JAVA & BALI - Birdquest -JAVA - BALI- REP … · 3 BirdQuest Tour Report Java & Bali 2014 ! birds. Javan Plover and Small Blue Kingfisher were easily seen however, as were numerous

1 BirdQuest Tour Report Java & Bali 2014 www.birdquest-tours.com

Small Blue (or Cerulean) Kingfishers (Craig Robson)

JAVA & BALI

3 – 17 AUGUST 2014 LEADER CRAIG ROBSON After a gap of four years, the show was on the road again for the latest Birdquest to Java & Bali. Once again, we found a wide range of speciality birds, including Chestnut-bellied Partridge, Christmas Island Frigatebird, Milky Stork, Javan Hawk Eagle, Green Peafowl, Javan Plover, Sumatran Green Pigeon, Pink-headed Fruit Dove, Dark-backed Imperial Pigeon, Sunda Coucal, Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot, Sunda Scops and Spotted Wood Owls, Javan Frogmouth, Salvadori’s Nightjar, Volcano Swiftlet, Javan Trogon, Javan King-fisher, Black-banded Barbet, Javan Flameback, Javan Banded Pitta, Pied and Trilling Shrike-babblers, Javan Cochoa, Sunda Blue Robin, Pygmy Bushtit (or Tit), Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush, White-breasted and White-bibbed Babblers, Spotted Crocias, Javan Tesia, Javan Bush Warbler, White-bellied Fantail, Black-winged Myna, Javan Sunbird, and White-capped Munia. On the outskirts of Bali Barat National Park, at Menjangan Resort near Gilimanuk, we saw five Bali Mynas close to the new release site, three of which were wild-born and un-ringed. Thankfully, this was a dry tour (weather-wise!), and our total of 236 species was comparable with the 2006 tour, which ran at the same time. Mammal highlights included the threatened Javan Gibbon, as well as the endemic Grizzled Leaf Monkey and Javan Langur.


As usual, our first port of call was the tiny coastal reserve of Maura Angke, only a 20 minute drive from our hotel. This relict area of mangrove and reed-swamp has somehow survived the ravages of property devel-opment on the outskirts of Jakarta, and is still the only easily reached site in Java for the endemic Sunda (or Javan) Coucal. This year, we found that the boardwalk was in a terrible state of disrepair (apparently to be remedied in 2015), and simply walking along it required all of our concentration! Large areas of invasive Wa-ter Hyacinth were also found to be clogging the open water. Nevertheless, birdlife was still plentiful. We only

Javan Plover near Pamanukan (Craig Robson)

managed flight views of two coucals and the much hoped for Black-winged Mynas also only put in a brief and distant flight view. We had more success with Oriental Darter, Black-backed Swamphen, the conspicu-ous Sunda Pygmy and Spot-breasted (or Freckle-breasted) Woodpeckers, Indian Reed Warbler (split from Clamorous), Bar-winged and Yellow-bellied Prinias, and fly-over Javan Munias.

White-capped Munia (Craig Robson)

The next morning, we sped off early to the east of Jakarta and the Pamanukan Wetlands. We arrived at the site in good time and headed out across the fishpond bunds to check the mangrove strips. The expected Javan White-eyes proved very difficult this year, and a lengthy search only produced flight views of three


birds. Javan Plover and Small Blue Kingfisher were easily seen however, as were numerous Golden-bellied Gerygones (or Flyeaters), indian Reed Warblers, and several Ashy Tailorbirds. There were also good num-bers of White-headed Stilts that looked like they were breeding at the site, and Yellow Bittern and Ruddy-breasted and White-browed Crakes added variety. Small numbers of White-capped Munias, our other main target here, flew over. Heading back inland to check the ricefields, we found that everything had been cropped in this area, so we moved on back to the vicinity of Pamanukan Town itself. Starting back towards Jakarta in search of ripe rice, we soon found ourselves locked into the mother of all traffic jams, with colossal numbers of people heading back to Jakarta after the Ramadan holidays. Very fortunately, a small patch of seeding rice was noticed right next to the highway and we managed to find a side road. Quickly accessing the area, we enjoyed close views of both White-capped and White-headed Munias side-by-side, as well as the common Javan and Scaly-breasted's. We then had a long and tedious drive back to the hotel, with no alternative routes available, to avoid the hordes. Early the next morning, before heading off for Cibodas, we had time for a return visit to Muara Angke. Nego-tiating the ramshackle boardwalk once more, we were this time treated to scope views of two perched Sunda Coucals and multiple good views of five Black-winged Mynas. After more traffic jams, interspersed with a good lunch, we arrived at Cibodas Botanical Gardens in the early afternoon.

