The near-mythical Madanga (Charles Davies)

INDONESIA’S SOUTHERN MOLUCCAS

4 – 26 NOVEMBER 2016

LEADER: CRAIG ROBSON

This was our fifth tour now to the not-so-remote of , Ambon, Haruku, Yamdena (Tanimbar), Kai and Seram, and it turned out to be another amazing experience. Our huge total of 265 included 18 tour write-ins, three of which were new species for the Birdquest Life List - the amazing and much sought- after Madanga (or Madanga ), which had only been seen previously by four intrepid birders/ornithologists (and not at all for 10 years), the cryptic Violet-hooded Starling, and the endangered small- endemic Black-chinned (or ) Monarch. We also heard the recently described Seram Masked , the specific status of which remains in doubt. Once again, off the north coast of Seram, we re- found the lone wintering Chinese Crested that was first discovered by us back in 2010. Other species to feature in the top five of the tour were Blue-eared Lory, which perched-up very nicely in the Seram highlands, and Buru Thrush, which we all watched (and even videoed) at the nest, incubating its single . The fantastic views that we had of all the nightbirds and were also memorable. The smooth running and seamless logistics of the tour, thanks to Ceisar Riupassa, Vinno Soewarian and our local teams of

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: ’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com drivers, made things very easy and comfortable for us. There was always time for a coffee and biscuit break, and a well-earned beng-beng!

Day one began with our lunchtime arrival at Pattimura Airport on Ambon, the capital of Province. We spent the remainder of the afternoon in an area of remnant patches and cultivated gardens at Ewang Tulehu. The main target- was Ambon White-eye, and one soon appeared on-cue. A small selection of regional specialities, including Seram Spangled (split from Spangled), Spectacled Monarch, Moluccan Flycatcher (or Monarch), Ambon Golden Bulbul (a potential split from Seram Golden) and Ashy (or Seram) got us in the mood for what was to come. At a nearby wetland, we added Oriental Plover, a cracking Comb-crested Jacana, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, and Oriental Pratincole. After dinner in town, we boarded the relatively comfortable overnight ferry to the remote island of Buru. It was a typically smooth crossing, and some of us were able to get a bit of sleep in our cabins. On arrival, we headed straight off for some introductory birding in the patchy lowland forest remnants known as Waslabi. As soon as the sun began to rise, the familiar whistled tones of Black-tipped (or Buru) Monarch emanated from the lush understorey, and we soon had our first proper endemic under the belt. A stroll along a rough track brought a typically good selection of local birds, including Amboyna -Dove (split from Slender-billed or Brown), Lorikeet, Black-faced (or Buru) , Pale Cicadabird, Drab Whistler, Black-eared (or Buru) Oriole, Buru Spangled Drongo (split from Spangled), Buru Fantail (split from Northern), White-naped (or Buru Pied) Monarch, Buru Golden Bulbul, Arctic Warbler, and Flame-breasted (or Buru) Flowerpecker. Buru Green Pigeon was tantalizingly heard out of view. After lunch in Namlea, we drove to our very comfortable accommodation at the recently completed Buru Island Resort at Waspait, mid-way along the north coast.

Moluccan Masked Owl (Rainer Kopa)

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South Moluccan (or Buru) (Keith Betton)

Streak-breasted Jungle Flycatcher (Craig Robson)

The next few days were spent exploring the nearby Wamlana Logging Road and Danau Road, with 4WD vehicles at our disposal. In the uplands we were able to reach 1420m by road, and it was during this time that we found the vast majority of our new birds, including Buru Mountain Pigeon, Buru Boobook (split from Hantu), Buru Racket-tail, the local form of South Moluccan Pitta (sometimes split as Buru Pitta), Buru Myzomela (a potential split from Wakolo), the scarce Buru , Buru Cuckooshrike, the local form of Yellow-throated (or Moluccan) Whistler (sometimes split as Buru Whistler), Tawny-backed Fantail, Buru Leaf Warbler (split from Island), Buru Bush Warbler (split from Chestnut-backed), Buru White-eye, Streak- breasted Jungle Flycatcher (or Buru Warbling-flycatcher), and some unexpected Blue-faced Parrotfinches. The elusive Black-lored was seen three times, but unfortunately only in flight, while a dependant

3 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com fledged juvenile Moluccan Cuckoo being fed by Buru Leaf Warbler was one of our more interesting finds. Two years previously, with the help of our local guide Vinno, we had cut a trail up to a hill-top above the Danau Road, reaching 1660m elevation. The purpose of this endeavor was to facilitate a search for the islands most inaccessible endemic, the little-known Madanga (or Madanga Pipit). We were without luck on that occasion, and it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I managed to persuade the whole group to give it a try on our latest tour. There was no guarantee of finding anything after an uphill hike along a poorly- marked and occasionally very steep trail.

Buru Green Pigeon and Buru Mountain Pigeon (Craig Robson)

Buru Bush (or Grasshopper) Warbler (Charles Davies)

But you don’t find anything unless you try! Just short of the highest point of the hill, with moss and epiphytes much in evidence on the larger , we paused for a break and to listen for signs of a bird flock. There had been almost no birds on the way up. Hearing the faintest of calls downslope slightly, to one side, I ventured a little further in. There was a Tawny-backed Fantail and a Buru Leaf Warbler, which passes for a bird flock in

4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com these parts. Suddenly I noticed something fly onto a mossy -trunk. I knew what it was going to be and, sure enough, it was the Madanga - a pair in fact. I yelled-out to the group and moved down to try and keep onto the flock. What followed can only be described as mass panic as everyone careered downslope without a care for the numerous tangled vines and rattans. There were some tense moments before everyone had good views of the birds, but what an experience. Only four birders had ever seen the species before! A rufous-throated green and grey pipit that forages on mossy tree-trunks like a nuthatch. This was not the only good bird along the trail either, for lower down we were lucky enough to find the occupied nest of a Buru Thrush and, when we concealed ourselves distantly, an adult bird came back to incubate its single egg.

Oriental Plover on Ambon (Craig Robson)

There were also some great birds in the remnant lowland forest patches near Bara, to the north-west. Best of all was the fantastic Moluccan Masked Owl that showed itself so well, at the second attempt! Buru Green Pigeon was really hard work this time but we eventually tracked down a pair at a nest on our very last morning on the island. A great place for pigeons and still, we enjoyed Spectacled (or Buru) Imperial Pigeon, Eastern Superb (or Superb), White-bibbed and Claret-breasted Fruit Doves, raucous Great-billed and Eclectus Parrots, and gaudy Red Lories and Coconut Lorikeets.

We returned to Namlea and caught the overnight ferry back to Ambon. On the following morning, we re- visited Ewang Tulehu, walking much further towards the hills than we had previously. We enjoyed our first views of the local form of Variable Goshawk and Seram Imperial Pigeon, Ambon White-eye put in another appearance and, at the end of our walk, we heard a singing Seram Leaf Warbler (split from Island) in the distance – unexpected here and at rather low elevation (300m). In the afternoon, we re-visited what is perhaps the only freshwater lake on the island at Ewang Suli. There is always something unusual here and this time we saw Australasian , ten Oriental Plovers, Red-necked Stint, and Yellow-browed Wagtail (the taivana form of Eastern Yellow Wagtail).

A morning flight the next day transported us to Yamdena, the largest of the - politically in Maluku but zoogeographically in the eastern Lesser Sundas. Starting after lunch, we spent the next three- and-a-half days making twice-daily forays to several different areas of forest alongside the main roads to the north and north-west of Saumlaki. With so much lowland primary and secondary forest, not to mention

5 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com clearings, scrub and grassland, the interior of Yamdena is literally heaving with birds. Picking our way around the southern edge of this forest mass, following a series of old logging roads and trails, we soon notched-up the vast majority of the target-birds, including Tanimbar (our early success with this tricky endemic being most welcome), Tanimbar Cuckoo-Dove (split from Bar-necked), Wallace’s and Rose- crowned Fruit-Doves (the latter lacking a rose crown here!), Elegant and Pink-headed Imperial Pigeons, Pied Bronze Cuckoo (split from Little), Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher, Tanimbar Corella (or Cockatoo), Blue- streaked Lory, , Banda Myzomela, the ubiquitous Scaly-breasted (or Banda) Honeyeater, Golden-bellied (or Tanimbar) Flyrobin, Tanimbar Friarbird, Rufous-sided (or ) Gerygone, White- browed (or Tanimbar) Triller, Wallacean Whistler, Tanimbar Oriole, Cinnamon-tailed, Long-tailed (or Charming) and Arafura (or Supertramp) Fantails, Black-bibbed (or Banda Sea) Monarch, Loetoe (or Tanimbar) Monarch, Tanimbar Bush Warbler, Tanimbar Starling, Slaty-backed Thrush, Tanimbar Flycatcher, Salvadoris’s Flowerpecker (split from ), the lovely Tricoloured Parrotfinch, and Five-coloured Munia.

