Papua New Guinea Birding in Paradise IV 21st July to 6th August 2019 (18 days) Trip Report

Flame Bowerbird by Jacques Erard

Tour Leaders: Adam Walleyn and Gareth Robbins Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn

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Tour Summary Our group assembled in Port Moresby and set off on a lovely afternoon for an exploration of the Pacific Adventist University grounds, full of eager anticipation for the epic adventure ahead. A quick stop en route at some rice fields produced several Raja Shelducks and numerous Pied Herons amongst more widespread species. A few hours gentle walking on the grounds yielded all the hoped-for specialties: Black-backed Butcherbird, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Grey-headed Mannikin and a pair of massive yet perfectly camouflaged Papuan Frogmouths on their day roost in an enormous raintree. The various water bodies were full of birds including Comb-crested Jacana, Grey Teal, Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Australian White Ibis, Nankeen Night Heron, Intermediate Egret and many more.

Several trees were dripping with fruiting figs Plumed Whistling Duck by Ma Yan Bryant and playing host to unusually large numbers of Orange-fronted and Orange -bellied Fruit Doves, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Australasian Figbird, Brown Oriole, and Yellow-faced Myna. A very birdy introduction to this amazing country!

One of our earliest starts of the tour saw us leaving Port Moresby and winding up the Sogeri Plateau, flushing a Large-tailed Nightjar off the road along the way. In the early morning light, we arrived at the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise lek and could already hear several males giving their raucous calls. We soon settled in and watched an amazing scene unfold, as up to a dozen males displayed furiously to several onlooking females. It took some time and a lot of effort but one or two of the females were eventually satisfied with a certain male, resulting in copulation for him! We watched mesmerized for half an hour, soaked it all in and then carried on our way to a forest clearing.

Here, we were very busy with new species coming fast: a quick flypast of Gray-headed Goshawk, nice scope views of Amboyna Cuckoo Dove, Pink-spotted, Beautiful and Yellow-faced Myna by Jacques Erard Superb Fruit Dove, Zoe’s Imperial Pigeon, massive Blue-winged Kookaburras, colourful Papuan King Parrot, localized Elegant Honeyeater, nomadic Red Myzomela, and poisonous Hooded Pitohui. The piercing calls of a Papuan Scrub Robin emanated from just inside the forest, so we tried to call it in. The bird responded quite strongly and flew

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up to land for a second in a low sapling just in front of us. For this notorious skulker, that counts as a good view! As the day started to warm up slightly, we headed into the cool and dark of the forest interior; a fine spotting by Gareth at the back of the line yielded us some wonderful scope views of a glowing Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher.

Continuing a beautiful forest trail for the remainder of the morning was very hard to make progress as mixed-species flocks kept us very busy. Though providing a challenge to get views of everything, most species behaved pretty well and over the course of the morning we saw some of the more sought-after flock birds like Growling Riflebird, Drongo Fantail, and Goldenface. Amongst many other species we recorded Fairy Gerygone, Black Berrypecker, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Grey Whistler, newly-split Variable Shrikethrush, Chestnut-bellied Fantail, Spot-winged, and Frilled Monarch, scarce Olive Flyrobin, a Raggiana Bird-of-paradise by Jacques Erard White-faced Robin clinging to the side of a tree and even a female Magnificent Bird-of-paradise. Near the end of the trail, a spectacular flowering tree held our attention – viewing was not easy but many interesting species were in the tree including Black-capped Lory, Papuan Black, Red, and Ruby-throated Myzomela and Dwarf Longbill. Eventually, we pulled ourselves away for a late picnic lunch during which we saw our first Boyer’s and Barred Cuckooshrikes.

Walking another forest trail, we soon came across a sleepy Barred Owlet-nightjar at a well-known day roost and scored excellent views of a pair of Rufous-bellied Kookaburra in the same area. As we walked downhill, the forest was extremely quiet until we spooked the enigmatic Forest Bittern from the streambed and up into the trees. The bird was furtive and moving around quite a bit but with some persistence and group cooperation, everyone eventually got a good look at one of New Guinea’s most difficult birds to see. A couple of hundred meters further along, amazingly, there was a second Forest Bittern, this one with a white head and very bright yellow lores, probably recently fledged from a nearby nest. Wow!!

The day was not finished yet, though, as we Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher by Jacques Erard emerged from the rainforest and headed for an area of eucalyptus forest. We eventually tracked down a very cooperative pair of White-bellied Whistler, a highly localized species. Other species recorded in this birdy habitat included Pacific Baza, Forest

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Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrot, Mountain Myzomela, White-throated Honeyeater, Black-backed and Hooded Butcherbird, Common Cicadabird, Varied Triller, Leaden Flycatcher, and Lemon-bellied Flyrobin. As we returned to Moresby with the slowly setting sun, it was a lot to process after a very long and lifer-filled day at one the best birding spots in the country.

The next morning saw us heading to the airport for our flight up to the hub of the highlands, Hagen. Here, we boarded our bus for the drive up to spectacular Rondon Ridge lodge. We settled into our rather luxurious rooms with their amazing views over the Barred Owlet-Nightjar by Jacques Erard Waghi Valley and enjoyed our first lunch there. A bit of time spent around our rooms yielded some quite tame Mountain and Red-collared Myzomelas, Papuan White-eyes, Long-tailed Shrike, Hooded Mannikins and excellent views of a trio of Brown Quail – thanks to Jonathan and Ma Yan for inviting us into their room to watch them!

We then headed over to some fruiting trees at the forest edge just above the lodge and, skirting rain showers, enjoyed our first Greater Lophorinas, both males and females, along with some Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia including one spectacular long-tailed male. Other nice birds to be seen around here included Bar-tailed Cuckoo-dove, a scarce Madarasz’s Tiger Parrot, Yellow-browed and Ornate Melidectes, Fan-tailed Berrypecker, a cooperative Black-throated Robin, many Island Leaf Warblers and Red-capped Flowerpeckers. A solid start to our birding here! Heavy rain tonight curtailed any night birding plans.zWe now headed up the mountain for our most ambitious hike of the trip as we climbed the steep, narrow and muddy track up to a birdy forest clearing. For this, we decided to split the group in two. The faster walkers arrived into the clearing quite early in the morning, where they were entertained by two male Princess Stephanie’s Astrapias chasing around some females, but only heard the hoped-for Black Sicklebill. The second group was rewarded with a Forest Bittern by Jacques Erard wonderful male Wattled Ploughbill on the way up. Soon enough, we were all reunited in the clearing and enjoyed both male and female Brown Sicklebills and even better was a phenomenal King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise that was on show for a good portion of the morning, proclaiming his territory and swinging his amazing head wires around. Additional species seen during our extended watch here included Fan-tailed Cuckoo, brief views of Red- breasted Pygmy Parrot, perched views of Plum-faced, Papuan and Orange-billed Lorikeets, Black- breasted Boatbill and excellent Dimorphic Fantail viewing. The high-pitched calls of Wattled Ploughbill

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taunted us through much of the morning and those that had not yet seen the bird spent some time on the forest trails trying to track it down. It proved very elusive, although, we eventually had a quick look at a female, low down in some very thick climbing bamboo. Other species that were seen in the process made the time spent well worth it: elusive Orange-crowned Fairywren, Slaty Robin and wonderful views of Blue-capped Ifrit. After enjoying a tasty picnic lunch, run up to us by the lodge staff, we set off on the downhill walk back towards the lodge.

It was slow going through the beautiful montane forest, although, we did have a sighting of a male Wattled Ploughbill, a Black Pitohui and a soaring Pygmy Eagle. Perhaps the most interesting observation was of a Moss-forest Rat that David spotted, and I managed to catch. It proceeded to run up my arm to my shoulder and then jump off and scurry away! We were all ready for a little break mid-afternoon once we had reached the lodge and then spent the remainder of the afternoon back around the fruiting trees, where we enjoyed some new species – no less than 3 Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo plus a Fan-tailed Cuckoo all feeding on caterpillars, perching Yellow-billed Lorikeet and best of all a stunning female Blue Bird-of-paradise. What a great day in the field! Black-capped Lory by Jacques Erard

For the next morning, we split up into two groups. Some of the group opted for a more relaxed morning around the lodge and the fruiting trees. This was productive, with excellent views and photographic opportunities of Greater Lophorina and Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia amongst the other regulars.