Black-winged Mynas have been present at Muara Angke for some years now (Craig Robson)

Snuggled at the top end of the gardens, the rest house provided an excellent base from which to explore the gardens and forest edge, and we had a nice introduction to Java’s lower montane forest birds. Both Pied and Trilling Shrike-babblers gave good views, as did Blood-breasted Flowerpecker and White-flanked Sunbird. At dusk, we moved to a secluded clearing, where we were lucky enough to get fantastic close views of a Salva-dori's Nightjar that circled low over our heads before landing on the ground right next to us. With a little more birding in the gardens on the following morning, we were successful in tracking down a group of eight colour-ful Yellow-throated Hanging Parrots feeding in a fruiting fig, and a couple of pairs of excellent little Pygmy Tits, one of which was nest-building. Our first Olive-backed Tailorbird also showed well. A massing flock of nest-swiftlets were thought to be the highly localised Volcano Swiftlet, which use the cliff caves of Gunung Gede for their breeding grounds. We had three full days to explore Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park,


and we thoroughly birded the trail from the entrance to about 2200m elevation, beyond Air Panas (hot springs). At the lower levels, the more distinctive endemics included the rather elusive Brown-throated Bar-bet, the sultry Sunda Blue Robin, and the strikingly patterned White-bibbed Babbler. Higher up, the vicinity of

A Salvadori’s Nightjar that landed at our feet (Craig Robson)

a large clearing afforded a splendid view of Gunung Pangrango and gave us a chance to scan the skies. A juvenile Javan Hawk-Eagle was seen gliding over by most of us, a single Waterfall (or Giant) Swiftlet skimmed overhead and several Orange-spotted Bulbuls and our first Sunda Bush Warbler showed nicely. The famous and rather impressive waterfalls were attracting a lot of human visitors, and it was only when we

Javan Grey-throated White-eye (Craig Robson)

Got there very early in the morning that we managed to find two pairs of Sunda Forktails. Later in the day a Spotted Kestrel was also seen well flying from one of the cliffs. To see the specialities at the higher levels, a more serious hike was required, and we made two trips up to the hot springs known locally as Air Panas. We fell short on the first occasion, but still found a couple of the best endemics, with flocks of Rufous-fronted


Laughingthrush and Spotted Crocias. A Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler also performed brilliantly. For our second try, we made a much earlier start, and were even able to get well past the hot springs in the morning hours. It was quiet higher up however, and we had most of our success and good luck below the hot springs. Close to a stream we managed to see presumed pairs of two of Java's most elusive endemics, the superb Javan Trogon and more sultry Javan Cochoa - the latter on view for as long as we wanted, foraging for ber-ries in the trail-side mid-storey. There were several other endemics that occur more widely on the mountain. Several bouts with Chestnut-bellied Partridge produced varying views, while the many bird-waves brought Sunda Minivets, amazing Blue Nuthatches, Crescent-chested Babblers and lots of Javan Grey-throated White-eye. Several Javan Tesias showed confidingly by the trail side as usual. During our many exploits with the night birds, we had varying results. We succeeded in getting clear perched views of Javan Frogmouth and a begging fledged juvenile Sunda Scops Owl, but Javan Scops Owl frustrated us, and there was not even a peep from Javan Owlet. A calling Barred Eagle Owl on consecutive nights was unexpected!

Javan Trogon at Gunung Halimun Salak NP (Craig Robson)

Leaving Cibodas in the early morning, we looped around to the west, followed a series of small winding country roads, and eventually found our way to the forest edge at Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. Af-ter a picnic lunch, we slowly birded up the stony road towards Cikaniki Research Station. Things started off slowly, but soon picked up. Our first brilliant male Javan Sunbird was scoped in a tree top and we had even better views of a vivid male Javan Trogon and a flock of Spotted Crocias than we had managed at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. A huge fruiting fig tree was proving to be irresistible to a troupe of amazing Javan (or Silvery) Gibbons, as well as large numbers of Sumatran Green Pigeons. Our attempts to pull out a singing Javan Banded Pitta in very difficult terrain resulted in a leader only view. We only had one full day in the park, so we set off predawn the next day. Just as the early morning light began to creep into the forest, we succeeded in hearing a Javan Scops Owl, but were frustrated again as it stuck to dense potential roosting habitat up an impenetrable slope. As we continued at daybreak, there were soon many birds to be found. A pair of Large Wren-babblers, sounding completely different to mainland South-East Asian birds, performed right in front of us, while several mixed species feeding flocks held large numbers of showy Sunda Minivets,


a couple of Javan (or Malaysian) and Lesser Cuckooshrikes, and a small foraging band of endemic White-breasted Babblers. Overhead, there were a wide variety of UFO's, with several Waterfall (or Giant) Swiftlets showing much better than previously, and we also had brief views of a couple of Besras. Not far from Ci-kaniki, a singing Temminck's Babbler managed to give all but the leader the slip. The afternoon started rather quietly as usual and then the rain started and we had to retreat to base, enjoying a pair of Sunda Fork-tails in the middle of the road on the way back. A final predawn attempt to see Javan Scops Owl drew a complete blank. Our last couple of hours at Halimun were spent at the forest edge and tea plantations, with great panoramas of the undulating forest-clad ridges beyond. An interesting variety of species included Black Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Brown-backed Needletail, Banded Broadbill, both Brown and Bar-winged Prinias, Olive-backed Tailorbird, and Yellow-bellied Warbler amongst others, A steep drive down from the mountains along more windy little roads brought us back to civilization, and the comforts of our hotel in Jakarta.