Tanimbar Boobook (Craig Robson)

Even before it was fully dark, Tanimbar Boobook performed admirably, and we were to later stumble across a roosting pair with their recently fledged offspring. Another success on the owl-front was finding the local

6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com form of Moluccan Masked Owl in broad daylight. One or two species kept us on tenterhooks this year, particularly Fawn-breasted Thrush, but we were nothing if not persistent and we all had some great views in the end. Most authorities seem to be lumping Tanimbar Crow in Torresian Crow these days and, once again, we had very few sightings of this scarce bird. Kai Cicadabird was also only seen once. One surprise though, was the several sightings that we had of Violet-hooded Starling (split from Metallic), another new species for the Birdquest Life List. Perhaps the toughest to see of all is Tanimbar Spangled Drongo (split from Wallacean or Greater Wallacean) which is a very quiet and secretive bird. We persisted again and were extremely fortunate to find a pair at the nest in an area of particularly tall forest.

Cinnamon-tailed Fantail (Craig Robson)

A new wetland that has formed after the building-up of the new airport, proved too much of a temptation, so we gave the area a good going-over. The variety of waterbirds was exceptional for this region, not to mention the island (which has virtually no freshwater wetlands), with Spotted and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Raja Shelduck, Green Pygmy Goose, breeding Australasian , , Royal Spoonbill, Pied Heron, Buff-banded , White-browed Crake, Australasian Swamphen, Comb-crested Jacana, and Swinhoe’s Snipe to name but a few. Exploration of some coastal mudflats also produced Great-billed Heron, Australian Pelican, and a handful of Far Eastern Curlews, while an army football pitch along one of the main roads hosted a mixed flock of Little Curlews and Pacific Golden Plovers.

From Yamdena we flew to on , in the , via Ambon. On arrival at Langgur Dumatubun Airport, we hooked-up with our latest vehicle convoy and headed off for some introductory birding along the airport road. This area is one of Kai Kecil’s best birding locations now, and over the following couple of days, we spent the bulk of our birding time there, enjoying the likes of Orange-footed , the super-pale local form of Variable Goshawk, Stephan’s Emerald Dove, Kai (split from

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Pheasant), Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, the lovely , the blackish local form of Wallacean Cuckooshrike, Varied Triller, Grey-headed Whistler (split from Grey), the unique local race of Drab Whistler, Australasian Figbird, the ubiquitous and noisy Kai Spangled Drongo (split from Spangled), Kai Fantail (split from Northern), the rather secretive White-tailed (or Kai) Monarch, Island Monarch, Golden-bellied (or Little Kai or Kai Kecil) White-eye, and Black-faced Munia.

Papuan Pitta (Craig Robson)

Kai Leaf Warbler (Craig Robson)

In two other locations, we explored coastal forest on coralline formations, where we tracked down two interesting species, Island Whistler and the scarce and local regional form of Arafura (or Supertramp) Fantail.

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Before dawn on one morning we were off by boat for a half-day trip to Kai Besar. This long, narrow island is the largest in the group and is still mostly clothed in untouched forest. At the jetty, we were met by our little mini-bus and, after cramming ourselves inside, we made the short journey along the islands tiny main road to Bukit Indah Mission, with its backdrop of beautifully forested hills. Walking along the access track, we soon encountered the islands’ most well-known endemic, Pearl-bellied (or Great Kai or Kai Besar) White- eye, which is common and easily seen. Once at the mission, we quickly headed up a narrow forest trail in order to reach the correct elevation for the islands’ other endemic, Kai Leaf Warbler (split from Island). This year we got it at around 420m and obtained lengthy views of a singing bird. The crossing itself was fairly uneventful but we did get some great views of Streaked Shearwaters.

From Kai, it was another short flight back to Ambon. From the airport, we drove directly to the other side of the island and then boarded a small speedboat for the 20-minute ride across to neighbouring Haruku. We were visiting the village of Kailolo, which has one of the best-known breeding grounds in the world. Even before nightfall we were fortunate to notice two Forsten’s (split from Dusky), as they foraged quietly in the small area of coastal woodland. We quickly ate dinner and then readied ourselves for darkness. Things progressed much faster than expected, for no sooner had it got dark, than a Moluccan Megapode ventured out into a small sandy opening and began digging away. We approached for closer views and then quickly left the bird to its business. A really fantastic experience.

Moluccan Megapode (Charles Davies)

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Another ferry ride the following lunchtime took us north-east to , on the south coast of Seram, and from there we drove across the island to our small coastal guest house near Sawai. It was great to see that the small side-road to the village had finally been tarmacked, making access so much quicker and easier.

Seram Cockatoo (Craig Robson)

Blue-eared Lory (Charles Davies)

Most of our birding on Seram was divided between the upper reaches of the Trans-Seram Highway - where it runs through the wonderful of the huge - and lowland forest remnants to the east of Sawai. Clouds often build during the mornings here and then gather over the higher ground and produce rain showers and mist in the afternoons. With vehicles constantly at our disposal, we had maximum flexibility and were able to dodge the rain as best as possible, not that there was much this year. In fact, all of

10 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com our Indonesia tours in 2016 were relatively dry. One of the primary species that the park was set up to protect is the endangered Salmon-crested Cockatoo, and we saw several of these beautiful and highly vocal birds, particularly along the higher points of the road.

Seram White-eye (Craig Robson)

We began several early mornings at the highest point of the road (c.1270m). This is where we were hoping to see the endemic Blue-eared Lory, which is more frequently encountered at this particular point than the generally much commoner Red Lory and Coconut Lorikeet. Fortunately, during our latest visit there was an abundance of a red-flowering to be found, and this was attracting numerous Seram and Drab Myzomelas (the former split from Wakolo), and Seram , not to mention Seram White-eye and even the scarce Grey-hooded White-eye (or Binaia Heleia). These flowers were also tempting to the Blue- eared Lories, which perched-up in full view during one early morning watch. The views were so good in fact, that it was voted second favourite bird of the tour. In the occasional mixed-species feeding flocks at the

11 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com higher levels we didn’t have too much difficulty finding the local form of Drab Whistler, Yellow-throated (or Moluccan) Whistler (Seram Whistler if you split it!), Streak-breasted Fantail, Seram Leaf Warbler (split from Island), and the yellow-infused local Mountain White-eyes, while more secretive Cinnamon-chested Flycatchers were seen low down at the forest edge. Inside the lovely mossy forest we had very close views of the Seram form of South Moluccan Pitta (sometimes given full species status).

South Moluccan (or Seram) Pitta (Craig Robson)

Seram Boobook (Craig Robson)

Slightly lower in elevation, our main target was the wonderful Purple-naped Lory, and thankfully they were relatively easy this year, with two very vocal pairs that even responded to our whistled imitations of their varied calls. Another speciality target was Rufescent Darkeye (or Bicoloured Heleia) and we found a pair associating with a mixed-species feeding flock. Grey-collared (or Seram) Oriole made its first appearance at

12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com this point too. The striking Long-crested Myna made just one appearance; a very obliging pair that gave lengthy close views. Walking the more open stretches of road, with good views over the forest, we eventually caught up with some perched Seram Mountain Pigeons, and we also enjoyed good flight views of the scarce Pygmy Eagle.