The second group set off in the darkness and walked briskly up the ridge trail arriving there at sunrise. This plan worked out well as shortly after sunrise a male Black Sicklebill that had been calling nearby popped up onto a high, open perch to survey its territory and allowed us a good look. The walk down was rewarding too, as everyone finally caught up with a nice male Wattled Ploughbill along with Lesser Ground Robin, Sclater’s Whistler, Black Monarch, Slaty-headed Longbill and a very brief Black-mantled Goshawk. A pair of Garnet Robins gave amazing eye-level views at very close range. Brown Quail by Jacques Erard

We all met up for lunch and then headed down into the Waghi Valley. We very much enjoyed the cultural performances by the Huli Wigmen in their spectacular dress and also by the Asaro Mudmen in their fearsome masks. The birding in the valley was quite good as well. An extensive casuarina grove had

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Brush Cuckoo, Great Woodswallow, Black-headed Whistler, Ornate Melidectes and Grey Shrikethrush. Numerous raptors were seen through the afternoon as well, including Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Black-winged Kite, and best of all a Papuan Harrier working a small patch of grass right in Hagen city. We finally had a rain-free evening, so we headed out looking for nocturnal birds. Despite seemingly perfect conditions, nothing was calling tonight apart from a brief and distant Papuan Boobook – nocturnal birding can sometimes be hard to figure out!

For our final morning, we concentrated on trying to find Macgregor’s Bowerbird which had only been glimpsed thus far. We were largely successful in that most people ended up getting a decent look in one of the various fruiting trees they were visiting. We did also encounter quite a large and active feeding flock bearing a few very interesting species Red-collared Myzomela by Jacques Erard such as Streaked Berrypecker, Slaty-headed Longbill, Mottled Berryhunter, Black Pitohui, Sclater’s Whistler and Black-throated Robin. As we were packing up our bags to leave, a Yellow-breasted Bowerbird made a quick visit to one of the fruiting trees near our lodge, and then it was time to drive down the hill to Hagen, with a stop for a Papuan Grassbird seen en route. From Hagen, we continued onwards to Kumul Lodge and settled into our cabins for a three-night stay at this lovely spot set within some high montane cloud forest. We dropped our bags and immediately headed for the famous feeding table where all the regulars quickly made their appearance: Brown Sicklebill, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, Island Thrush, Common Smoky Honeyeater, Grey-streaked Honeyeater, Belford’s Melidectes and Brehm’s Tiger Parrot – wonderful stuff! The lodge grounds also had very tame White-winged Robin, Rufous-naped Bellbird, Mountain Mouse Warbler and Mountain Firetail – tricky birds to see elsewhere, but easy here!

We tried walking the narrow forest trails around the lodge, but we didn’t see a lot, although Black-throated Honeyeater did show quite well. Experiencing the thick mossy forest was a highlight nonetheless! But we were eager to return to the lodge mid- afternoon to stake out a fruiting tree. Here a pair of Crested Berrypecker showed extremely well and then were joined by a female Crested Satinbird. While watching these, the stunning male Crested Satinbird flew and landed, lighting up our binoculars. He spent the next half hour in the tree where we could enjoy him at very close range, even twitching around his head plumes that are normally kept hidden. Wow! Back at the feeders, a Bronze Ground Dove made a brief appearance, but it was very shy. Towards dusk, we headed back into the forest and waited at a small forest clearing. Right on cue the bizarre roding call of a New Guinea Woodcock was seemingly heading straight towards Princess Stephanie’s Astrapia us and it seemed like it would fly overhead but we never caught by Jacques Erard sight of it. We heard it once more, but darkness set in and it did

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not appear. As we walked back in the darkness, a Feline Owlet-nightjar called a couple times and then landed right over our heads to be illuminated in the torchlight. This striking bird is one of the trickiest of the nocturnal birds to see well so it was a very special moment!

A predawn start saw us driving downhill from Kumul Lodge and then walking the track up towards the village of Kama. It was an unusually cool morning here at this mid- mountain forest site and perhaps because of that bird activity was quite subdued. The calls of Blue Bird-of-paradise rang out periodically from the forest and thanks to a great spotting by Ma Yan, we were all able to enjoy scope views of the phenomenal male. Other birds seen over the course of the morning included White-bibbed Fruit Doves at a fruiting tree, a Macgregor’s Bowerbird, a Marbled Honeyeater, Yellow-browed Melidectes, Buff-faced Scrubwren, a Stout-billed Cuckooshrike and a pair of Black Fantails. Moss Forest Rat by Robert Parsons

By late morning, we were back at the lodge and several people managed to catch up with the shy Lesser Melampitta, while the Bronze Ground Dove made another appearance at the feeding table. All the other regulars were around as well. In the early afternoon, we departed again and headed for the forest clearing at Muramura Pass and had an extremely productive afternoon. This is the best spot on the route for the Mottled Berryhunter and we were in luck as the intricately plumaged female made a visit to a nearby fruiting tree. The same tree also attracted several Tit Berrypeckers and both a male and female Loria’s Satinbird. In the clearing itself, Fan-tailed Cuckoos perched on open branches, while the normally ultra- shy Ashy Robin hopped around fearlessly in the open. A Bronze Ground Dove was also feeding on the edge of the clearing. A scarce Modest Tiger Parrot gave us some excellent viewing while several lorikeets zipped around and occasionally perched: Papuan, Plum-faced, Yellow-billed and Goldie’s were all there. Additional species seen here at this very birdy spot were Rufous-backed Honeyeater, Fan- tailed Berrypecker, Black-bellied Cuckooshrike, Regent Whistler, Dimorphic Fantail, Blue-capped Ifrit, Garnet Robin and a male King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise, albeit with quite short head wires. Shortly before we left, a very impressive male Brown Sicklebill perched up for some time, a truly impressive bird and a great finale to another excellent day. Greater Lophorina by Ma Yan Bryant

Another predawn start was necessary to explore downhill from the lodge again and, arrive at the pleasant village of Kama. We waited expectantly for the Lesser Bird-of-paradise that was initially calling well

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uphill but soon came flying into his usual display area. Quite well hidden at first, the striking male eventually emerged into the open and showed beautifully to us. As the bird moved on to find some fruiting trees, we scoped up a Yellow-breasted Bowerbird sitting on an exposed perch for quite a while. We really enjoyed the views of our two main targets here, although otherwise, it was pretty quiet bird-wise – likely due to the young Collared Sparrowhawk that was patrolling the area! So, we carried on and made some more stops along the Lai Valley exploring casuarina groves, secondary forest and the roaring river itself. Some nice birds in these habitats included Torrent Flyrobin, Mountain Honeyeater, Brush Cuckoo, and White- bellied Cuckooshrike.

Some of the group opted to spend the remainder of the day back at the lodge on the forest trails and enjoying one last session Garnet Robin by Jacques Erard watching the feeders. Most folks who were still missing Lesser Melampitta managed to catch up with it during this time and all the other regulars were enjoyed one last time, including some particularly well- behaved Blue-capped Ifrits. The rest of the group returned down to Tonga for another attempt at the male Blue Bird-of-paradise. This worked out well as the male showed at closer range than on our previous visit, and a male Lawes’s Parotia in the scope was a huge bonus! At dusk, we made one final night birding effort, but the Woodcock was only roding in the distance and the owlet-nightjars were completely silent on this night.

We now had a long travel day ahead as we arrived at Hagen airport. While we waited for the gates to open, a very lost looking Great Cuckoo Dove was flying around and eventually found a tree to land in. During a longer than anticipated wait at the airport, we watched a few Australian Pipits and eventually boarded our flight to Kiunga, on which we were the only passengers. After lunch in Kiunga, we drove up the road to Tabubil, our only birding stop along the way was for a pair of Moustached Treeswift. We arrived in the late afternoon with time for some to pick up Variable Goshawk and Scrub Asaro Mudman by Jacques Erard Honeyeater on the hotel grounds. So, it was quite a slow day bird-wise but with a dry evening, we walked around the town a bit, looking for night birds. Before even leaving the hotel parking lot, we found a Marbled Frogmouth and then eventually tracked down a Papuan Boobook for a nice view. Lots of bats and a bewildering diversity of moths and beetles were also seen around the various light fixtures.