Steamy forest and tea plantations at Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (Craig Robson)

The following morning, we boarded a comfortable speedboat that whisked us across to Pulau Rambut, a small island that holds the last significant large waterbird colony in Jakarta Bay. Once ashore, we made our way to the sturdy tall watchtower which affords excellent views across the colony. Fortunately, with the tour running relatively early this year, we were soon able to enjoy some nice flight views of two Milky Storks (with at least three seen in all). As usual, there were large numbers of breeding Little Black Cormorants, Grey and Purple Herons, egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons, and we also saw a few Black-headed and Glossy Ibises. Apart from the large waterbirds, there were also plenty of Pied Imperial Pigeons and Javan Mynas. A small number of Christmas Island Frigatebirds soared around the island, and we also picked out a single female Lesser. Bengt-Eric was kind enough to spot us a Black-naped Tern drifting by. After relaxing drinks and lunch nearby, we made our way to Jakarta Airport for the early afternoon flight bound for Denpasar, Bali.


Our first early morning birding on Bali was spent in the Benoa Harbour area. Even with the earlier running of the tour this year, there was a reasonable selection of shorebirds, with a Far Eastern Curlew being the high-light. The tide was very low when we arrived, and there was an unusually high number of Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants and Sunda Teal. Gull-billed Terns hawked the flats and there were a few each of Small Blue and Sacred Kingfishers. The mangrove edge and coastal scrub produced a migrant Horsfield's

The endearing and enduring Bali Myna (Craig Robson)

Bronze Cuckoo amongst other things. We headed off for the western tip of the island. Several nice Javan Kingfishers were picked out in the ricefields along the way, including one conveniently situated right next to a cafe. Arriving at Menjangan Resort in the early afternoon, we enjoyed lunch before heading into the nearby dry woodland and the newly situated Bali Myna release site, accompanied by our local guide Wahyudi, It wasn't too long before five of these exquisite birds appeared and started to feed on fruiting trees and shrubs.

A stunning Rufous-backed Kingfisher (Craig Robson)

There were two ringed and three un-ringed birds - the latter fledged in the 'wild'. We also enjoyed a Black-thighed Falconet eating its lunch, and some very confiding Green Junglefowl. Investing some time and effort in seeing a calling Javan Banded Pitta, we were all eventually rewarded with views of this recently split en-


demic. We finished off the day at Gilimanuk Bay, where we scoped Great-billed Heron, Lesser Adjutant and Grey-tailed Tattlers on the mudflats. The next morning, we began with a return visit to Gilimanuk Bay. A couple of Lemon-bellied White-eyes showed nicely, and a small group of Orange-breasted Green Pigeons and some distant Black-naped Terns were also good. Moving on to some forest edge habitats along the Bali Barat National Park buffer zone boundary we searched in vain for Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher, picking up instead a perched Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot, a flighty Laced Woodpecker, Malaysian (or Javan) Cuckooshrike, and a pair of Woolly-necked Storks. Finally at a small coastal stream we connected with the flycatcher but unfortunately for the leader only! A couple of rather tame dazzling Rufous-backed Kingfishers somewhat made up for the deficit. We headed for the ferry to east Java, and were soon scanning for seabirds. A couple of Wilson's Storm Petrels were briefly noted but apart from that, the wonderful Black-naped Terns passing by at close range were the main highlight. After lunch at a roadside restaurant, we entered Baluran National Park, and headed for our simple resthouse accommodation at the park HQ. On the way we enjoyed a Barred Buttonquail right in the road. After settling in at Bekol we drove down to Bama Beach; noting at least 13 Green Peafowl, including a couple of fully-trained males, along the way. Behind the beach, some quick encouragement soon revealed a small group of endemic Grey-cheeked Tit-babblers, whilst along the south coastal trail, we found Great-billed Heron and a Small Blue Kingfisher feeding fledged youngsters. At dusk, Spotted Wood Owls only called distantly, but we enjoyed our first Asian Palm Civet. Back at Bekol, another a night-time foray to the watchtower produced a

Indigo Flycatcher (Craig Robson)

rather distant and partially obscured Banteng (a species of wild cattle) and another Asian Palm Civet. Re-turning to Bama predawn the following morning, we were very lucky, and soon located the Spotted Wood Owls calling loudly on their way back to their day-roost. It didn't take much to tempt them into a clear spotlit view in the early morning half-light. Apart from breakfast at the nearby cafeteria, the rest of the early morning hours were spent birding around Bama. A golden-crowned female of the recently split Javan Flameback showed only too briefly, considering our efforts, but there were other good birds. A Green Peafowl high in a fruiting Corypha palm with Green Imperial Pigeons had us guessing for a moment, and there were many Oriental Pied Hornbills. Small bird flocks included Small Minivet, Javan (or Malaysian) Cuckooshrike, Grey-


