，不断飞来飞去，给了我们拍摄飞行照的好机会。
又是一次幸运的时刻，多亏了Canon R5 Mark II出色的追焦能力！
Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
59. Sulawesi Goshawk, 苏拉凤头鹰, 灰頭鳳頭鷹, Lophospiza griseiceps, セレベスオオタカ, Elang-alap kepala-kelabu
update 202511
This is a species that’s not always easy to see at Tangkoko, but on this trip, we were lucky to encounter it twice — including an eye-level view and even a flight shot as it came toward us!
60. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠, 綠皇鳩, Ducula aenea paulina, ミカドバト, Burung Pergam Hijau
update 202511
It’s a very common species here, though it looks quite different from the ones we see in Malaysia. Usually, it stays high and far, but this time we were lucky—it perched at a reasonable distance, at eye level, and under beautiful lighting. A truly lovely bird!
61. Ivory-backed Woodswallow, 白背燕鵙, 白背燕鵙, Artamus monachus, セレベスモリツバメ, Kekep Sulawesi
update 202512
This is one of those birds that often gets overlooked, as it closely resembles the White-breasted Woodswallow. But this time, we were lucky to get a clear, eye-level view. A great Sulawesi endemic!
This bird can be heard calling everywhere, but getting a clear view is always a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, we were lucky—one showed up in the open, allowing us to get some great shots. Moments like this remind me that bird photography is still very rewarding.
63. Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle, 苏拉蛇雕, 蘇拉威西蛇鵰, Spilornis rufipectus, スラウェシチュウヒワシ, Elang-ular sulawesi
update 202512
This is one of those birds that always seems to ignore me—despite being a common Sulawesi endemic, I’ve only seen it 2–3 times over the years. This time, it finally showed up, though only briefly above our heads. Still, a lovely species to enjoy!
One of the most common primates in Tangkoko—often seen moving in groups. They may look intimidating, but they’re generally not aggressive. Still, it’s best to keep a respectful distance just to be safe!
After years, finally back to this amazing island … this time we come here for 6 days Photography .. let share some pictures from this trip
one of the main attraction for this Black Macaques
just another day spend on Tangkoko National Park
1. Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, 苏拉蓝耳翠鸟
another lovely endemic Kingfisher
2. Sulawesi Dwarf-Kingfisher, 小三趾翠鸟
a lovely and tiny endemic kingfisher
3. Knobbed Hornbill, 苏拉皱盔犀鸟
we were lucky to have this pair stand outside long enough before going back to nest to feed the chick
. another beautiful endemic
4. Ochre-bellied Boobook, 赭腹鹰鸮
another lovely endemic
5. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 火红嘴地鹃
as other Malkoha, keep moving not easy to have open picture. Another lovely and beautiful endemic
6. Ashy Woodpecker, 暗黄啄木鸟
another common endemic , but want to get a open and close picture is not really an easy work
7. Green-backed Kingfisher, 绿背翡翠
coming to Sulawesi North, top 5 endemic Kingfisher. and this this is one most common
8. Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, 苏拉鹰雕
another lovely endemic , lucky to see it got it’s prey
9. Tabon Scrubfowl, 菲律宾塚雉
moving non stop on ground .. trying best already
10. Gray-sided Flowerpecker, 灰胁啄花鸟
another lovely and common endemic
11. White-faced Cuckoo-Dove, 白脸蕉鸠
so shy , but lovely endemic
12. Rusty-backed Thrush, 红背地鸫
wrong setting , record shot of this beautiful endemic
13. Speckled Boobook, 斑鹰鸮
lucky to have this endemic just for ~2 s looking at us
very relaxing, we go nearby a open hill spot for some dove, parrot etc .. we can see the birds mostly on or below eye level but little bit of distance ..
14. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠
look different from where we saw in Borneo . look so beautiful ..
15. Silver-tipped Imperial-Pigeon, 苏拉斑皇鸠
another lovely pigeon, endemic to Sulawesi , so active in the morning.. but slowly disappear …
16. Finch-billed Myna, 雀嘴八哥
another very common endemic , any where but we didnt spent much time to get better picture .. too common here but beautiful
17. Sooty-headed Bulbul, 白喉红臀鹎
just another common bird found here
18. Azure-rumped Parrot, blue-backed parrot, 蓝背鹦鹉
many dove, pigeons, parrot found here . this is another amazing looking parrot