We headed out for a morning birding session at Dablin Creek, but last night’s clear dry weather was a thing of the past and we had a classic foggy/rainy morning at Dablin. It was very slow going and although

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we regularly heard our main target, Queen Carola’s Parotia, there was really little chance of actually seeing it in the dense cloud. We did scrounge up a few things including a Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, quick flypast of Metallic Pigeon, flocks of Dusky Lory and Blue-collared Parrot glimpsed or heard flying overhead in the cloud, a Black Butcherbird walking across the road, Stout-billed, Grey- headed and Black-shouldered Cuckooshrikes, a Black Monarch and a big flock of Capped White-eyes. In fact, a pretty reasonable haul given the conditions we were working with!

Conditions weren’t much improved as we headed out to the Ok Menga hydro plant, but we soon located a pair of Salvadori’s Teal swimming, diving and hauling up on rocks – great stuff! We then continued on to Kivitembep Forest and had by far our birdiest couple hours of the day as the rain eased off Mountain Firetail by Jacques Erard a little. A Gray-headed Goshawk that perched out in the open trying to dry out was really nice. We scoped up Orange-breasted Fig Parrot, Papuan Black Myzomela, Plain, Streak-headed, Tawny-breasted, and Mimic Honeyeater, Mountain Peltops, Boyer’s and Grey-headed Cuckooshrikes and our only Crinkle- collared Manucode of the trip. A mixed flock moving through the edge of the clearing produced some of our best finds of the day: a pair of scarce Wallace’s Fairywren, rare eye-level views of Green-backed Gerygone (quite an attractive bird when seen so well!) and a trio of poorly known Obscure Berrypeckers feeding on a small fruiting tree. In the latter part of the afternoon, we moved to our stake- out for Shovel-billed Kookaburra, but the light drizzle was intensifying. A flock of about 6 Moustached Treeswifts huddled out on open perches and a pair of Pesquet’s Parrots showed unusually well as they fed on some spiky orange fruits, oblivious to the now heavy rain. Before dusk we decided to pull the plug on our kookaburra search and head for the hotel. But near the hydro plant the rain eased off again and we recalled an unpromising looking site that we had been successful at in the past. There, we Crested Satinbird by Jacques Erard immediately heard the bird, but calling far below and seemingly out of reach. We were briefly distracted by some calling bush-hens and then suddenly the kookaburra was calling from one of the few roadside trees. Seconds later, the impressive male was slowly flying past the group a few feet away and at eye-level as we watched in awe from the main road. It landed in the forest edge on the other side of the road where we eventually relocated it for some nice perched views, although in truth the flyby was probably even more impressive. What a result – after a slow start this had turned into one of our top days of the trip!

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We now had an exciting day of exploration ahead of us as we were given permission to explore the Telefomin Road that is currently in construction. As we were the first-ever group to visit this area, we had little idea what to expect. We had heard reports that there was good montane forest accessible at 1,500 meters elevation and after about a steep hour’s drive in our 4wds, found this to be the case. Unfortunately, the weather was not at all on our side today as the fog and rain continued as we drove up the mountain, but the habitat was so good we had to give it a try. Despite the wet weather, mixed flocks were still moving through and containing a couple of species as we don’t normally access the forest at the proper elevation to see during our tours here such as Grey-green Scrubwren and Mid-mountain Berrypecker. Additional species in the flocks included Red- collared Myzomela, Mountain Honeyeater, Grey Thornbills at surprisingly low elevation, Dwarf and Slaty-headed Longbill, Black-breasted Boatbill, Hooded, and Black-bellied Cuckooshrike, Dimorphic Fantail, Black Monarch and Greater Lophorina. During a lull in the weather it cleared up and a bit of the area’s potential was revealed as we scoped up a Brown Sicklebill (a lifer for our local guide Jimmy) and a Blue Bird-of-paradise by Ma Yan Bryant scarce Meyer’s Goshawk. It seemed like the weather was set to improve and we heard a couple of Cinnamon Ground Doves calling to each other but then the rain and fog returned. We continued birding through the challenging conditions and had a young Black-mantled Goshawk perched in the open during the heavy rain but little else. By early afternoon it became apparent that the weather was not going to change much for the rest of the day, so we grudgingly left behind the pristine montane forest and drove to lower elevations where the weather was much better.

Here, we had an even better look than yesterday at a pair of Wallace’s Fairywren along with excellent looks at Pacific Baza, Long-tailed Honey Buzzard, Gray-headed Goshawk and Pygmy Eagle, all perching in the open to dry out! We also discovered a male Superb Fruit Dove incubating a nest just off the ground along with Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, even better views of Pesquet’s Parrots in the same fruiting tree as yesterday, flyover Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot and a Long-billed Honeyeater. A lengthy wait at a bridge over a fast-flowing river yielded more good looks at a pair of Salvadori’s Teal, one Lesser Melampitta by Jacques Erard of which actually flew under the bridge, and also Torrent Flyrobins, but only the briefest of glimpses from a shy Torrent-lark. All told, a very rewarding, but wet day!

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With just a little bit of time still available, we returned to Dablin Creek for yet another foggy and rainy morning. Despite the conditions, we did manage to find a fruiting Schefflera that we could actually see in the conditions and it was regularly visited by both male and female Carola’s Parotia during our watch. It was easier to see the male’s head wires than discern any color but in the conditions, we were quite pleased with the result. Magnificent Bird-of-paradise was also making regular visits to the same tree and a White-rumped Robin was crossing back and forth across the road several times giving pretty reasonable views of this very shy forest dweller. After checking out, we headed down to Kiunga. We made a quick birding stop en route where we found a Little Ringed Plover and flushed up a Buff-banded Rail. We were back in the field early afternoon and following a heavy deluge, we entered the lowland forest trail at Km 17 just as the weather was clearing up. A Hooded Pitta hopped across the track in front of us and then we arrived at the well- known display area of King Bird-of-paradise. The bird was initially a bit shy but with Lesser Bird-of-paradise by Jacques Erard persistence, everyone had excellent viewing of the male. With the afternoon wearing on we continued to the Greater Bird-of-paradise lek. Just as we arrived the fantastic males started displaying and we had four males displaying with all their might to the appreciation of the inspecting females – fantastic stuff! On our way back out of the forest, we flushed a Black-billed Brushturkey at close range that most of the group at least saw in flight and heard the high pitched calls of the elusive Campbell’s Fairywren at quite close range but despite our best strategies the birds escaped without being seen, as is usually the case!

The following morning was spent along the Boystown Road. We were fortunate in having overcast conditions but little to no rain, perfect birding conditions and we had a lot of great sightings to show for it. The prime target of Flame Bowerbird showed up fairly early in the morning as the blinding males were twice seen flying across the road. Pigeons and parrots are always a prominent feature of morning birding here and we had Pink- spotted, Beautiful, Superb, Orange-bellied and tiny Dwarf Fruit Doves along with Purple-tailed and Zoe’s Imperial Pigeons. Parrots included flybys of Eclectus, Red- cheeked and tiny Yellow-capped Pygmy Blue-capped Ifrit by Jacques Erard Parrots, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Black-capped

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Lory, good numbers of Yellowish-streaked Lory, Coconut Lorikeet and Double-eyed Fig Parrot. Honeyeaters are another well-represented family group here and we observed Plain, Tawny-breasted, Long-billed, and Mimic.

A lot of the best birds came through mid- morning in a big mixed-species flock and here, we were lucky to get good views of Rufous-backed Fantail along with Yellow- bellied Gerygone, Yellow-bellied Longbill, a stunning Golden Monarch, along with Spot- winged, Frilled and even Hooded Monarch, the latter being rare here. Additional species seen through our excellent morning included our fourth (!) Gray-headed Goshawk of the trip, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Papuan Spine- tailed Swift, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, good views of Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Lowland Peltops, our only Trumpet Manucode of the trip and a flock of New Guinea’s tiniest bird, the Pygmy Longbill. In the latter part of the morning, we did a bit of Papuan Boobook by Jacques Erard roadside birding. A pair of Long-billed Cuckoos called as they flew overhead and nearby, a Dwarf Koel perched up in the open to be attacked by honeyeaters. Two scarce cuckoos almost simultaneously. We also had a pair of tiny Papuan Dwarf Kingfishers zipping around and crossing the road here. A fantastic morning’s birding!