cheeked Tit-babbler and Ruby-cheeked Sunbird. Two Great-billed Herons, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, and an Oriental Hobby were also good. Leaving Baluran in the mid-morning, we drove via Banyuwangi to our accommodation below the Ijen Pla-teau. After lunch we headed up to the forest, only to be greeted by fog and drizzle! We headed for the high-est birding areas, and managed to get excellent close-up views of a very reactive Javan Bush Warbler. Our first Pink-headed Fruit Doves also perched close to the road, but we struggled to make-out plumage detail in the gloom. We retreated earlier than expected to our hotel, somewhat deflated. The next day was our last full birding day of the tour, with much to see at Ijen. We crossed everything for an improvement in the weather. Predawn produced nothing, but conditions were clear enough for us to get very nice views of an endemic Black-banded Barbet, and before long, we added, better views of Pink Fruit Dove, some perched views of Dark-backed Imperial Pigeon and our first White-bellied Fantail - an impressively distinctive endemic. Sunda Cuckooshrike also showed nicely, there was a displaying male Grey-and-buff Woodpecker, and more fleet-ing Streaky-breasted Spiderhunters (as earlier on the trip). Our first crack at bringing in some calling Grey-breasted (or White-faced) Partridges failed; maybe they spotted us early and slipped away. Rain showers and wafting fog continued to frustrate us, so me moved to higher levels for a break. Before lunch we walked some way along the summit trail. Large numbers of human visitors made birding difficult, but we enjoyed very tame Indigo Flycatchers, as well as Orange-spotted Bulbuls and Mountain White-eyes, and a White-bellied Fantail at surprisingly high elevation. The afternoon deteriorated. Fog and rain seriously hampered our efforts. Pink-headed Fruit Doves and Dark-backed Imperial Pigeons perched-up nicely for us, a pair of Sunda Bulbuls appeared, but the partridge failed to reveal itself at the second attempt and drizzle at dusk was unpalatable to nightbirds. Ending the trip on Independence Day, we made the return drive to Denpasar. The ferry crossing was rela-tively uneventful, with a single adult Great Frigatebird being the highlight. As we approached Gilimanuk, four Lesser Adjutants were seen feeding on exposed tidal features in Gilimanuk Bay. The tour drifted to a close as we ate lunch by the breaking surf along the south coast of Bali.

Cibeureum Waterfalls at Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park (Craig Robson)


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). Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus (NL) Three were seen in the Bali Strait, but mostly rather distant. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris The largest concentrations 300 on P. Rambut & 150 at Benoa. Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucus 25 at Benoa. Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Best seen along the coast in the Jakarta area; only a few at P. Rambut. Christmas Island Frigatebird (Christmas F) Fregata andrewsi Around Pulau Rambut, we identified <20 birds, Great Frigatebird Fregata minor An adult male over the Katapang to Gilimanuk car ferry. Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel A single female identified during the return from Pulau Rambut. Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Scoped at Gilimanuk Bay (1-2), and Bama, Baluran National Park (2). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea An estimated 100 at Pulau Rambut, and a single at Baluran NP. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 150 were estimated from the tower at Pulau Rambut, and there were many young. Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Coates & Bishop lump this in Western G E, and call it Great Egret Egretta alba. Striated Heron (Little H) Butorides striatus Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Pacific Reef Egret (P R Heron) Egretta sacra Two dark morphs at Gilimanuk Bay. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Four at Pamanukan and one at Benoa. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Only nigripes noted. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax At least 200 breeding at Pulau Rambut. Nankeen Night Heron (Rufous N H) Nycticorax caledonicus 2-3 in the colony at P. Rambut (1 with nest material).

The small dark bido race of Crested Serpent Eagle (Craig Robson)

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Two at Pamanukan. Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus One on the way to Pamanukan, at least. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis One briefly in flight at Muara Angke. Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea 3 in the colony at Pulau Rambut, with a pair seen very well, flying back and forth. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Two on the outskirts of Bali Barat National Park. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Four in Gilimanuk Bay. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus Four at Pulau Rambut.


Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Just three at Pulau Rambut. Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica A timid pair at Muara Angke. Sunda Teal Anas gibberifrons 25 at Benoa Harbour. Crested Honey Buzzard (Oriental H-B) Pernis ptilorhynchus One at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Black-winged Kite (Black-shouldered K) Elanus caeruleus Just one at Baluran NP. White-bellied Sea Eagle (W-b Fish Eagle) Haliaeetus leucogaster One adult at Pulau Rambut, where it breeds. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Regular sightings. Endemic small dark form bido (Java & Bali). Besra Accipiter virgatus Two briefly at Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. Endemic nominate race (Java & Bali). Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus One scoped distantly at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Endemic javanicus. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus One perched at Baluran NP, but we were pre-occupied!. Javan Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus bartelsi A juvenile flying over us at G. Gede. One slightly worn bird at G. Halimun. Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius One perched nicely at Menjangan Resort, Bali. Spotted Kestrel (Moluccan K) Falco moluccensis One flew off the cliffs at Cibeureum Waterfalls, G. Gede. Oriental Hobby Falco severus One flew over at Bama, Baluran NP. White-faced Partridge (Grey-breasted P) Arborophila orientalis (H) 2 failed attempts at Ijen. Bad weather a factor. Chestnut-bellied Partridge Arborophila javanica 2 pairs seen at G. Gede-Pangrango NP. Heard at G. Halimun. Green Junglefowl Gallus varius Great views in the grounds of Menjangan Resort and at Baluran NP. Green Peafowl Pavo muticus At least 17 at Baluran, including several superb, perfect males. Others heard. Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Singles at Benoa Harbour and Baluran NP. Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca (NL) One was seen at Pamanukan Wetlands. White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea Muara Angke and Pamanukan. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus A few at Muara Angke and Pamanukan. Black-backed Swamphen Porphyrio indicus 4 at Muara Angke. Split here from Purple Swamphen P. porphyrio. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola At least four at Benoa Harbour. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Two at Pamanukan Wetlands. Javan Plover Charadrius javanicus About six near Pondok Bali, Pamanukan Wetlands. Nice scope views. Mongolian Plover (Lesser Sand P) Charadrius mongolicus A handful identified at Benoa Harbour. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii A couple identified at Benoa Harbour. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Three at Benoa Harbour. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis One was studied for a long time at Benoa Harbour. Common Redshank Tringa totanus Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Occasional in wet ricefields, with maximum of 18 near Ijen Resort & Villas. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Bengt-Eric picked-out 4 in Gilimanuk Bay. White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus 18+ at Pondok Bali, Pamanukan Wetlands. Looked to be breeding. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Eight at Benoa Harbour and one at Gilimanuk Bay. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana Good numbers this time at sea off Gilimanuk (20-30). Little Tern Sternula albifrons Eight at Benoa. Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Common, with a high of 200+ counted off Gilimanuk (with many juveniles). Sumatran Green Pigeon Treron oxyurus 50+ at a huge fruiting fig in Gunung Halimun Salak. NP. Good scope views. Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicinctus A group of about 6 at Gilimanuk Bay. Pink-headed Fruit Dove Ptilinopus porphyreus A really good year at Ijen, with 6 seen easily, and many heard. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea 12 at Baluran NP, mainly around fruiting Corypha utan. Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor About 15 were seen at Pulau Rambut. Dark-backed Imperial-Pigeon Ducula lacernulata At G. Halimun Salak NP and Ijen, with best views at the latter. Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Little Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia ruficeps At few at Gunung Halimun Salak NP and Ijen. The nominate race. Island Collared Dove Streptopelia bitorquata Common at coastal locations, particularly near Pamanukan. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Zebra Dove (Peaceful Dove) Geopelia striata


Emerald Dove (Green-winged Dove) Chalcophaps indica (NL) One at Baluran NP. Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot Loriculus pusillus 8 in a fruiting fig at Cibodas Bot. Gdns. 1 close to Bali Barat NP. Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus lepidus (H) Regularly heard in mountain forests. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus One was calling at Pondok Bali. Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis One seen at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. More commonly heard. Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis One at Benoa briefly. An Austral migrant. Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris (H) One in the Halimun tea plantations; the nominate race. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Three at Pulau Rambut. Red-billed Malkoha Zanclostomus javanicus One at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Note new generic name. Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Three at Gunung Halimun Salak NP and two at Ijen. Sunda Coucal (Javan C) Centropus nigrorufus Seen well at Muara Angke, with two seen perched-up and in flight. Barn Owl (Western B O) Tyto alba At least two identified on the road in the ‘grassland’ area at Baluran NP. Javan Scops Owl Otus angelinae (H) At both Gunung Gede and Halimun, but somehow gave us the slip. Sunda Scops Owl Otus lempiji Good spotlight views of a begging juvenile at Gunung Gede Pangrango NP. Barred Eagle-Owl Bubo sumatranus (H) Heard on consecutive days at Gunung Gede, but unfortunately out of reach. Spotted Wood-Owl Strix seloputo 3 in coastal forest at Bama, Baluran NP. Seen really well. Javan Frogmouth Batrachostomus javensis Many heard. 1 perched in the open at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Widespread sightings. Salvadori’s Nightjar Caprimulgus pulchellus A male swooped down and landed right next to us at Cibodas. Giant Swiftlet (Waterfall Swift) Hydrochous gigas 1 at Gunung Gede-Pangrango and 5 or so at Halimun Salak NP.

Calling Pink-headed Fruit Dove in the mist at Ijen (Craig Robson)

Volcano Swiftlet Collocalia vulcanorum See notes. Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga Cave Swiftlet (Linchi S) Collocalia linchi Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Reasonable numbers over the forests of Gunung Halimun Salak. House Swift Apus nipalensis Just four at Muara Angke. Grey-rumped Treeswift Hemiprocne longipennis At Gunung Halimun Salak and Bali Barat National Parks. Javan Trogon Harpactes reinwardtii A pair at Gunung Gede and a male at Gunung Halimun Salak. Great looks. Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios One scoped at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Small Blue Kingfisher (Cerulean K) Alcedo coerulescens Widespread sightings. Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa Two at really close range in north-west Bali. Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris At least 8 were seen during our journeys in western Bali and eastern Java. Collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta Several of these Austral migrants were seen on the coasts of Bali.


Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Three at Gilimanuk Bay. Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus At Gunung Halimun Salak NP, a single bird and a pair were seen. Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Common and rather tame in coastal forest at Bama in Baluran NP. Fire-tufted Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus A handful on the way to the hot springs at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP.

Female Javan Flameback at Bama, Baluran on the 2008 tour (Craig Robson)

Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Brown-throated Barbet Megalaima corvina Two of these large Javan endemics were scoped at Gunung Gede. Black-banded Barbet (Javan B) Megalaima javensis We scoped this colourful endemic at Ijen. An excellent barbet. Orange-fronted Barbet (Flame-f Barbet) Megalaima armillaris This endemic was common in forested mountains. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala (H) Laced Woodpecker Picus vittatus One seen fleetingly and another heard on the outskirts of Bali Barat NP. Crimson-winged Woodpecker Picus puniceus Scattered sightings and some good views. Spot-breasted Woodpecker (Freckle-b W) Dendrocopos analis This and the next species were widespread. Sunda Woodpecker (S Pygmy W) Dendrocopos moluccensis Grey-and-buff Woodpecker Hemicircus concretus 1 briefly at Halimun & a neat displaying male at Ijen. Nominate. Javan Flameback Chrysocolaptes strictus A female all too briefly at Baluran, thanks to Norbert. Split from Greater. Banded Broadbill Eurylaimus javanicus Heard at Gunung Gede & Halimun; one perched for us at the latter. Javan Banded Pitta Hydrornis guajanus A newly split endemic, seen well enough on the outskirts of Bali Barat NP. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica One at Muara Angke. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica The commonest and most widespread hirundine on Java and Bali. Striated Swallow Hirundo striolata Two en route from Gunung Halimun Salak NP to Jakarta. Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus Commonly recorded throughout. Malaysian Cuckooshrike (Javan C) Coracina javensis Occasional scattered sightings. Sunda Cuckooshrike Coracina larvata Just one, in overhead trees at Ijen. Lesser Cuckooshrike Coracina fimbriata White-shouldered Triller Lalage sueurii Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus Plenty of saturatus in the drier forests. Sunda Minivet Pericrocotus miniatus Many sightings at all montane forest locations; some flocks surprisingly large. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus Small numbers at Halimun & Baluran. Race siebersi, with orange males.


Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Frequent sightings in the lowlands. The race scapularis of Java & Bali. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis A handful at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Endemic nominate.

Orange-spotted Bulbul (Craig Robson)

Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster Widespread sightings of this non-forest bulbul. The nominate race. Orange-spotted Bulbul Pycnonotus bimaculatus Small numbers at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP and Ijen. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier Grey-cheeked Bulbul Alophoixus bres 5 at Gunung Halimun Salak, heard near Bali Barat. Java & Bali nominate. Sunda Bulbul Iole virescens The endemic greenish race virescens; at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP and Ijen. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Several at Bali Barat and Baluran NPs. Also one at Maura Angke. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Widespread sightings of the relatively pale grey leucophaeus. Drongo Dicrurus sp. Gunung Halimun is out of range for Hair-crested. Were the birds we had there Crow-billed? Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Five at Pulau Rambut. The rather widespread race maculatus. Racket-tailed Treepie Crypsirina temia Only seen at Muara Angke (two). Southern Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Five at Benoa Harbour were the only records. Pygmy Tit (P Bushtit) Psaltria exilis Two pairs in Cibodas Botanical Gardens, with one nest-building. Grey Tit (Cinereous T) Parus cinereus Widespread sightings in various habitats and at various elevations. Blue Nuthatch Sitta azurea A striking and common component of bird-waves in the montane forests. Temminck’s Babbler Pellorneum pyrrogenys A leader only sighting, but heard by all, at Halimun. Nominate race. Horsfield’s Babbler Malacocincla sepiaria This widespread species was commonly heard, but seldom seen. Chestnut-backed Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus montanus One performed at Gunung Gede. The nominate race. Large Wren-Babbler Napothera macrodactyla Several were singing at Halimun, and we had great views of a pair. Eye-browed Wren-Babbler Napothera epilepidota Seen at Gunung Gede & Halimun. The nominate race. Pygmy Wren-Babbler (P Cupwing) Pnoepyga pusilla Regular at all three montane forest locations. Subspecies rufa. White-breasted Babbler Stachyris grammiceps Repeated sightings of this threatened lowland endemic at Halimun. White-bibbed Babbler (W-collared B) Stachyris thoracica 5 nominate at Gunung Gede, Only heard elsewhere. Crescent-chested Babbler Stachyris melanothorax This Java & Bali endemic was frequently encountered. Grey-cheeked Tit-Babbler Macronous flavicollis Good views of ten or so at Bama, in Baluran NP. Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons A flock of these scarce endemic laughingthrushes at G. Gede. Pied Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis Along with the next species, endemic & common at montane forest sites. Trilling Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius aenobarbus Doesn’t trill!