In the lowlands to the north of the mountains, we visited a couple of different areas. Tall dead trees provided valuable perching and nesting places for a variety of species. Highlights for us were Lazuli Kingfisher and Violet (or Seram) Crow, and for some, a totally unexpected Southern Cassowary - a species that is believed to have been introduced to the island centuries ago for food.

Multiple night-time forays brought some great views of Seram Boobook (split from Hantu), as well as a Moluccan Scops Owl near our accommodation. We even heard the recently described Seram Masked Owl (currently often lumped in Moluccan), but could not get a fix on it unfortunately.

Chinese Crested Tern (Rainer Kopa)

On one morning we took boats across a short stretch of ocean to the north-east, to the tiny islet of Pulau Lusaolate. Even before we got out of the boat we had heard the bird that we had come here to see - the small-island-loving Olive Honeyeater - and we were to see at least ten in all. Quite how this small population survives on this isolated outcrop is unclear, but evidently populations can survive at much lower levels than some authorities suggest, as these birds have been here since at least 1912! As the tide began to fall, a congregation of Greater Crested on a nearby sandbank began to increase, and careful scanning soon revealed a single Chinese Crested Tern when it flew in to roost. How gratifying it was to see this critically endangered species again here, after our initial discovery six years earlier. We jumped back in our boats for closer views and, after soaking it up, and making sure that there were no other birds present (just singles of Gull-billed and ), we continued to Pulau Sawai, which lies directly offshore from the village. Forsten’s Megapodes were very vocal, but only gave the briefest of glimpses. We had better luck with a nice variety of waterbirds, including Great-billed Heron, Grey Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Terek Sandpiper. A lone Superb (or Eastern Superb) was unexpected.

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From Sawai we drove to the west end of Seram and stayed the night at a small hotel in Piru. Early the following morning we drove along a small and badly-maintained road for over an hour to Masika, where two small speedboats were ready to transport us the short journey across a narrow strip of ocean to the island of Boano. Here, at a very convenient site that we discovered a couple of years ago, we immediately located the endemic Black-chinned (or Boano) Monarch. Said to be critically endangered, a good amount of its forest habitat still remains on the island, though much of it on hilly and often very rocky and somewhat inaccessible ground. The local forms of Common Paradise Kingfisher and Seram Fantail (split from Northern) were also on show.

Juvenile Black-chinned (or Boano) Monarch (Charles Davies)

Taking a different ferry route back to Ambon, it was time for a final night of comfort in town, before we all headed off our separate ways.

Highlands of Seram (Craig Robson)

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SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).

Southern Cassowary Casuaria casuaria 1 for the lucky few; Sawai-Wahai Rd, Seram. Thought to be introduced.

Southern Cassowary (Charles Davies)

Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata 10+ Saumlaki Airport Lake. Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 60+ Saumlaki Airport Lake.

Spotted Whistling Duck, Green Pygmy Goose and Raja Shelduck on Yamdena (Craig Robson)

Raja Shelduck (Radjah S, White-headed S) Tadorna radjah Yamdena: pair Saumlaki Airport Lake, 1 Wermatang. Green Pygmy Goose Nettapus pulchellus 20+ Saumlaki Airport Lake. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa At least six at Saumlaki Airport Lake. Moluccan Megapode (M Scrubfowl) Eulipoa wallacei Brilliant views of an egg-layer at Kailolo, Haruku.

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Tanimbar Megapode (T Scrubfowl) Megapodius tenimberensis Seen by all of us on Yamdena; others heard. Dusky Megapode (Forsten’s M) M. [freycinet] forsteni 2 Kailolo, 1 Pulau Sawai(forsteni); heard Buru (buruensis). Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt A couple on the Kai Islands. King Quail (Blue-breasted Q) Excalfactoria chinensis A male flushed on Yamdena. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas Four during the return crossing from Kai Besar. Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii One on the way to Boano. Tricolored Grebe Tachybaptus tricolor Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 1 Ewang Suli, 20+ Saumlaki Airport Lake (breeding). Australian White Ibis (Australian I) Threskiornis moluccus 1 Saumlaki Airport Lake, two in the Sawai area. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 1 Saumlaki Airport Lake. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis One at a small wetland on Buru, south-west of Namlea. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus As previous species. Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus (H) Several flying over our hotel in Saumlaki at night. Striated Heron (Little H) Butorides striatus Eastern Bubulcus coromandus Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Singles at Wermatang, Yamdena and Pulau Sawai, Seram. Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea [alba] modesta Pied Heron Egretta picata Saumlaki: >25 at the Airport Lake, and two in the Bay.

Pied Heron outside our hotel in Saumlaki (Craig Robson)

Little Egret Egretta garzetta Mostly nigripes, but a migrant garzetta at Ewang Suli, Ambon. Pacific Reef Heron (P R Egret) Egretta sacra Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Saumlaki: two at Wermatang, and three in the Bay. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor A female on the way to Boano. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Widespread sightings, including 120 near Masika, west Seram. Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus Singles at Ohoililur, Kai Kecil, and Boano. Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata One or two on Kai Kecil (pallida). Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Common in the highlands of Buru and Seram. Pygmy Eagle Hieraeetus weiskei Two at higher levels of Trans-Seram Highway. One on Buru (Charles & Helge). Bonelli’s Eagle (Rensch’s E) Aquila [fasciata] renschi A distant displaying bird on Yamdena. Variable Goshawk (Varied G) Accipiter hiogaster See notes.

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Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster One at Wermatang, Yamdena. Red-legged Crake Rallina fasciata (H) Thought to be this flying over at night and calling, near Sawai Jnc., Seram. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis One south-west of Namlea, Buru; 1 Saumlaki Airport Lake.

Comb-crested Jacana on Ambon (Craig Robson)

Pale-vented Bush-hen (Rufous-tailed B-h) Amaurornis moluccana Several sightings; on Yamdena, Kai, & Seram. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus (H) Pulau Lusaolate (leucomelanus). White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea 8+ Saumlaki Airport Lake. Australasian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus One at small wetland near Namlea; 6+ Saumlaki Airport Lake. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Four at Pulau Sawai, Seram. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Just two, at Pulau Sawai. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus At least ten at Ewang Suli, Ambon. Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea One at Ewang Suli, Ambon, 6+ Saumlaki Airport Lake. Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala One at Saumlaki Airport Lake. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica One at Pulau Sawai. Little Curlew Numenius minutus Ten on a football field north of Saumlaki, plus 6 at another spot by some of us. Whimbrel (Eurasian W) Numenius [phaeopus] phaeopus Far Eastern Curlew N. madagascariensis 6 Wermatang, Yamdena, 5 Pulau Sawai, Probably wintering at both sites. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Two at Saumlaki Airport Lake. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes Small numbers at scattered sites. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 2 at Wermatang, Yamdena, 30 at Pulau Sawai, Seram.

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Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Red-necked Stint (Rufous-n S) Calidris ruficollis Just one at Ewang Suli. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta One at Saumlaki Airport Lake. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata At least three at Ewang Suli.

Red-necked Stint and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Craig Robson)

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 35 Ambon-Masohi, Seram ferry; 11 , Seram-Ambon ferry. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Single affinis Saumlaki & Wermatang, Yamdena; Pulau Lusaolate, Seram. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Common, with a high count of 80 at Pulau Lusaolate, north Seram.

Roosting Greater Crested Terns (Craig Robson)

Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis One distant bird perched, in Saumlaki Bay. Chinese Crested Tern Thalasseus bernsteini A single wintering individual at Pulau Lusaolate, N Seram. Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus Two from the Kairatu, Seram-Ambon ferry.