For the afternoon, we headed to “Km 14” a new birding site along the Gre-Drimgas Road. This well-made trail gave us access to some other patch of pristine lowland rainforest and was quite birdy. In a tall flowering tree, we paused for some time to watch Black-capped Lory and Double-eyed Fig Parrot and some really interesting honeyeaters including Obscure, Yellow- gaped and Green-backed Honeyeaters and Ruby-throated Myzomelas. A Stephan’s Emerald Dove alighted on the forest floor and we had good scope views of a Beautiful Fruit Dove. We got caught in a heavy downpour Great Woodswallows by Jacques Erard which we at first started to wait out. While waiting we did enjoy a White-crowned Cuckoo sitting out on an exposed perch, calling its head off and seemingly oblivious to the downpour! Eventually it became too much so we returned to the road and once it had passed, most of the group stayed birding on the road for the remaining hour or so of daylight where they got tantalizingly close to a calling Hook-billed Kingfisher. The rest of the group returned back into the wet forest, where a highlight was a pair of raucous Palm Cockatoos and more Obscure Honeyeaters, a species that seems to be quite common at this site.

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Predawn saw us loading our two boats for a journey up the Fly River. With first light, we started to see a few birds, a quick flypast of Spotted Whistling Duck for one boat and then a large flock of localized Collared Imperial Pigeon. Birding was excellent as we slowly made our way upstream stopping for numerous larger birds along the river, including Pacific Baza, White-bellied Sea Eagle, flocks of Ornate and Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Pinon’s Imperial Pigeon, Black- capped and Yellowish-streaked Lory, Pacific Koel, Glossy-mantled Manucode and striking Golden Myna. Best of all was pulling the boats up alongside the riverbank to watch a stunning male Twelve-wired Bird-of- paradise proclaim his territory from an exposed song perch.

Carrying on up the narrower Elevara River, we had perfect conditions with overcast skies but no rain, and so bird activity remained great throughout the remainder of the morning. This allowed us to see a nice Obscure Berrypecker by Jacques Erard selection of pigeons and parrots and a few raptors appeared as the day warmed up, including Long-tailed Honey Baza. Other nice birds seen as we went along included Channel-billed Cuckoo, massive Blyth’s Hornbill, impressive Palm Cockatoos, a trio of brightly colored Golden Cuckooshrikes and some noisy Gray Crows. Eventually, we arrived at the basic but practical Kwatu Camp above the banks of the Ketu River. As we settled in and ate our lunch, we watched a Black-billed Coucal emerging from dense bamboo and grabbing some mid- day sun. Most of us set out back down the Elevara River and had a nice surprise when we found a pair of extremely cooperative Sclater’s Crowned Pigeons that sat out on an open perch for ages and then fluttered down to the ground and walked along the riverbank, seemingly oblivious to our presence!

Other good species seen from the boat included flocks of scarce Yellow-eyed Starlings, stunning Azure Kingfishers and a mixed flock of Papuan Babblers and White- bellied Pitohuis crossing the river. We eventually made it to our destination for the Wallace’s Fairywren by Jacques Erard afternoon, which was some flooded forest, where we hoped to track down some scarce kingfishers. The local guides were on fire and in quite a short period of time we were extremely fortunate in scoping up both Common and the much more localized Little Paradise Kingfisher, along with the extremely shy Hook-billed Kingfisher! Wow!

And that wasn’t all, for there was also a blind set up at some sago cuttings where the elusive New Guinea Flightless Rail was occasionally visiting. After a short wait, the bird suddenly appeared and almost

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everyone managed an excellent look at one of New Guinea’s trickiest birds to see! A pair of Emperor Fairywren also turned up here, capping off a riveting couple hours of birding. Chris and Don had stayed back to check out the lodge trails and we reunited with them, learning that they had had a great time as well seeing a Black-billed Brushturkey, a great view of a Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon and had a close encounter with Blue Jewel- babblers. We all joined up again for some more boat cruising along the Elevara River. Starting with a pair of Large-billed Gerygone, visiting their nest overhanging the riverbank, we then saw a male Twelve-wired Bird-of- paradise fly across the river. After this promising start, the heavens opened up and it absolutely bucketed down. We tried to shelter under a tree but eventually retreated to the camp where it rained for the remainder of the afternoon. Nonetheless, we watched from our comfortable perch as Palm Cockatoos, more Twelve-wired and several Orange-breasted King Bird-of-paradise by Jacques Erard

Fig Parrots were all watched. After dinner the rain had eased to a light drizzle and although both myself and the local guides were skeptical of the prospects of night birding, we decided to head out by boat. From the river itself we saw a roosting Sclater’s Crowned Pigeon, and then actually heard a Papuan Hawk Owl calling and it seemed to be coming closer when another shower passed through and it went silent. Instead of turning around, we decided to carry on and went for a walk inside the wet forest. All was quiet inside the dripping forest, although, we did see a couple of roosting birds including an Arafura Shrikethrush. Suddenly, there was a single squeak and not a minute later we had an elusive Wallace’s Owlet-nightjar illuminated beautifully in the torchlight. Fantastic!

While we were soaking in the experience, the even more rarely seen Starry Owlet-nightjar called, so after taking our last photos, we decided we ought to try and see that. Almost unbelievably, a couple of minutes later, we had one perched out on an open branch, truly one of the most rarely seen of all Papuan birds, absolutely fantastic! After taking it all in, we walked away from the bird and completely elated returned to the boats, heading back to camp with a couple of Marbled Frogmouth and a Southern Common Cuscus along the way. As we returned to camp the heavens opened up one more time and it rained heavily the remainder of the night!

It was still raining heavily at daybreak, so we started out with a relaxed time around the camp. Eventually, the rain slackened a bit. About half Starry Owlet-Nightjar by Jacques Erard of the group stayed around the camp and once

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the rain eased they did some birding by boat along the river. This was successful in producing good views and photographic opportunities of a variety of birds including Black-billed Coucal, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Azure Kingfisher, Blyth’s Hornbill, Palm Cockatoo, and Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise. The rest of the group headed out in the early morning rain and spent the morning inside the wet forest. Initially, things were very wet with plenty of leeches and no birds. In fact, the first bird that was seen was, amazingly, another New Guinea Flightless Rail, contentedly feeding at some sago cuttings (a completely different spot to yesterday). We eventually walked away from it after filling our binoculars and cameras with views of this very special bird!

A pair of Emperor Fairywrens also showed quite well in the area. A rarely seen Cinnamon Ground Dove flushed off the ground and landed briefly on a low perch and then a Black-billed Brushturkey flushed off its mound and into the canopy where we were very fortunate to get good scope views. Blyth’s Hornbill by Ma Yan Bryant

Finally, the forest started to dry out and birds woke up. We encountered a large mixed-species flock where we had Yellow-bellied Longbill, Puff-backed Honeyeater and repeat views of many species. A Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher scoped up here was a real highlight, while the ever-elusive Campbell’s Fairywren was again only heard. Joining back up at camp for a lunch, we loaded the boats and headed to Gausiore village. Beyond the village, we walked through a rubber plantation and set up in a large blind that could accommodate our whole group, overlooking an active bower of a Flame Bowerbird. We had decided to commit two hours to wait for the bird to appear, and after an hour and forty-five minutes, the bird flashed in, blinding us with its brightness as it dropped off two blueberries in its bower. It quickly disappeared, leaving everyone with a quick view. “Just wait, it will be back and stay for a while” assured Paul who had built the blind and spent many hours monitoring the birds. Sure enough, the bird returned ten minutes later and spent the next half an hour cleaning his bower, leaving us with huge smiles and full memory cards as we took it all in – what a pleasure to get to spend so much time with one of the world’s best birds and a trip highlight for all! Returning to the boats, we went full speed downstream to Kiunga. It New Guinea Flightless Rail by Jacques Erard poured rain almost the entire way, but we

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were all smiles having had an incredible two days in one of the most exciting birding areas in all of New Guinea.