The recently split Trilling Shrike-babbler (Craig Robson)

Javan Fulvetta Alcippe pyrrhoptera This sultry Javan endemic was common in the west. Spotted Crocias Crocias albonotatus Multiple sightings at Gunung Gede-Pangrango & Gunung Halimun Salak NP’s, Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris Commonly heard but only seen at Gunung Gede-Pangrango. Nominate.

Skulking Lesser Shortwing (Craig Robson)

White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana 1-2 seen at Gunung Gede. Nominate race, with spaced fluty song. Magpie Robin (Oriental M-R) Copsychus saularis Just six at Pulau Rambut. Sunda Blue Robin Myiomela diana A real beauty, encountered along the trails at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Lesser Forktail (Sunda F) Enicurus velatus Some great looks at this Java & Sumatra endemic at Gede & Halimun. White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti Fleetingly at the same locations as Lesser. Nominate of Java & Bali.


Javan Cochoa Cochoa azurea Endless views of two feeding on trail-side fruits at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Javan Whistling Thrush Myophonus glaucinus Common at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP; also at Halimun & Ijen. Golden-bellied Gerygone (Flyeater) Gerygone sulphurea Small numbers at mangrove dominated sites. Sunda Warbler Seicercus grammiceps At all montane forest sites. The nominate race of Java & Bali. Yellow-bellied Warbler Abroscopus superciliaris One briefly at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Endemic vordermani . Mountain Leaf Warbler (Mountain W) Phylloscopus trivirgatus At Gunung Gede and Ijen. Widespread nominate. Indian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus brunnescens Many at Muara Angke and Pamanukan Wetlands. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris (H) In the tea gardens at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Singles for sure at Baluran and Ijen. Endemic edela. Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps Restricted to north coast mangroves of Java, we found several near Jakarta. Olive-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus sepium This endemic of Java & Bali was widespread. Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus Occasionally seen at montane forest locations. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata A single endemic blythii at Muara Angke. Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Two at Muara Angke were a write-in. Widespread subspecies rafflesi. Bar-winged Prinia Prinia familiaris One of the commoner birds of open habitats on Java & Bali. Brown Prinia Prinia polychroa Several performed in tea gardens at Gunung Halimun Salak. Endemic nominate race. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola exilis A handful at Pondok Bali, near Pamanukan.

Blood-breasted Flowerpecker at Cibodas Botanical Gardens (Craig Robson)

Javan Tesia Tesia superciliaris Seen really well at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Endemic to west Java. Sunda Bush Warbler Cettia vulcania Common at the upper levels of the Ijen road. One at Gunung Gede. Javan Bush Warbler Locustella montis Endemic to Java & Bali, and seen brilliantly at Ijen. Note generic change. Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis olivaceus Leader-only near Bali Barat. No longer in Rhinomyias. Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo This Sundaic flycatcher was seen at all of the montane forest localities. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra A few at Gunung Gede & Ijen. Race vulcani of Java-Flores.


Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Common at the montane locations. Widespread hasselti. Grey-headed Flycatcher (G-h Canary-flycatcher) Culicicapa ceylonensis Occasional sightings. Rufous-tailed Fantail Rhipidura phoenicura A Javan endemic & regular component of bird-waves at Gunung Gede. White-bellied Fantail Rhipidura euryura Another Javan endemic, found in several bird-waves at Ijen; three birds. Pied Fantail (Malaysian P F) Rhipidura javanica Widespread in more open areas, particularly near coasts. Nominate. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea A few endemic javana in north-west Bali and north-east Java. Mangrove Whistler Pachycephala grisola Three close to Bali Barat NP. Strange to see it away from mangroves. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Regularly encountered in open areas. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Halimun tea plantations and north-west Bali. Widespread southern race bentet. Black-winged Myna (B-w Starling) Acridotheres melanopterus 5 nominate at Muara Angke. DNA makes it a myna. Bali Myna Leucopsar rothschildi Five birds close to a new release site in north-west Bali, including ‘wild’ born young. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Several in north-west Bali. Of introduced origin. Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus Four at Muara Angke and 15 at Pulau Rambut. Plain-throated Sunbird (Brown-t S) Anthreptes malacensis One at Muara Angke and 2 at Pulau Rambut. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis Scattered sightings. W Javan bantenensis & E Javan phoenicotis. Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Widespread in small numbers. White-flanked Sunbird Aethopyga eximia This attractive endemic was common at Gunung Gede & also seen at Ijen. Javan Sunbird Aethopyga mystacalis Great views of another smart endemic; at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra One zipped past at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera affinis A Java & Bali endemic seen a few times but always too briefly. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus percussus Two at Gunung Halimun Salak NP. W Javan nominate. Blood-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum sanguinolentum Regular at the montane forest sites. The nominate race. Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker Dicaeum trochileum Seen at Pamanukan, Muara Angke, and Benoa. Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Around Gunung Gede and Halimun (melanurus). Several yellow morphs. Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus A handful at the higher levels at Ijen. Javan White-eye Zosterops flavus Just 3 flying over at Pondok Bali, near Pamanukan, despite exhaustive searches. Lemon-bellied White-eye Zosterops chloris 2 at Gilimanuk Bay and 2 in the Mirah Hotel garden, E Java-where rare. Javan Grey-throated White-eye (Meese’s W-e) Lophozosterops javanicus Common in the montane forests. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Common and widespread. Javan Munia Lonchura leucogastroides Small numbers were regularly seen throughout. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata The form nisoria was common. White-headed Munia Lonchura maja Five at Pamanukan, hanging-out with the next species. White-capped Munia Lonchura ferruginosa About 50 were logged in the Pamanukan area.


