INDONESIA (LESSER SUNDAS) REP 10 - Birdquest

PSITTACIDAE
Marigold Lorikeet Trichoglossus capistratus: A great year for this colourful regional endemic. At least
17 were seen on Sumba, and we had great perched views in the scope. This is a recent
split in the Rainbow Lorikeet complex, involving the races fortis (Sumba) and capistratus
(Timor); and is only found on these islands.
Flores Lorikeet Trichoglossus weberi: Three shot by at Pagal, as did five at Golo Lusang, and then we
scoped a pair mating for a surprisingly long time at the latter site! Bears little resemblance
to Rainbow Lorikeet, with which it was formerly lumped.
Olive-headed Lorikeet Trichoglossus euteles: Only seen at Gunung Mutis this year; at least 60,
mainly in flight, but a few did perch. Endemic to the central Lesser Sundas.
Iris Lorikeet Psitteuteles iris: Three birds came in to trees right a above us, during our purple-patch on
Gunung Mutis, and were even scoped. Very hard to pin-down unless they can be found at
a flowering tree or suchlike.
Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea: Very easy to see on Komodo, as always. One was also
seen again at Bipolo, Timor, where we first noticed it in 2007. The race at both sites is
(parvula). This spectacular species is restricted to Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas. It has
declined dramatically over much of its range in the past twenty years. With a population
now estimated at less than 5000 birds, it is considered to be Critically Endangered by
BirdLife International.
Citron-crested Cockatoo Cacatua citrinocristata: A lengthy encounter with five birds at Watumbelar,
frequenting an area of flowering trees. It used to be lumped in Yellow-crested Cockatoo,
but it has a very distinctive orangey crest and cheeks.
Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus: Only one male was seen rather distantly on Sumba. The isolated
race cornelia.
Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi: Frequently encountered during the tour with observations
on Sumba and Flores (floresianus), and Timor (geoffroyi).
Great-billed Parrot Tanygnathus megalorhynchos: A handful of sumbaensis on Sumba, including
scope views. It was encouraging to see four of the nominate race along the Potawangka
road, west Flores, although brief and distant during their dusk flights. Another species that
has declined over much of its range.
Olive-shouldered Parrot Aprosmictus jonquillaceus: Another good year now that we have a new site
at Bariti, Timor, where we saw five of the nominate race very well indeed. Another was
heard and seen distantly, briefly at Oelnasi. Endemic to the islands of Timor, Roti and
Wetar, and considered to be Near-Threatened by BirdLife International.
Wallace’s Hanging-parrot Loriculus flosculus: For the fourth year running, we were all treated to
superb scope views of this rare little parrot near Pagal, Flores. Fifth favourite bird of the
tour. It is considered as Endangered by BirdLife International and its population may be as
little as a few thousand birds.
CUCULIDAE
Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus lepidus: Often heard in the hill forests of Flores; Nigel managed to spot one
at Golo Lusang. A fairly recent split from Oriental Cuckoo C. horsfieldi along with
Himalayan Cuckoo C. saturatus.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus (H): One was heard at Uluwatu.
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo (Indonesian Cuckoo) Cacomantis sepulcralis: Easily seen on Sumba this year,
and also on Flores. Commonly heard. The nominate race throughout.
Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus: One seen at Oelnasi, and heard elsewhere on Timor.
Gould’s Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx russatus: Commonly heard and seen on a number of
occasions on Timor.
Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea: One malayana was calling at Komodo Eco Lodge.
Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala: Several were seen on Sumba this year, including both
sexes in the scope on separate occasions. Heard on Timor.
12 Birdquest: The Lesser Sundas 2010