After drying out that evening, we had just a bit of time for some morning birding, so we headed out to the Kiunga airstrip. We had a couple of surprises here, including a Greater Sandplover sat on the runway and a Fairy Martin flying past us. We also enjoyed excellent views of a pair of White-shouldered Fairywren, a flock of Crimson Finches and several Black-faced Cuckooshrikes. After checking out, we returned to the airstrip, this time to board a flight and landed in Port Moresby where we enjoyed a relaxing evening at our pleasant hotel.

For our final day’s birding, we headed out of Port Moresby early in the morning arriving just after sunrise to a patch of lowland rainforest in the Brown River area, a surprise en route being a pair of King Quail that crossed the road in front of the bus. Lots of pigeons were sitting out on bare branches early in the morning – Pink-spotted, Ornate, Orange-bellied and Orange-fronted Fruit Wallace’s Owlet-Nightjar by Jacques Erard Doves and Pinon’s and Torresian Imperial Pigeons. A pair of Channel-billed Cuckoos flew in and landed in some dense cover, only to be attacked by a flock of Gray Crows that chased them off. Flocks of Dusky Lories flew overhead, probably heading for the coastal coconuts. A stunning white morph Variable Goshawk was another excellent find. We then birded some eucalyptus forest where nice finds included Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, White-throated Gerygone, and Black-backed Butcherbird, while in nearby grasslands was a mixed flock of Gray-headed, Chestnut- breasted and even a couple of rare Great- billed Mannikins. A stop at a small wetland revealed nice views of Buff-banded Rail and a pair of White-browed Crakes.

We eventually made it to some coastal mangroves, where we saw Mangrove Gerygone, Dusky Myzomela and a pair of Beach Thick-knees was a great find. Along the coast itself, we added views of Australasian, Great Crested and Lesser Crested Terns, Lesser Frigatebirds and Brown Boobies. We then called in at a small freshwater lake where we saw several Sclater’s Crowned Pigeons by Ma Yan Bryant Whiskered Terns and a pair of Raja

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Shelducks. The gardens around the lake had lots of flowering trees, although the main specialty here, the Silver-eared Honeyeater, was getting attacked by Brown-backed Honeyeaters and was generally keeping its head down, for good reason! From here, we returned to Port Moresby making a couple of short stops on the way home and getting back to our hotel in the late afternoon having had our most species-rich day of the tour. And so, ended what must be considered one of our most successful tours ever to this amazing part of the world. Thanks to all the participants for your great company and all the laughs along the way. And of course, to our amazing local guides as well!

Common Paradise Kingfisher by Jacques Erard

Brown Sicklebill by Jacques Erard

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Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (358 in total: 339 seen, 19 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v 9.1). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Papua New Guinea

Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata (1) Fly River 3.8. Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7. Raja Shelduck Radjah radjah radjah (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Salvadori's Teal (VU) Salvadorina waigiuensis (2) Ok Menga Area 30.7 and Ok Menga Area 31.7. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa pelewensis (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Grey Teal Anas gracilis gracilis (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7.

Megapodes Megapodiidae Black-billed Brushturkey Talegalla fuscirostris (4) Km 17 1.8, heard Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora (2) Rondon Ridge 23.7 and Rondon Ridge 25.7. King Quail Excalfactoria chinensis (1) Brown River 6.8.

Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca molucca (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (1) Hisiu 6.8.

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Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Forest Bittern (NT) Zonerodius heliosylus (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis (2) Elevala River 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus (5) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Port Moresby 5.8 and Brown River 6.8. Great Egret Ardea alba modesta (7) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Kiunga 1.8, Kiunga 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Fly River 4.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia plumifera (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Pied Heron Egretta picata (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7. Little Egret Egretta garzetta nigripes (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel ariel (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Gannets, Boobies Sulidae Brown Booby Sula leucogaster plotus (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos melanoleucos (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8.

Anhingas Anhingidae Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae papua (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus hypoleucus (1) Mount Hagen 25.7.

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata (5) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Long-tailed Honey Buzzard Henicopernis longicauda (3) Telefomin Road 31.7, Km 17 1.8 and Elevala River 3.8.

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Pygmy Eagle Hieraaetus weiskei (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster (4) Tabubil 29.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus (4) Mount Hagen 23.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Tonga 27.7 and Brown River 6.8. Black-mantled Goshawk Accipiter melanochlamys (2) Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Grey-headed Goshawk Accipiter poliocephalus (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus papuanus (1) Kama 28.7. Meyer's Goshawk Accipiter meyerianus (1) Telefomin Road 31.7. Papuan Harrier Circus spilothorax (3) Mount Hagen 23.7, Mount Hagen 25.7 and Mount Hagen 26.7. Black Kite Milvus migrans affinis (8) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Mount Hagen 23.7, Rondon Ridge 24.7, Mount Hagen 25-27.7, Lai Valley 28.7 and Mount Hagen 29.7. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Kiunga 5.8, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus (13) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Lai Valley 28.7, Tabubil 29.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, Kiunga 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Fly River 4.8, Elevala River 3.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Brown River 6.8. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (3) Fly River 3.8, Fly River 4.8 and Hisiu 6.8.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Forbes's Forest Rail Rallicula forbesi (1) Heard Kumul Lodge 28.7. Red-necked Crake Rallina tricolor (1) Heard Kiunga 5.8. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis (2) Tabubil 1.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Pale-vented Bush-hen Amaurornis moluccana (2) Heard Ok Menga Area 30.7 and heard Kiunga 3.8. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea (1) Hisiu 6.8. New Guinea Flightless Rail (NT) Megacrex inepta (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Australasian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7.

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Thick-knees Burhinidae Beach Stone-curlew (NT) Esacus magnirostris (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles miles (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius dubius (1) Tabubil 1.8. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii leschenaultii (1) Kiunga 5.8.

Jacanas Jacanidae Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae New Guinea Woodcock Scolopax rosenbergii (2) Heard Kumul Lodge 26.7 and heard Kumul Lodge 28.7. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Australian Tern Gelochelidon macrotarsa (1) Hisiu 6.8. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii cristatus (1) Hisiu 6.8. Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis torresii (1) Hisiu 6.8. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia var. domestica Observed 2 day(s) in total. Metallic Pigeon Columba vitiensis halmaheira (1) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7. Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis (9) Varirata NP 22.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Tonga 27.7, Kama 28.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Bar-tailed Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia nigrirostris (5) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7 and Tonga 27.7. Great Cuckoo-Dove Reinwardtoena reinwardti griseotincta (3) Kumul Lodge 26.7, Tonga 28.7 and Mount Hagen 29.7. Stephan's Emerald Dove Chalcophaps stephani (2) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8.

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Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida placida (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis gregalis (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Cinnamon Ground Dove Gallicolumba rufigula (2) Heard Telefomin Road 31.7 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Bronze Ground Dove Alopecoenas beccarii (2) Kumul Lodge 26.7, Kumul Lodge 27.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Sclater's Crowned Pigeon (NT) Goura sclaterii (2) Heard Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Wompoo Fruit Dove Ptilinopus magnificus poliurus (4) Heard Varirata NP 22.7, heard Km 17 1.8, heard Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Elevala River 3.8. Pink-spotted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus perlatus (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Ornate Fruit Dove Ptilinopus ornatus gestroi (2) Fly River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Orange-fronted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus aurantiifrons (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Fly River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Superb Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus superbus (5) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Beautiful Fruit Dove Ptilinopus pulchellus (2) Varirata NP 22.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Boys Town Road 2.8. White-bibbed Fruit Dove Ptilinopus rivoli (3) Heard Rondon Ridge 23.7, heard Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Tonga 27.7. Orange-bellied Fruit Dove Ptilinopus iozonus (5) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Dwarf Fruit Dove Ptilinopus nainus (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon Ducula rufigaster (2) Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Pinon's Imperial Pigeon Ducula pinon (3) Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Collared Imperial Pigeon Ducula mullerii (1) Fly River 3.8. Zoe's Imperial Pigeon Ducula zoeae (3) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8 and Elevala River 3.8. Torresian Imperial Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Brown River 6.8. Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii albertisii (7) Observed Rondon Ridge 24-26.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8 and Kiunga 5.8.