Rusa (or Timor Deer) at Baluran (Craig Robson)

MAMMALS Black-striped Squirrel (B-banded S) Callosciurus nigrovittatus Frequent in the montane forests. Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus A few at Muara Angke. Three-striped Ground Squirrel Lariscus insignis A couple on the way up Gunung Gede. Black-eared Squirrel (B-e Pygmy S) Nannosciurus melanotis One of these tiny creatures at Halimun. Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista Excellent spotlight views of one in Cibodas Botanical Gardens. Asian Palm Civet (Common P C) Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Several at Baluran NP. Javan Mongoose Herpestes javanicus A total of three in the Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP area. Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula One leaving its roost-site at Gunung Gede. Endemic robinsoni (W Java). Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Sunda L M) Presbytis comata A few at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Javan Langur (Ebony Leaf Monkey) Trachypithecus auratus The most widespread Langur. Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M) Macaca fascicularis Silvery Gibbon (Javan G) Hylobates moloch Great views at Gunung Halimun (14 logged). Heard at Gunung Gede.. Eurasian Wild Boar Sus scrofa Three at Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Rusa (Timor Deer) Cervus timorensis 100 or so at Baluran and several from Gilimanuk to Menjangan Resort. Banteng Bos javanicus One rather distant animal from the waterhole ‘hide’ at Baluran NP. Water Buffalo (Domestic Asian W B) Bubalus bubalis Feral herds were noted at Baluran. Not the wild form. Common/Javan Tree Shrew Tupaia glis/javanica One at Gunung Gede. Tough to ID based on what we saw.


NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Most authors 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. Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus Split here from Crested Hawk-Eagle N. cirrhatus. Volcano Swiftlet Collocalia vulcanorum A small flock of nest-swiftlets over Cibodas Botanical Gardens were thought to relate to this species, based on range. Known breeding habitat for the species is, at most, 5km away. Almost certainly present at Gunung Halimun Salak also, with two possibles noted. Not the most exciting endemic, but it is only known from volcanoes of west Java. Formerly lumped in Himalayan Swiftlet C. brevirostris, and likewise much darker than Edible-nest Swiftlet. Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa Some authors lump this form in, or treat it as a colour morph of Black-backed Kingfisher C. erithaca, using the name Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher for the enlarged species. Fire-tufted Barbet Psilopogon pyrolophus This species is not supposed to occur on Java (occurring only in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia), and most people believe that the population is of captive origin. Photographs show no obvious differences. Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis The endemic green-crowned nominate race has been put forward as a good split. The name nigricollis, long used for this form, apparently has no designated type or type locality, and therefore no formal taxonomic standing. Pygmy Cupwing (P Wren-babbler) Pnoepyga pusilla Recent DNA based taxonomic studies have clearly shown that Pnoepygas are not related at all to the babblers, and are best placed in their own family; Pnoepygidae, Cupwings. Indian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus brunnescens Presumably west Javan birds align with this recent split from Clamorous Reed-Warbler S. stentoreus. It was the race lentecaptus of Borneo, Java, Lombok and Sumbawa. Some authors are still lumping this species. Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cuculatus Common and occasionally seen at the montane forest locations. DNA studies have shown that it is not remotely related to the tailorbirds (Orthotomus), and should now be placed in the genus Phyllergates, between the Abroscopus warblers and Tickellia. Grey-headed Flycatcher (G-h Canary-flycatcher) Culicicapa ceylonensis Totally unrelated to flycatchers, and now placed in the Stenostiridae.


APPENDIX 2 – Other fauna & flora recorded REPTILES Water Monitor Varanus salvatus Many at Pulau Rambut, with some really large ones. Tockay Gecko Gekko gecko Heard on Bali. Flat-tailed Gecko Cosymburus platyurus On Java at least. BUTTERFLIES Malay Birdwing Troides amphrysus amphrysus Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon Cibodas. Great Orange Tip Hebomoia glaucippe Chocolate Albatross Appias lyncida Psyche Leptosia nina Bali. Related to the European Wood White. Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus Baluran. Magpie Crow Euploea radamanthus Cibodas. Rustic Cupha erymanthis Baluran. DRAGONFLIES Common Parasol Neurothemis fluctuans PLANTS Orchid Coelogyne miniata Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Orchid Dendrobium hasseltii Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP. Orchid Eria pulchella Gunung Gede-Pangrango NP.

The crater of Gunung Gede, from Cibodas Botanical Gardens (Craig Robson)

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JAVA & BALI - Birdquest -JAVA - BALI- REP … · 3 BirdQuest Tour Report Java & Bali 2014 ! birds. Javan Plover and Small Blue Kingfisher were easily seen however, as were numerous