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Common Tern Sterna hirundo A single bird at Pulau Lusaolate. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus At least 7 in Saumlaki Bay. White-winged Tern (W-w Black T) Chlidonias leucopterus 2+ Saumlaki Airport Lake, 1 Masika, west Seram. Pomarine Jaeger (P Skua) Stercorarius pomarinus Two from Ambon-Masohi, Seram ferry. Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus Two from Buru Island Resort. Rock Pigeon (R Dove, Feral P) livia Noted on Ambon, Buru, Kai and Boano. Metallic Pigeon (White-throated P) Columba vitiensis One on Buru and around nine on Seram (halmaheira). Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Ambon, Buru, Yamdena, and Pulau Sawai, Seram. Probably introduced. Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove (Amboina C-D) Macropygia amboinensis Buru, Ambon, Seram (nom.); Kai (keyensis). Tanimbar Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia timorlaoensis Quite common on Yamdena. Common Emerald Dove (Emerald D) indica (Green-winged Pigeon) C. longirostris Stephan’s Emerald Dove (Stephan’s D) Chalcophaps stephani A responsive bird on Kai Kecil. Zebra Dove Geopelia striata One on Ambon; of introduced origin. Barred Dove Geopelia maugei Buru Green Pigeon Treron aromatica A pair with a nest at Bara; heard at Waslabi. Wallace’s Fruit Dove Ptilinopus wallacii Good numbers of this attractive dove on Yamdena and Kai Kecil. Superb Fruit Dove (Eastern S F) Ptilinopus [superbus] superbus Rose-crowned Fruit Dove P. regina Grey-hooded xanthogaster was common on Yamdena. White-bibbed Fruit Dove (White-breasted F D) Ptilinopus rivoli A few on Buru, Kai and Seram (prassinorrhous). Claret-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus viridis Frequent on Buru, Ambon and Seram (viridis). Spectacled Imperial Pigeon (Buru I P) Ducula perspicillata Some good views on Buru. Seram Imperial Pigeon Ducula neglecta Easily seen on Ambon and Seram. Split from the previous species.

Spectacled (or Buru) and Seram Imperial Pigeons (Craig Robson)

Elegant Imperial Pigeon (Yellow-eyed I P) Ducula concinna Common on Yamdena and also the Kai Is. Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon Ducula rosacea Fairly good numbers on Yamdena, and one or two on Kai Kecil. Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor Buru Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps mada Common this year with around 65 logged. Seram Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps stalkeri Just 11 logged this year. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Coucal (Kai C) Centropus [phasianinus] spilopterus Some very nice observations of this vocal endemic.

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Pacific Koel (Australian K) Eudynamys orientalis (H) Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae One shot by at Lorulun, Yamdena. Little Bronze Cuckoo (Pied B C) Chrysococcyx [minutillus] crassirostris Common on Yamdena; nine seen. (Australian B C) Cacomantis variolosus 2 seen Yamdena (probably whitei); 1 Kai Kecil (infaustus).

Dependant fledged juvenile Moluccan Cuckoo (Craig Robson)

Moluccan Cuckoo (M Brush C) C. aeruginosus Seen Buru (fledged juv. being fed by Buru Leaf Warbler), & Seram. Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus Two on Yamdena.

Buru Boobook (Charles Davies)

Moluccan Masked Owl (Lesser M O, Australasian M O) Tyto sororcula 1 Buru (cayelii); 1 Yamdena (sororcula). Moluccan Masked Owl (Seram M O) Tyto [sororcula] almae (H) Called by return, three times; near Sawai Junction. Moluccan Scops Owl Otus magicus One seen very well near Sawai, Seram (magicus).

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Hantu Boobook (Seram B) Ninox [squamipila] squamipila At least 3 seen near Sawai, including a one-eyed bird! Hantu Boobook (Buru B) Ninox [squamipila] hantu Great views of one or two birds. Tanimbar Boobook Ninox forbesi Several seen well, including a pair with their recently fledged youngster. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Widespread sightings. -wide schlegelii. Moustached Treeswift Hemiprocne mystacea Glossy Collocalia esculenta Seram Swiftlet ceramensis On Ambon, Buru & Seram. Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis Widespread (moluccarum). White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Small numbers on Yamdena and Kai Kecil. Pacific (Fork-tailed S) Apus pacificus Small numbers on Yamdena and Kai Kecil. Oriental Dollarbird (Common D) Eurystomus orientalis A few resident pacificus on Yamdena and Kai Kecil.

Common Paradise Kingfisher on Boano (Rainer Kopa)

Common Paradise Kingfisher Tanysiptera galatea Heard on Buru (acis), then seen well on Boano (boanensis). Lazuli Kingfisher Halcyon lazuli Three sightings on Seram. Collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris Frequently recorded throughout (nominate). Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher Todiramphus australasia Nice scope views of a calling bird on Yamdena (odites). Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Singles seen on Ambon and Seram (hispidoides). Blyth’s Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus Throughout Seram (nominate race). Spotted Kestrel (Indonesian K) Falco moluccensis Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2 Buru (resident form, ernesti?); 1 enormus female calidus on Yamdena. Tanimbar Corella (T Cockatoo) Cacatua goffini Locally common Yamdena (c.70 logged). Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Seram C) Cacatua moluccensis 9 seen and others heard on Seram. Superb. Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot Micropsitta keiensis Great views at multiple sites on Kai Kecil; at least 10 seen.

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Moluccan King Parrot amboinensis 20+ on Buru (buruensis), and 2 on Seram (amboinensis). Buru Racket-tail (B Racquet-t) Prioniturus mada Fairly frequent on Buru, with around 23 birds logged. Eclectus roratus 6 on Buru & 2 on Seram (roratus); 4 on Yamdena (riedeli); 4+ on Kai (polychloros). Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi Buru, Ambon, Seram (rhodops); Yamdena (timorlaoensis); Kai (keyensis).

Purple-naped Lories (Keith Betton)

Great-billed Parrot Tanygnathus megalorhynchos 10+ Buru, 2 Seram, 1 Boano (affinis); hd Yamdena (subaffinis). Black-lored Parrot Tanygnathus gramineus Two or three birds seen, but only in flight unfortunately, and briefly. Red-flanked Lorikeet Charmosyna placentis Perched and flight views; 2 on the Kai Is & 4 on Seram (placentis). Purple-naped Lory Lorius domicella A great year with two very vocal pairs seen well and scoped. Red Lory (Moluccan R L) bornea Common Buru (cyanonothus) and Seram, 2 Boano, 1 Kai Kecil (nominate). Blue-streaked Lory Eos reticulata A bit scarce this year on Yamdena; only 23 logged. Blue-eared Lory Eos semilarvata <21 noted near the top of the Trans-Seram Highway; perched and in flight. Coconut Lorikeet (Rainbow L) Trichoglossus haematodus 7 logged on Buru, 40+ on Seram (nominate).

Buru Honeyeaters (Craig Robson)

South Moluccan Pitta (Buru P, Amboyna Sahul P) E. [rubrinucha] rubrinucha Superb views; Wamlana Logging Rd.

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South Moluccan Pitta (Seram P) [rubrinucha] piroensis Great views of 1, Trans-Seram Hwy (1350m). Papuan Pitta (P Sahul P) Erythropitta macklotii Easily seen well on Kai Kecil . Elegant Pitta Pitta elegans Excellent views of a singing bird on Yamdena (vigorsii). Heard at Bara, Buru (elegans). Drab Myzomela (D Honeyeater) blasii Over 30 seen on Seram, nearly all at flower trees. Banda Myzomela (Black-breasted M) M. boiei Occasional Yamdena. Tanimbar, Babar, Damar & Banda Is endemic. Wakolo Myzomela (Buru M) Myzomela [wakoloensis] wakoloensis Just four noted on Buru. Wakolo Myzomela (Seram M) Myzomela [wakoloensis] elisabethae Over 30 on Seram, nearly all at flower trees. Olive Honeyeater Lichmera argentauris Around 10 of these range-restricted honeyeaters on P. Lusaolate, Seram. Scaly-breasted Honeyeater (Banda H, White-tufted H) Lichmera squamata Abundant on Yamdena. Buru Honeyeater Lichmera deningeri Only seen once this year, but four birds at close range. Seram Honeyeater Lichmera monticola Over 20 on Seram, nearly all at flower trees. Seram Friarbird Philemon subcorniculatus One of the commonest Seram endemics. Black-faced Friarbird (Buru F) Philemon moluccensis One of the commonest Buru endemics. Tanimbar Friarbird Philemon plumigenis A common endemic of the Tanimbar and Kai Is. Rufous-sided Gerygone (Banda Sea G, R-s Fairy Warbler) G. dorsalis Frequent Yamdena, heard Kai (nominate). White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus A. l. musschenbroeki on Yamdena, nominate elsewhere. Wallacean Cuckooshrike Coracina personata 6 unimodus on Yamdena & 5 pollens on Kai. Distinct dark forms. Buru Cuckooshrike Coracina fortis 12 at higher levels on Buru. Our highest total for this rather uncommon endemic. Moluccan Cuckooshrike Coracina atriceps A good number in the Seram highlands (atriceps). Great views. Kai Cicadabird Coracina dispar A male rather too briefly on Yamdena. Pale Cicadabird Coracina ceramensis Seen on Buru & Seram (ceramensis). Endemic to here, plus Boano & Obi. White-browed Triller (Tanimbar T) Lalage moesta Frequent on Yamdena. Varied Triller Lalage leucomela Common and conspicuous on the Kai Is.