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Cuckoos Cuculidae Ivory-billed Coucal Centropus menbeki menbeki (2) Heard Boys Town Road 2.8 and heard Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Black-billed Coucal Centropus bernsteini (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus (4) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Heard Varirata NP 22.7, Kiunga 5.8 and Brown River 6.8. Dwarf Koel Microdynamis parva (1) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Pacific Koel Eudynamys orientalis (2) Elevala River 3.8 and Kiunga 5.8. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae (2) Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Long-billed Cuckoo Chrysococcyx megarhynchus (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx ruficollis (1) Rondon Ridge 24.7. White-eared Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx meyerii (2) Heard Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Little Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus poecilurus (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. White-crowned Cuckoo Cacomantis leucolophus (2) Heard Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis castaneiventris (3) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis excitus (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus (6) Mount Hagen 25.7, Lai Valley 28.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, heard Kiunga 2.8, heard Kiunga 5.8 and heard Brown River 6.8.

Owls Strigidae Papuan Boobook Ninox theomacha (3) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7, heard Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Tabubil 29.7. Papuan Hawk-Owl (DD) Uroglaux dimorpha (1) Heard Kwatu Lodge 3.8.

Frogmouths Podargidae Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus (2) Tabubil 29.7 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Papuan Frogmouth Podargus papuensis (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus schlegelii (1) Varirata NP 22.7.

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Owlet-Nightjars Aegothelidae Feline Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles insignis (1) Kumul Lodge 26.7. Starry Owlet-nightjar (DD) Aegotheles tatei (1) Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Wallace's Owlet-nightjar (DD) Aegotheles wallacii (1) Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Mountain Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles albertisi (1) Heard Kumul Lodge 27.7. Barred Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles bennettii (1) Varirata NP 22.7.

Treeswifts Hemiprocnidae Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea (4) Tabubil 29.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8.

Swifts Apodidae Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta (9) Varirata NP 22.7, Rondon Ridge 24.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Lai Valley 28.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Mountain Swiftlet Aerodramus hirundinaceus hirundinaceus (5) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-25.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Lai Valley 28.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis (9) Varirata NP 22.7, observed Tabubil 29-31.7, Kiunga 1.8, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Kiunga 5.8. Papuan Spine-tailed Swift Mearnsia novaeguineae (5) Kiunga 1.8, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Kiunga 5.8.

Rollers Coraciidae Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis (6) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Hook-billed Kingfisher Melidora macrorrhina (3) Heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, heard Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Common Paradise Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea (1) Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Little Paradise Kingfisher (DD) Tanysiptera hydrocharis (1) Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher Tanysiptera sylvia (1) Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Brown-headed Paradise Kingfisher Tanysiptera danae (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Shovel-billed Kookaburra Clytoceyx rex (1) Ok Menga Area 30.7.

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Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii intermedia (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Rufous-bellied Kookaburra Dacelo gaudichaud (5) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Brown River 6.8. Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus sanctus (8) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Tabubil 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Yellow-billed Kingfisher Syma torotoro (4) Heard Varirata NP 22.7, heard Km 17 1.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, heard Hisiu 6.8 and heard Brown River 6.8. Mountain Kingfisher Syma megarhyncha (1) Rondon Ridge 24.7. Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx solitarius (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus (2) Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus (5) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Kama 28.7, Kiunga 5.8, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Blyth's Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus (4) Km 17 1.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides (1) Kiunga 1.8. Brown Falcon Falco berigora novaeguineae (1) Mount Hagen 25.7.

Cockatoos Cacatuidae Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus (3) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita triton (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Old World Parrots Psittaculidae Pesquet's Parrot (VU) Psittrichas fulgidus (3) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot Micropsitta keiensis keiensis (2) Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8.

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Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot Micropsitta pusio (1) Heard Brown River 6.8. Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot Micropsitta bruijnii (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Papuan King Parrot Alisterus chloropterus (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus (8) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi (7) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Kiunga 1.8, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Blue-collared Parrot Geoffroyus simplex buergersi (2) Heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and heard Ok Menga Area 31.7. Brehm's Tiger Parrot Psittacella brehmii (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Modest Tiger Parrot Psittacella modesta collaris (1) Murmura pass 27.7. Madarasz's Tiger Parrot Psittacella madaraszi (2) Rondon Ridge 23.7 and Rondon Ridge 24.7. Plum-faced Lorikeet Oreopsittacus arfaki grandis (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Papuan Lorikeet Charmosyna papou (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Yellow-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus musschenbroekii (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Orange-billed Lorikeet Neopsittacus pullicauda (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Rondon Ridge 25.7. Black-capped Lory Lorius lory (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Yellowish-streaked Lory Chalcopsitta scintillata (4) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Dusky Lory Pseudeos fuscata (2) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Brown River 6.8. Goldie's Lorikeet Psitteuteles goldiei (1) Murmura pass 27.7. Coconut Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus (10) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Kama 28.7, Tabubil 29.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Large Fig Parrot Psittaculirostris desmarestii (1) Boys Town Road 2.8.

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Orange-breasted Fig Parrot Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii (3) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Double-eyed Fig Parrot Cyclopsitta diophthalma (3) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot Loriculus aurantiifrons meeki (1) Tabubil 30.7.

Pittas Pittidae Papuan Pitta Erythropitta macklotii (1) Heard Elevala River 3.8. Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida novaeguineae (1) Km 17 1.8.

Bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchidae MacGregor's Bowerbird Amblyornis macgregoriae (5) Up to 1 Rondon Ridge 23-26.7 and Tonga 27.7. Flame Bowerbird Sericulus ardens (2) Boys Town Road 2.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Yellow-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera lauterbachi (2) Rondon Ridge 26.7 and Kama 28.7. Fawn-breasted Bowerbird Chlamydera cerviniventris (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7 and Brown River 6.8.

Fairywrens Maluridae Wallace's Fairywren Sipodotus wallacii (2) Ok Menga Area 30.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Campbell's Fairywren Chenorhamphus campbelli (2) Heard Km 17 1.8 and heard Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Emperor Fairywren Malurus cyanocephalus (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. White-shouldered Fairywren Malurus alboscapulatus (8) Observed Rondon Ridge 24-26.7, Tonga 27.7, Kama 28.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, Kiunga 2.8 and Kiunga 5.8. Orange-crowned Fairywren Clytomyias insignis oorti (1) Rondon Ridge 24.7.

Honeyeaters Meliphagidae Ruby-throated Myzomela Myzomela eques (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Dusky Myzomela Myzomela obscura fumata (1) Hisiu 6.8. Red Myzomela Myzomela cruentata (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Papuan Black Myzomela Myzomela nigrita (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Ok Menga Area 30.7. Mountain Myzomela Myzomela adolphinae (5) Varirata NP 22.7, Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Mount Hagen 26.7 and Lai Valley 28.7.

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Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii (6) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Tonga 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Green-backed Honeyeater Glycichaera fallax fallax (1) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Rufous-backed Honeyeater Ptiloprora guisei (2) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Grey-streaked Honeyeater Ptiloprora perstriata (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7. Plain Honeyeater Pycnopygius ixoides (3) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Marbled Honeyeater Pycnopygius cinereus (2) Tonga 27.7 and Lai Valley 28.7. Streak-headed Honeyeater Pycnopygius stictocephalus (3) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Kiunga 2.8. Silver-eared Honeyeater Lichmera alboauricularis (1) Hisiu 6.8. Tawny-breasted Honeyeater Xanthotis flaviventer (7) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. New Guinea Friarbird Philemon novaeguineae (10) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Mount Hagen 26.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8. White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis albogularis (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Long-billed Honeyeater Melilestes megarhynchus (5) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Tabubil 30.7, Dablin Creek Rd 1.8, Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Common Smoky Honeyeater Melipotes fumigatus (8) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Tonga 27.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Rufous-banded Honeyeater Conopophila albogularis (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Kiunga 2.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Brown-backed Honeyeater Ramsayornis modestus (1) Hisiu 6.8. Black-throated Honeyeater Caligavis subfrenata (3) Heard Rondon Ridge 25.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Obscure Honeyeater Caligavis obscura (1) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Yellow-browed Melidectes Melidectes rufocrissalis (6) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Tonga 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Belford's Melidectes Melidectes belfordi (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Ornate Melidectes Melidectes torquatus (6) Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 24.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Mount Hagen 26.7, Kama 28.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 30.7.

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Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Ptilotula flavescens flavescens (1) Pacific Adventist University 21.7. Mountain Honeyeater Meliphaga orientalis (2) Lai Valley 28.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Scrub Honeyeater Meliphaga albonotata (5) Tabubil 29.7, Tabubil 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Mimic Honeyeater Meliphaga analoga (5) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Dablin Creek Rd 1.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Elegant Honeyeater Meliphaga cinereifrons (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Yellow-gaped Honeyeater Meliphaga flavirictus (1) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Puff-backed Honeyeater Meliphaga aruensis (1) Kwatu Lodge 4.8.

Australasian Warblers Acanthizidae Goldenface Pachycare flavogriseum (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Rusty Mouse-warbler Origma murina (3) Heard Varirata NP 22.7, heard Ok Menga Area 30.7, heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and heard Telefomin Road 31.7. Mountain Mouse-warbler Origma robusta (4) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7 and observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7. Buff-faced Scrubwren Aethomyias perspicillatus (4) Observed Rondon Ridge 24-26.7 and Tonga 27.7. Papuan Scrubwren Aethomyias papuensis (3) Kumul Lodge 26.7, Tonga 27.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7. Grey-green Scrubwren Aethomyias arfakianus (1) Telefomin Road 31.7. Large Scrubwren Sericornis nouhuysi (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7 and observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7. Brown-breasted Gerygone Gerygone ruficollis (5) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Kama 28.7. Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster pallida (1) Hisiu 6.8. Large-billed Gerygone Gerygone magnirostris (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Yellow-bellied Gerygone Gerygone chrysogaster chrysogaster (2) Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota chloronota (1) Ok Menga Area 30.7. White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea cinerascens (1) Brown River 6.8. Fairy Gerygone Gerygone palpebrosa (1) Varirata NP 22.7.

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Grey Thornbill Acanthiza cinerea (1) Telefomin Road 31.7.

Pseudo-Babblers Pomatostomidae Papuan Babbler Garritornis isidorei (3) Heard Km 17 1.8, heard Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8.

Satinbirds Cnemophilidae Loria's Satinbird Cnemophilus loriae (1) Murmura pass 27.7. Crested Satinbird Cnemophilus macgregorii (2) Kumul Lodge 26.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7.

Berrypeckers and Longbills Melanocharitidae Obscure Berrypecker (DD) Melanocharis arfakiana (1) Ok Menga Area 30.7. Black Berrypecker Melanocharis nigra (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Mid-mountain Berrypecker Melanocharis longicauda (1) Telefomin Road 31.7. Fan-tailed Berrypecker Melanocharis versteri (5) Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 26.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7. Streaked Berrypecker Melanocharis striativentris striativentris (1) Rondon Ridge 26.7. Dwarf Longbill Oedistoma iliolophus (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Pygmy Longbill Oedistoma pygmaeum (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Yellow-bellied Longbill Toxorhamphus novaeguineae (2) Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Slaty-headed Longbill Toxorhamphus poliopterus (5) Rondon Ridge 25.7, Rondon Ridge 26.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8.

Tit Berrypecker and Crested Berrypecker Paramythiidae Tit Berrypecker Oreocharis arfaki (1) Murmura pass 27.7. Crested Berrypecker Paramythia montium montium (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7.

Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers and Quail-thrushes Psophodidae Blue Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa caerulescens (1) Heard Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Chestnut-backed Jewel-babbler Ptilorrhoa castanonota (3) Heard Varirata NP 22.7, heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and heard Dablin Creek Rd 1.8.

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Boatbills Machaerirhynchidae Yellow-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus flaviventer (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Black-breasted Boatbill Machaerirhynchus nigripectus (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7.

Woodswallows, Butcherbirds and allies Artamidae White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus leucopygialis (5) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Kiunga 29.7, Kiunga 2.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Great Woodswallow Artamus maximus (4) Rondon Ridge 25.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Tabubil 30.7 and Tabubil 1.8. Lowland Peltops Peltops blainvillii (4) Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Mountain Peltops Peltops montanus (3) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Black Butcherbird Melloria quoyi (2) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Black-backed Butcherbird Cracticus mentalis mentalis (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7 and Brown River 6.8. Hooded Butcherbird Cracticus cassicus (5) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Mottled Whistler Rhagologidae Mottled Berryhunter Rhagologus leucostigma obscurus (2) Rondon Ridge 26.7 and Murmura pass 27.7.

Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae Stout-billed Cuckooshrike Coracina caeruleogrisea (2) Tonga 27.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 30.7. Hooded Cuckooshrike Coracina longicauda (1) Telefomin Road 31.7. Barred Cuckooshrike Coracina lineata (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae melanops (2) Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8. Boyer's Cuckooshrike Coracina boyeri (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Elevala River 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. White-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina papuensis (4) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Lai Valley 28.7 and Brown River 6.8. Golden Cuckooshrike Campochaera sloetii (2) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8 and Elevala River 3.8. Black-bellied Cuckooshrike Edolisoma montanum (3) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Grey-headed Cuckooshrike Edolisoma schisticeps (4) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, Telefomin Road 31.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Black-shouldered Cicadabird Edolisoma incertum (1) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7.

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Common Cicadabird Edolisoma tenuirostre (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Black Cicadabird Edolisoma melas melas (2) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor (1) Heard Hisiu 6.8. Varied Triller Lalage leucomela (3) Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8.

Ploughbill Eulacestomatidae Wattled Ploughbill Eulacestoma nigropectus (3) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Kumul Lodge 26.7.

Australo-Papuan Bellbirds Oreoicidae Rufous-naped Bellbird Aleadryas rufinucha (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7, observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7 and Murmura pass 27.7.

Whistlers and allies Pachycephalidae Black Pitohui Melanorectes nigrescens (3) Observed Rondon Ridge 24-26.7. Grey Whistler Pachycephala simplex (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Sclater's Whistler Pachycephala soror (5) Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Rondon Ridge 26.7, Tonga 27.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Regent Whistler Pachycephala schlegelii (4) Rondon Ridge 25.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7. Black-headed Whistler Pachycephala monacha lugubris (1) Mount Hagen 25.7. White-bellied Whistler Pachycephala leucogastra (1) Varirata NP 22.7. White-bellied Pitohui Pseudorectes incertus (1) Elevala River 3.8. Variable Shrikethrush Colluricincla fortis (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Arafura Shrikethrush Colluricincla megarhyncha (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Grey Shrikethrush Colluricincla harmonica superciliosa (2) Mount Hagen 25.7 and Hisiu 6.8.

Shrikes Laniidae Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach stresemanni (6) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Mount Hagen 27.7 and Kama 28.7.

Old World Orioles Oriolidae Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti salvadorii (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Brown River 6.8. Southern Variable Pitohui Pitohui uropygialis (1) Heard Kwatu Lodge 3.8.

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Hooded Pitohui Pitohui dichrous (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Brown Oriole Oriolus szalayi (4) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7 and Brown River 6.8.

Drongos Dicruridae Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus (6) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Fantails Rhipiduridae Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys melaleuca (17) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Tonga 27.7, Kama 28.7, Kiunga 29.7, observed Tabubil 30-1.8, Kiunga 2.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8, Kiunga 5.8, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8. White-bellied Thicket Fantail Rhipidura leucothorax (1) Heard Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Black Fantail Rhipidura atra atra (4) Rondon Ridge 23.7, Rondon Ridge 24.7, Tonga 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Chestnut-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hyperythra (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Friendly Fantail Rhipidura albolimbata (6) Observed Rondon Ridge 24-26.7, observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Dimorphic Fantail Rhipidura brachyrhyncha (6) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Kumul Lodge 26.7, Murmura pass 27.7, Kumul Lodge 28.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Rufous-backed Fantail Rhipidura rufidorsa (2) Heard Telefomin Road 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Drongo Fantail Chaetorhynchus papuensis (1) Varirata NP 22.7.

Monarchs Monarchidae Black Monarch Symposiachrus axillaris fallax (5) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Tonga 27.7, Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Spot-winged Monarch Symposiachrus guttula (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Hooded Monarch Symposiachrus manadensis (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Golden Monarch Carterornis chrysomela (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Frilled Monarch Arses telescopthalmus (3) Varirata NP 22.7, Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Torrent-lark Grallina bruijnii (1) Telefomin Road 31.7. Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula (1) Varirata NP 22.7.