Island Whistler, streaky female Drab Whistler on Kai, singing Drab Whistler Seram (Craig Robson)

Island Whistler Pachycephala phaionotus Just a pair and their dependant fledged offspring at Ohoililur, Kai Kecil. Grey Whistler (Grey-headed W) Pachycephala [simplex] griseiceps Five in bird flocks on Kai Kecil (rufipennis). Yellow-throated Whistler (Moluccan W, Seram W) P. [macrorhyncha] macrorhyncha 8 seen. Many heard. Yellow-throated Whistler (Moluccan W, Buru W) P. [macrorhyncha] buruensis 5 seen. Many heard. Yellow-throated Whistler (Moluccan W, Tanimbar W) P. [macrorhyncha] fuscoflava (NL) Just Dylan’s male? Wallacean Whistler Pachycepala arctitorquis Fairly common on Yamdena (arctitorquis), with some nice males. Drab Whistler Pachycephala griseonota 14 logged Buru (examinata), 4 Kai Kecil (kuehni), 5 Seram (nominate). Australasian Figbird (Green F) Sphecotheres vieilloti 25+ on Kai Kecil. Great views. Grey-collared Oriole (Seram O) forsteni Just two seen well, at widely separated locations. Black-eared Oriole (Buru O) Oriolus bouroensis Frequent on Buru. Tanimbar Oriole Oriolus decipiens Several on Yamdena. The most friarbird-like of all! See notes on mimicry. (Tanimbar Spangled D) Dicrurus [densus] kuehni A pair at a nest on Yamdena. Monotypic. Wallacean Drongo (Kai Spangled D) Dicrurus [densus] megalornis Abundant and very vocal on Kai. Monotypic. Spangled Drongo (Seram S D) Dicrurus [bracteatus] amboinensis 4 Ambon, 1 Haruku, 3 Seram. Monotypic. Spangled Drongo (Buru Spangled D) Dicrurus [bracteatus] buruensis Occasional sightings; 14 logged. Monotypic. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Quite common in coastal lowlands of Buru, Ambon and Seram (melaleuca).

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Cinnamon-tailed Fantail R. fuscorufa Common Yamdena. Endemic to Tanimbar Is (& Babar, -dependant). Northern Fantail (Buru F) Rhipidura [rufiventris] bouruensis Fairly common, with 18 logged. Northern Fantail (Seram F) Rhipidura [rufiventris] cinerea 3 on Ambon, 2 with nest on Boano. Lowland only. Northern Fantail (Kai F) Rhipidura [rufiventris] assimilis Fairly common, with 18 logged. Always in pairs. Streak-breasted Fantail (Streaky-b F) Rhipidura dedemi This neat Seram endemic was fairly common. Tawny-backed Fantail Rhipidura superflua Endemic to the Buru highlands. Frequently heard; several seen well. Long-tailed Fantail (Charming F) Rhipidura opistherythra An unusual Tanimbar endemic; seen well in the forest. Arafura Fantail (Supertramp F) R. [dryas] semicollaris Common Yamdena (hamadryas); 4 seen Kai Kecil (henrici).

Former Northern Fantails: Buru Fantail, Seram Fantail (Ambon), Seram Fantail (Boano), Kai Fantail (Craig Robson)

Black-bibbed Monarch (Banda Sea M) Symposiachrus mundus Frequent on Yamdena. Black-chinned Monarch (Boano M) Symposiachrus boanensis At least five of these Boano endemics. Spectacled Monarch (Wallacean M, Seram S M) S. [trivirgatus] nigrimentum Buru (?ssp.), Ambon, Seram. White-tailed Monarch (Kai M) Symposiachrus leucurus This endemic was tolerably common, with 8 seen. 1 Juv. Black-tipped Monarch (Buru M) Symposiachrus loricatus Frequent in the Buru lowlands. Island Monarch Symposiachrus cinerascens Several sightings of this small-island monarch on Kai Kecil (nominate). White-naped Monarch (Buru Pied M) Carterornis [pileatus] buruensis Some good views on Buru (buruensis). White-naped Monarch (Tanimbar M, Loetoe M) Carterornis [pileatus] castus Five seen well on Yamdena. Moluccan Flycatcher (M Monarch, Slaty F) Myiagra galeata 1 Buru (buruensis). 1 Ambon, hd Seram (goramensis). Broad-billed Flycatcher (B-b Monarch) Myiagra ruficollis Common on Yamdena (fulviventris). Violet Crow (Seram C) Corvus violaceus Seen well on Seram. Totally distinct from Slender-billed C. enca. Torresian Crow (Tanimbar C) Corvus [orru] latirostris Only seen twice on Yamdena (singles). Golden-bellied Flyrobin (Tanimbar F, G-b Flycatcher) Microeca hemixantha Common on Yamdena. Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster (Introduced) Seen a number of times on Ambon (aurigaster?). Seram Golden Bulbul Ixos affinis Frequently seen on Seram (affinis). Seram Golden Bulbul (Ambon G B) Ixos [affinis] flavicaudus 7 or so on Ambon. Distinctive song; a potential split. Buru Golden Bulbul Ixos mysticalis Common on Buru. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica 2+ with White-throated Needletails and Pacific Swifts, Yamdena. Mountain Tailorbird (M Leaftoiler) Phyllergates cuculatus Buru & Seram (dumasi). A warbler, not a tailorbird. Tanimbar Bush Warbler Cettia carolinae One seen well on Yamdena; commonly heard. Only discovered in 1985. Arctic Warbler (A Leaf W) Phylloscopus borealis Small numbers wintering on Buru and Ambon. Island Leaf Warbler (Buru L W) Phylloscopus [maforensis] everetti Common at the highest levels. Island Leaf Warbler (Seram L W) Phylloscopus [maforensis] ceramensis Higher levels of Trans-Seram Highway. Island Leaf Warbler (Kai L W) Phylloscopus [maforensis] avicola One songster on Kai Besar (c.420m). Chestnut-backed Bush Warbler (Buru Grasshopper W) Locustella [castanea] disturbans 4 seen & others heard. Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler (G’s Warbler) Locustella fasciolata 2 seen and others heard on Buru. Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis Several on Yamdena. Apparently an undescribed form with some potential. Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Buru (rustica). Vocally distinct compared with mainland . Rufescent Darkeye (Bicoloured Heleia) Tephrozosterops stalkeri Two in a bird-wave on Seram.

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Grey-hooded White-eye (Binaia Heleia, G-h Dark-e) Lophozosterops pinaiae Several at highest levels on Seram. Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus Higher areas: Buru (montanus); Seram (obstinatus). Latter very yellowish. Ashy-bellied White-eye Zosterops citrinellus Common Yamdena (albiventris). Pearl-bellied White-eye (Kai Besar W-e, Great Kai W-e) Zosterops grayi 10 on Kai Besar, to which it is endemic. Golden-bellied White-eye (Kai Kecil W-e, Little Kai W-e) Zosterops uropygialis Common Kai Kecil, with 30 logged.

Buru White-eye (Craig Robson)

Seram White-eye Zosterops stalkeri Uncommon on Seram, but seen very well. Buru White-eye Zosterops buruensis This Buru endemic was pretty common. Ambon White-eye Zosterops kuehni 7 across two sites on Ambon. Metallic Starling Aplonis metallica Violet-hooded Starling Aplonis circumscripta Eight noted on Yamdena. Apparently not a widely accepted split. Tanimbar Starling Aplonis crassa This unremarkable Tanimbar endemic was quite common. Moluccan Starling Aplonis mysolensis Long-crested Myna Basilornis corythaix This amazing endemic was seen well but once on Seram; a pair.