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Shining Flycatcher Myiagra alecto (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Grey Crow Corvus tristis (4) Varirata NP 22.7, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Torresian Crow Corvus orru orru (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Melampittas Melampittidae Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7.

Ifrita Ifritidae Blue-capped Ifrit Ifrita kowaldi (3) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7.

Birds-of-paradise Paradisaeidae Glossy-mantled Manucode Manucodia ater (5) Heard Varirata NP 22.7, heard Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8, Elevala River 4.8 and Brown River 6.8. Crinkle-collared Manucode Manucodia chalybatus (1) Ok Menga Area 30.7. Trumpet Manucode Phonygammus keraudrenii (1) Boys Town Road 2.8. Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (NT) Astrapia mayeri (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Princess Stephanie's Astrapia Astrapia stephaniae (4) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7. Queen Carola's Parotia Parotia carolae (2) Heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Lawes's Parotia Parotia lawesii (1) Tonga 28.7. King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise Pteridophora alberti (3) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Greater Lophorina Lophorina superba (7) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Tonga 27.7, Tonga 28.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Magnificent Riflebird Ptiloris magnificus magnificus (3) Heard Ok Menga Area 30.7, heard Ok Menga Area 31.7 and heard Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Growling Riflebird Ptiloris intercedens (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Black Sicklebill Epimachus fastosus (2) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7 and Rondon Ridge 25.7. Brown Sicklebill Epimachus meyeri (6) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7, Murmura pass 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7.

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Magnificent Bird-of-paradise Diphyllodes magnificus (4) Varirata NP 22.7, heard Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, heard Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. King Bird-of-paradise Cicinnurus regius (2) Km 17 1.8 and Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8. Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise Seleucidis melanoleucus (2) Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8 and Fly River 3.8. Greater Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea apoda (4) Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Km 17 1.8, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8 and Boys Town Road 2.8. Raggiana Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea raggiana (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Lesser Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea minor minor (1) Kama 28.7. Blue Bird-of-paradise (VU) Paradisaea rudolphi (3) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Tonga 27.7 and Tonga 28.7.

Australasian Robins Petroicidae Ashy Robin Heteromyias albispecularis armiti (1) Murmura pass 27.7. Black-sided Robin Poecilodryas hypoleuca (2) Heard Kwatu Lodge 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Black-throated Robin Poecilodryas albonotata (4) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7. White-winged Robin Peneothello sigillata (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7. Slaty Robin Peneothello cyanus (4) Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7, Tonga 27.7 and heard Telefomin Road 31.7. White-rumped Robin Peneothello bimaculata (3) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7, heard Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. White-faced Robin Tregellasia leucops (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Torrent Flyrobin Monachella muelleriana (3) Lai Valley 28.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7. Canary Flyrobin Microeca papuana (2) Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Kumul Lodge 26.7. Olive Flyrobin Microeca flavovirescens (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Lemon-bellied Flyrobin Microeca flavigaster (2) Varirata NP 22.7 and Hisiu 6.8. Garnet Robin Eugerygone rubra (3) Heard Rondon Ridge 24.7, Rondon Ridge 25.7 and Murmura pass 27.7. Papuan Scrub Robin Drymodes beccarii (1) Varirata NP 22.7. Lesser Ground Robin Amalocichla incerta brevicauda (1) Rondon Ridge 25.7.

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Swallows Hirundinidae Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica (9) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Lai Valley 28.7, Tabubil 29.7, Tabubil 30.7, Kiunga 1.8, Kiunga 2.8 and Brown River 6.8. Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel (1) Kiunga 5.8. Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans (1) Brown River 6.8.

Leaf warblers and allies Phylloscopidae Island Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus maforensis (6) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Tonga 27.7 and Telefomin Road 31.7.

Grassbirds and allies Locustellidae Papuan Grassbird Cincloramphus macrurus (3) Rondon Ridge 26.7, Tonga 27.7 and Lai Valley 28.7.

Cisticolas and allies Cisticolidae Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis (2) Pacific Adventist University 21.7 and Brown River 6.8.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Capped White-eye Zosterops fuscicapilla (2) Dablin Creek Rd 30.7 and Dablin Creek Rd 1.8. Papuan White-eye Zosterops novaeguineae (5) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7 and Tonga 27.7.

Starlings Sturnidae Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica (4) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Boys Town Road 2.8, Kwatu Lodge 3.8, Kwatu Lodge 4.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8. Yellow-eyed Starling (NT) Aplonis mystacea (2) Boys Town Road 2.8 and Kwatu Lodge 3.8. Singing Starling Aplonis cantoroides (3) Mount Hagen 25.7, Mount Hagen 29.7 and Brown River 6.8. Yellow-faced Myna Mino dumontii (7) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7, Km 17 1.8, Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8, Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Brown River 6.8. Golden Myna Mino anais (1) Fly River 3.8 and Elevala River 3.8.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7.

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Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata (7) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Mount Hagen 27.7, Lai Valley 28.7 and Mount Hagen 29.7.

Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae Red-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum geelvinkianum (10) Varirata NP 22.7, observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7, Tonga 27.7, Kama 28.7, Ok Menga Area 30.7, Ok Menga Area 31.7 and Boys Town Road 2.8.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Black Sunbird Leptocoma aspasia (3) Boys Town Road 2.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis (2) Kiunga 5.8, Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus domesticus (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Mount Hagen 29.7 and Kiunga 2.8. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (9) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Mount Hagen 23.7, Mount Hagen 25.7, Mount Hagen 29.7, Tabubil 30.7, Kiunga 1.8, Kiunga 2.8, Kiunga 5.8 and Hisiu 6.8.

Waxbills, Munias and allies Estrildidae Mountain Firetail Oreostruthus fuliginosus (3) Observed Kumul Lodge 26-28.7. Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton evangelinae (1) Kiunga 5.8. Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa (1) Heard Rondon Ridge 25.7. Great-billed Mannikin Lonchura grandis (1) Brown River 6.8. Grey-headed Mannikin Lonchura caniceps (3) Pacific Adventist University 21.7, Varirata NP 22.7 and Brown River 6.8. Hooded Mannikin Lonchura spectabilis (5) Observed Rondon Ridge 23-26.7 and Lai Valley 28.7. Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax (1) Hisiu 6.8 and Brown River 6.8.

Wagtails, Pipits Motacillidae Australian Pipit Anthus australis exiguus (1) Mount Hagen 29.7.

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Mammals (6 in total: 6 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Marsupial carnivores Dasyuridae Speckled Dasyure Neophascogale lorentzii (2) Kumul Lodge 27.7 and Kumul Lodge 28.7.

Possums, Cuscuses, Gledero, Ringtails Phalangeridae Southern Common Cuscus Phalanger mimicus (1) Elevala River 3.8.

True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae Moss-forest Rat Rattus niobe (1) Rondon Ridge 24.7.

Sac-winged or Sheath-tailed Bats Emballonuridae Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat Mosia nigrescens (1) Boys Town Road 2.8.

Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus (1) Port Moresby 6.8. Great Flying Fox Pteropus neohibernicus (2) Fly River 3.8, Elevala River 3.8 and Kwatu Lodge 4.8.

Reptiles (5 in total: 5 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Skinks Scincidae Emerald Skink Lamprolepis smaragdina (1) Gre-Drigmas Road 2.8.

Monitor Lizards Varanidae Yellow-spotted Monitor Varanus panoptes (1) Hisiu 6.8.

Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae New Guinea Crocodile Crocodylus novaeguineae (2) Elevala River 3.8 and Elevala River 4.8.

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Agamas Agamidae New Guinea Water Dragon Hypsilurus magnus (1) Ok Menga Area 30.7.

Skinks Scincidae Giant Bluetongue Skink Tiliqua gigas (1) Hisiu 6.8.

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Rockjumper Birding Ltd Suite 1D, 5 Clarens Fields Tel: (USA & Canada) toll-free: 1-888-990-5552 Unicity Office Park Email: [email protected] Black River Road, Bambous Alternative email: [email protected] Mauritius Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com

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