Buru Thrush at nest (stills from video of adult Keith Betton; nest contents Craig Robson)

Slaty-backed Thrush Geokichla schistacea Tanimbar endemic, seen well and commonly heard on Yamdena. Buru Thrush Geokichla dumasi Several seen and many hd in the Buru uplands. An occupied nest with single egg. Fawn-breasted Thrush Zoothera machiki Many briefly, 2 showing well. Hard work this year. Tanimbar endemic. Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta Visitor from east Asia, seen on Buru, Ambon, Kai Kecil & Seram. Turquoise Flycatcher (T Warbling-flycatcher, Island Verditer F) Eumyias panayensis On Seram (harterti).

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Streak-breasted Jungle Flycatcher (Buru Warbling-f, Streaky-b J F) Eumyias additus Buru endemic. 13 logged. Tanimbar Flycatcher Ficedula riedeli Four in forest understorey on Yamdena. Quite easy this year. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra Quite common higher up on Buru (negroides). Cinnamon-chested Flycatcher Ficedula buruensis 2+ Seram (ceramensis). Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni (H) On Buru. Not listed for Buru by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al. Flame-breasted Flowerpecker (Buru F) erythrothorax Common monotypic Buru endemic. (Seram F) Dicaeum vulneratum Regular Ambon & Seram. Monotypic south Moluccan endemic. Mistletoebird (Salvadori’s F) Dicaeum [hirundinaceum] keiense Common Yamdena (fulgidum) & Kai Is (keiense). Black Sunbird Leptocoma aspasia L. a. proserpina on Buru, aspasioides on Ambon & Seram, & chlorolaema on Kai. Olive-backed Sunbird (Sahul S, Clementias’s S) Cynniris [jugularis] clementiae See notes. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Tree S) Passer montanus Tricoloured Parrotfinch Erythrura tricolor Five showed very well on Yamdena, and even scoped. Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa Three seen quite well in canopy on Buru. Black-faced Munia Lonchura molucca Only small numbers this year on Kai Kecil and Seram (nominate). Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Occasional on Yamdena (blasii). Five-coloured Munia Lonchura quinticolor Eight on Yamdena. Chestnut Munia (Black-headed M) Lonchura atricapilla Buru and Ambon (brunniceps). Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaska W) Motacilla [tschutschensis] tschutschensis Widespread and locally common. Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Yellow-browed W) Motacilla [tschutschensis] taivana One identified on Ambon. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Surprisingly common on Buru and Seram. One on Yamdena. Madanga (Madanga Pipit) Madanga ruficollis What can I say! Just incredible. Pair on hill-top off Danau Road, Buru.

View from the Danau Road, Buru (Craig Robson)

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MAMMALS Northern Common Cuscus Phalanger orientalis One seen well at night near Sawai, Seram. Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus (Introduced) Black-bearded Flying Fox Pteropus melanopogon Frequently seen throughout. Indo-Pacific Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops aduncus 4 from Buru Island Resort, 3 Ambon-Masohi, Seram ferry. Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris Quite a lot in the Seram-Boano-Ambon area. Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus At least 3 from Ambon-Masohi, Seram ferry. Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus Around 25 between Masika and Boano. Rusa ( Deer) (introduced) Cervus timorensis A couple running ahead of us, Wamlana Logging Road, Buru.

NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST

Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata Listed for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop but not shown there on the map in Eaton et al. (Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago).

Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Not listed for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop but shown there on the map in Eaton et al.

Raja Shelduck (Radjah S, White-headed S) Tadorna radjah Listed for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop but not shown there on the map in Eaton et al.

Dusky (or Forsten’s) Megapode (or Scrubfowl) Megapodius [freycinet] forsteni The IOC include this distinctive form in Dusky Scrubfowl, though other authors have suggested it Some authors lump this form in Orange-footed Scrubfowl M. reinwardt.

King Quail (Blue-breasted Q) Excalfactoria chinensis Not given for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al.

Tricolored Grebe Tachybaptus tricolor Coates & Bishop lump this distinctive regional form in Little (or Red-throated Little) Grebe T. ruficollis.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Some authors lump this species in Western Cattle Egret B. ibis, using the name Cattle Egret for the enlarged species.

(Eastern) Great Egret Ardea [alba] modesta Most authors (including the IOC) still lump this form (found in much of Asia and Australasia) in Western Great Egret A. alba, using the name Great Egret for the enlarged species.

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Many authors lump African Darter A. rufa and Australian Darter A. novaehollandiae into this species using the name Darter for the enlarged species.

Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus Many authors lump this form in Western Osprey P. haliaetus using the name Osprey for the enlarged species.

Bonelli’s (or Rensch’s) Eagle Aquila [fasciata] renschi Most authors (including the IOC) include this distinctive regional speciality in Bonelli’s Eagle A. fasciata.

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Variable (or Varied) Goshawk Aquila hiogastra 1 juvenile Buru (pallidiceps), 2 Ambon (hiogastra), 2 Yamdena (polionota), and 6+ Kai Is (albiventris). Formerly lumped in Grey Goshawk A. novaehollandiae, with the name Variable Goshawk used for the enlarged species. Eaton et al. suggest that this species could be further divided, in the areas that we visit on this tour, as follows: Seram Goshawk Accipiter hiogastra (monotypic), Buru Goshawk A. pallidiceps (monotypic), and Tenggara Goshawk A. sylvestris (Tanimbar and Kai).

Red-legged Crake Rallina fasciata Not given for Seram by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al.

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis Not given for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al.

Pale-vented (or Rufous-tailed) Bush-hen Amaurornis moluccanus Some authors lump this species in Plain Bush-hen A. olivaceus of the Philippines, using the name (Common) Bush-hen for the enlarged species.

Australasian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus Some authors lump this species (along with African Swamphen P. madagascariensis, Grey-headed Swamphen P. poliocephalus, Philippine Swamphen P. pulverulentus and Black-backed Swamphen P. indicus) in Western Swamphen P. porphyrio, using the name Purple Swamphen for the enlarged species.

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Some authorities (including Eaton et al.) split off the atrifrons group of subspecies as Tibetan Plover C. atrifrons, and use the common name Siberian (or Mongolian) Plover for C. mongolus. The distribution and status of the two forms in the region is unclear at present.

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Not given for Yamdena by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al.

(Eurasian) Whimbrel Numenius [phaeopus] phaeopus Some authors have suggested that New World form hudsonicus (Hudsonian Whimbrel) should be treated as specifically distinct, in which case the Eurasian form would be renamed Eurasian Whimbrel. The form seen on this tour, variegatus, would be included with the latter.

Metallic (or White-throated) Pigeon Columba vitiensis Some authorities split Metallic Pigeon into two or three species, in which case the form found on this tour becomes White-throated Pigeon C. vitiensis, and the extralimital Metallic Pigeon C. metallica becomes a Lesser Sundas endemic.

Amboyna (or Amboina) Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis A recent reclassification of cuckoo-doves has resulted in several new species. Most authors still lump Sultan's Cuckoo- Dove M. doreya in this species with the name Slender-billed or Brown Cuckoo- Dove being used for the enlarged species.

Tanimbar Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia timorlaoensis A recent reclassification of cuckoo-doves has resulted in several new species. Most authors still have this species, along with Sea Cuckoo-Dove M. macassariensis lumped in Timor Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia magna, with the name Barred or Bar-necked Cuckoo-Dove being applied to the enlarged species.

Pacific Emerald Dove (Green-winged Pigeon) Chalcophaps longirostris Some authors lump this species in Common Emerald Dove C. indica using the name Emerald Dove for the enlarged species. The form possible on this tour, timorensis, is found on the Kai Islands and Tanimbar.

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Superb (or Eastern Superb) Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus Some authorities now split this form off from Western Superb Fruit Dove P. temminckii of .

Seram Imperial Pigeon Ducula neglecta Some authors lump this species in Spectacled (or Moluccan/Buru) Imperial Pigeon D. perspicillata.

Buru Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps mada Seram Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps stalkeri Some authors lump Seram Mountain Pigeon in Buru Mountain Pigeon using the name Long-tailed Mountain Pigeon for the enlarged species.

Pheasant (or Kai) Coucal Centropus [phasianus] spilopterus Most authors (including the IOC) include this distinctive regional speciality in species in C. phasianinus.

Pacific (or Australian) Koel Eudynamys orientalis This species (which is sometimes given the name cyanocephala) was formerly lumped in Asian (or Common) Koel E. scolopacea, with the name Common Koel being used for the enlarged species.

Little (or Pied) Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx [minutillus] crassirostris Most authors (including the IOC) include this distinctive form in Little Bronze Cuckoo C. minutillus.

Moluccan Cuckoo Cacomantis aeruginosus This species was formerly known as C. heinrichii. However, it appears that birds from (heinrichii) are identical (in and vocalizations) to the form aeruginosus (known from Seram, Buru and the Moluccas) and should be placed together as a separate species, or indeed, the two forms may even be synonymous, as is the case with the IOC.

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus This species (which breeds across northern Eurasia) was formerly lumped in Himalayan Cuckoo C. saturatus, with the name Oriental Cuckoo being used for the enlarged species. Note that this species was formerly known as horsfieldi (with the English name Horsfield’s Cuckoo being used) but this name was shown to be antedated by optatus.

Moluccan (or Lesser or Australasian) Masked Owl Tyto sororcula Moluccan (or Seram) Masked Owl Tyto [sororcula] almae Eaton et al. lump Moluccan Masked Owl in Australian Masked Owl T. novaehollandiae, using the name Australasian Masked Owl for the enlarged species. They also suggest that the two generally acknowledged forms of Moluccan Masked Owl are occasionally treated as distinct species: Lesser Masked Owl T. sororcula and Buru Masked Owl T. cayelii. The form almae was only recently described - as a distinct species, Seram Masked Owl T. almae, and is treated as such by most authorities.

Eastern Barn Owl Tyto delicatula Many authors lump this species in Western Barn Owl T. alba, using the name Barn Owl for the enlarged species.

Southern (or Kai) Boobook Ninox [boobook] remigialis Most authors (including the IOC) include this form in Southern Boobook N. novaeseelandiae. An alternative treatment (e.g. in Eaton et al.) is to treat it as a race of Barking Owl Ninox connivens, to which its voice is almost identical.

Hantu (or Seram) Boobook Ninox [squamipila] squamipila Hantu (or Buru) Boobook Ninox [squamipila] hantu Some authors (including the IOC) include Seram Boobook in Buru Boobook using the name Hantu Boobook for the enlarged species. Additionally some authors lump Hantu Boobook in Halmahera Boobook N. hypogramma using the name Moluccan Boobook for the enlarged species.

29 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com

Tanimbar Boobook Ninox forbesi Some authors lump this species (along with Hantu Boobook) in Halmahera Boobook N. hypogramma using the name Moluccan Boobook for the enlarged species.

Seram Swiftlet Aerodramus ceramensis Some authors lump this species in A. infuscatus using the name Moluccan Swiftlet for the enlarged species.

South Moluccan (or Buru) Pitta Erythropitta [erythrogaster] rubrinucha [Amboyna Sahul Pitta (Eaton et al.)] South Moluccan (or Seram) Pitta Erythropitta [erythrogaster] piroensis [Amboyna Sahul Pitta (Eaton et al.)] Papuan Pitta Erythropitta macklotii [Papuan Sahul Pitta (Eaton et al.)] Various recent authors have divided the former Red-bellied or Blue-breasted Pitta into up to 16 species. The latest version of the IOC list is followed here. Eaton et al. propose a further treatment along with the unnecessary introduction of yet more common names (in square brackets).

Banda (or Black-breasted) Myzomela Myzomela boiei Wakolo (or Buru) Myzomela Myzomela [wakoloensis] wakoloensis Wakolo (or Seram) Myzomela Myzomela [wakoloensis] elisabethae Some authors lump these species in Scarlet Honeyeater M. sanguinolenta. The most recent regional work (Eaton et al.) splits them all as individual species.

Tanimbar Friarbird Philemon plumigenis Some authors lump this species in Black-faced Friarbird P. moluccensis.

White-browed (or Tanimbar) Triller Lalage moesta Some authors lump this species in Black-browed Triller L. atrovirens.

Grey (or Grey-headed) Whistler Pachycephala [simplex] griseiceps Most authors (including the IOC) include this distinctive form in Grey Whistler P. simplex.

Yellow-throated (or Moluccan or Seram) Whistler Pachycephala [macrorhyncha] macrorhyncha Yellow-throated (or Moluccan or Buru) Whistler Pachycephala [macrorhyncha] buruensis Yellow-throated (or Moluccan or Tanimbar) Whistler Pachycephala [macrorhyncha] fuscoflava These forms were formerly lumped in Australian Golden Whistler P. pectoralis with the name Golden Whistler being used for the enlarged species. The first major revision included the regional Yellow-throated and Black-chinned Whistlers (e.g. IOC), while Eaton et al. revised and constricted things with their Moluccan Whistler, and also suggest a host of potential island endemics may be warranted.

Wallacean Whistler Pachycephala arctitorquis Some authors lump this species in White-bellied Whistler P. leucogastra.

Black-eared (or Buru) Oriole Oriolus bouroensis Tanimbar Oriole Oriolus decipiens Some authors lump Tanimbar Oriole in Black-eared (or Buru) Oriole using the name Black-faced Oriole for the enlarged species.

Brown oriole mimicry A paper published in June (Jonsson et al. 2016. The evolution of mimicry of by orioles (Aves: Passeriformes) in Australo-Pacific archipelagos. Proc. R. Soc. B 283: 20160409. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.0409) has tested the hypothesis that regional brown orioles mimic friarbirds. Historical observations by Alfred Wallace and Jared Diamond of plumage similarities between co-occurring orioles and friarbirds led them to conclude that the former represent visual mimics of the latter. Here, the authors used molecular phylogenies and plumage reflectance measurements to test the mimicry hypothesis. The results show that friarbirds originated before brown orioles, that the two groups did not co- speciate (although there is a plausible instance of co-speciation on Buru and Seram). Furthermore, the greater size

30 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com disparity between model and mimic and a longer history of co-occurrence have resulted in a stronger plumage similarity (mimicry). This suggests that resemblance between orioles and friarbirds represents mimicry and that colonization of islands by brown orioles has been facilitated by their ability to mimic the aggressive friarbirds.

Wallacean (or Tanimbar Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus [densus] kuehni Wallacean (or Kai Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus [densus] megalornis Spangled (or Seram Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus [bracteatus] amboinensis Spangled (or Buru Spangled) Drongo Dicrurus [bracteatus] buruensis All four forms are very distinctive, and have been given full species status in Eaton et al. Some authors (including the IOC) lump Lesser Wallacean Drongo D. bimaensis in Greater Wallacean Drongo D. densus, using the name Wallacean Drongo D. densus for the enlarged species.

Northern (or Buru) Fantail Rhipidura [rufiventris] bouruensis Northern (or Seram) Fantail Rhipidura [rufiventris] cinerea Northern (or Kai) Fantail Rhipidura [rufiventris] assimilis These highly distinctive forms are all given full species status by Eaton et al., but are lumped in Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris by other authors.

Arafura (or Supertramp) Fantail Rhipidura [dryas] semicollaris Eaton et al. separate-out regional forms of Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas as a distinct species, Supertramp Fantail R. semicollaris. Some authors still lump Arafura Fantail in Rufous Fantail R. rufifrons.

Spectacled (or Wallacean or Seram S) Monarch Symposiachrus [trivirgatus] nigrimentum Eaton et al. split off Australasian forms as Sahul Spectacled Monarch Symposiachrus melanopterus and propose the name Wallacean Monarch for regional forms, which retain the name S. trivirgatus. Additionally, they suggest that the form that occurs on Ambon and Seram (and Buru?) be given full species status as Seram Spectacled Monarch S. nigrimentum. Not listed for Buru by Coates & Bishop or Eaton et al.

White-naped (or Buru Pied) Monarch Carterornis [pileatus] buruensis White-naped (or Tanimbar or Loetoe) Monarch Carterornis [pileatus] castus Eaton et al. suggest that the local form of White-naped Monarch on Buru may warrant full species status. Most authors (including the IOC) include the Tanimbar form in White-naped Monarch C. pileatus, but it is split by Eaton et al.

Violet (or Seram) Crow Corvus violaceus Some authors lump this highly distinctive species in Slender-billed Crow C. enca.

Torresian (or Tanimbar) Crow Corvus [orru] latirostris Most authors (including the IOC) include this distinctive form in Torresian Crow C. orru.

Seram Golden Bulbul Thapsinillas affinis Seram (or Ambon) Golden Bulbul Thapsinillas [affinis] flavicaudus Buru Golden Bulbul Thapsinillas mystacalis Some authors lump these forms in Northern Golden Bulbul T. longirostris using the name Golden Bulbul for the enlarged species - which they also place in the Ixos. An alternative treatment is to lump Seram Golden Bulbul in Buru Golden Bulbul, using the name Southern Golden Bulbul (T. affinis) for the enlarged species. The form on Ambon has a unique song and may prove to be an additional distinct species.

Island (or Buru) Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus [maforensis] everetti Island (or Seram) Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus [maforensis] ceramensis Island (or Kai) Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus [maforensis] avicola Some authors (including the IOC) include these vocally and morphologically distinct forms in Island Leaf-warbler P. maforensis. With the recent trend to split these distinctive island forms of this species, it seems likely that these forms will be split in the future.

31 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com

Chestnut-backed (or Buru) Bush (or Grasshopper) Warbler Locustella [castanea] disturbans Chestnut-backed (or Seram) Bush (or Grasshopper) Warbler Locustella [castanea] musculus Some authors (including the IOC) include these vocally and morphologically distinct forms in Chestnut-backed Bush Warbler L. disturbans.

Rufescent Darkeye (Bicoloured Heleia) Tephrozosterops stalkeri Grey-hooded White-eye (Binaia Heleia, G-h Dark-e) Tephrozosterops stalkeri Eaton et al. place these species in the genus Heleia, without comment.

Seram White-eye Zosterops stalkeri Some authors lump this species in Black-fronted White-eye Zosterops atrifrons.

Violet-hooded Starling Aplonis circumscripta Many authors lump this form in Metallic Starling A. metallica.

Buru Thrush Geokichla dumasi Some authors lump Seram Thrush G. joiceyi (not yet recorded on this tour) in this species using the name Moluccan Thrush for the enlarged species.

Tanimbar Flycatcher Ficedula riedeli Some authors lump this species in Rufous-chested Flycatcher F. dumatoria though recent genetic studies have shown it to be distinct.

Flame-breasted (or Buru) Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrothorax Some authors lump D. schistaceiceps in this species using the name Flame-breasted Flowerpecker for the enlarged species.

Mistletoebird (or Salvadori’s Flowerpecker) Dicaeum [hirundinaceum] keiense Eaton et al. split off the two region forms of the extralimital Mistletoebird D. hirundinaceum as Salvadori’s Flowerpecker D. keiense.

Olive-backed Sunbird (Sahul S, Clementia’s S) Cynniris [jugularis] clementiae Seen on Buru (buruensis), Ambon & Seram (clementiae), and the Kai Is. (keiensis). Some authors (including Eaton et al.) split a number of regional forms as Sahul or Black-breasted Sunbird C. clementiae. Eaton et al. propose a further potential split, with the three forms seen on this tour constituting a species, Clementia’s Sunbird, which would retain the scientific name C. clementiae.

Madanga (or Madanga Pipit) Madanga ruficollis Formerly known as Rufous-throated Dark-eye, recent DNA-based studies have shown that it is actually a relative of the . Eaton et al. go so far as to place it in the genus Anthus.

32 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com

It’s all too much (Craig Robson)

APPENDIX 1 – Top five birds of the tour

1st Madanga 42 points 2nd Blue-eared Lory 22 points 3rd Buru Thrush 14 points 4th Chinese Crested Tern 13 points 5th Black-chinned Monarch 08 points

33 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com

APPENDIX 2 - Other fauna & flora recorded

REPTILES ‘Yamdena’ Water Dragon Lophognathus maculilabris A common agamid lizard on Yamdena. Tockay Gecko Gekko gecko (H) Heard on Yamdena at least. Flat-tailed Gecko Cosymburus platyurus Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus This and the last species are the two common house geckos.

‘Yamdena’ Water Dragon Lophognathus maculilabris (Craig Robson)

BUTTERFLIES Blue Triangle (Common Bluebottle) Graphium sarpedon Buru, Ambon & Seram (arthedon), & Kai Is (choredon). Ulysses Swallowtail Papilio ulysses Brilliant huge black and electric blue butterfly on Ambon & Seram (nominate). Oblong-spotted Birdwing Troides oblongomaculatus Big black & yellow birdwing on Seram (nominate). Buru Opalescent Birdwing Troides prattorum Spectacular black & yellow birdwing on Buru - to which it is endemic. Common Green Birdwing Seram at least (priamus). Females are mainly black and white. Grass yellow sp. Eurema candida Psyche Leptosia nina Yamdena. Orange Bush-brown Mycalesis terminus Common on Seram (remulia). Urania Owl Taenaris urania Buru (hollandi), Seram (urania). Red Lacewing Buru (iphigenia), Kai Kecil (insulata). Eight-spot Diadem Hypolimnas pandarus Black, white & orange beauty; Wamlana Logging Road, Buru (pandora). Blue-banded Eggfly Hypolimnas alimena Yamdena (forbesi). Lurcher Yoma sabina Buru (sabina). Chocolate Argus (C Soldier, Brown S) Junonia hedonia Kai Kecil (zelima). Orange-banded Plane Lexias aeropa Abundant on Seram (aeropa). Orange Plane Pantoporia consimilis Kai Kecil. Hamadryad Tellervo zollus Eastern Yellow Glassy Tiger Parantica cleona Seram. Striped Tiger (Orange Tiger) Danaus genutia Yamdena (laratensis) at least. Climena Crow Euploea climena Widespread. Rice Paper Butterfly (‘Moluccan’ Tree Nymph) Idea idea This beauty was seen on Seram (nominate).

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Orchid Flash Hypolyacena Seram (danisoides). Green-banded Line-blue Nacaduba cyanea Seram. Royal Jewel Hypochrysops polycletus Seram.

Urania Owl Taenaris urania on Buru (Craig Robson)

MOTHS Uraniid moth sp. Alcides orontes Amazing blue day-flying moth on Buru and Seram. Like a huge swallowtail butterfly. Swallow-tailed moth sp. Lyssa patroclus Buru and Seram.

DRAGONFLIES Jewel sp. Rhinocypha liberata Common Bluetail Ischnura senegalensis White-backed Wisp (Variable W) Agriocnemis femina Pale-spotted Emperor Anax guttatus Ewang Suli etc. Duskhawker sp. Gynacantha cf basiguttata/mocsaryi (?calypso) Mysterious hawker, Buru, Seram, Kai Kecil etc. Grenadier Agrionoptera insignis Common Blue Skimmer Orthetrum glaucum Fiery Skimmer Orthetrum villosovittatum Green Skimmer Orthetrum serapia Widespread. Blue Percher Diplacodes trivialis Ramburi Red Parasol (Red Pondhawk) Neurothemis ramburii Widespread. Common Redbolt Rhodothemis rufa Buru & Ambon. Jewel Flutterer Rhyothemis resplendens Graphic Flutterer Rhyothemis graphiptera Potbellied Elf Risiophlebia dohrni Ambon & Seram.

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White-barred Duskhawk Tholymis tillarga Ewang Suli. Indigo Dropwing Trithemis festiva Slender Duskdarter Zyxomma petiolatum Perched on the wall at Harapan Indah Hotel, Yamdena.

Potbellied Elf on Seram (Craig Robson)

36 BirdQuest Tour Report: Indonesia’s Southern Moluccas www.birdquest-tours.com