INDONESIA (LESSER SUNDAS) REP 10 - Birdquest

Glossy Swiftlet (White-bellied S) Collocalia esculenta: Common throughout the Lesser Sundas. We
saw the race neglecta on Timor, and sumbawae on Sumba and Flores. On-going DNA
research apparently shows the former to be a good species (Timor Swiftlet), and the latter
to be a race of Linchi.
Linchi Swiftlet (Cave S) Collocalia linchi: Common on Bali (dedii).
House Swift Apus affinis: Common at Uluwatu on Bali, where they presumably breed on the cliffs,
and also four at Bipolo.
HALCYONIDAE
White-rumped Kingfisher Caridonax fulgidus: As usual, we had lengthy looks at several birds on
Flores. Restricted in range to that island, as well as Sumbawa, Lombok and Besar. The
genus Caridonax is one of the few that are endemic to the Lesser Sundas.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis (H): One was calling at the river mouth near Komodo Eco
Lodge (floresiana).
Collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris: Many observations of the nominate race.
Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta: Regular sightings of this visitor from Australia (nominate race),
particularly along coasts.
Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher Halcyon australasia: Three different birds of the nominate race were
seen very well on Sumba, including two feeding at liberty. Heard at Oelnasi on Timor.
Voted fourth best bird of the tour. Considered as Near-Threatened for some reason by
BirdLife International.
ALCEDINIDAE
Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa: Two different birds were seen fleetingly at Langgaliru,
Sumba. Coates & Bishop have this species lumped with Black-backed Kingfisher C.
erithaca as Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, using the latter scientific name C. erithacus for the
enlarged species.
Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo coerulescens: This Indonesian endemic was quite common at Benoa
Harbour.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Heard at Menggitimbe, and then several seen at Pan Muti, Timor.
MEROPIDAE
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus: Regular sightings of this handsome species, on Bali,
Sumba, Timor and Flores.
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus: This visitor from Australia was commonly encountered on
Timor, while a few were also seen at KM 51, near Lewa, Sumba, and at Kisol and along
the Potawangka Road, Flores.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti: Five or so at Uluwatu, Bali.
CORACIIDAE
Common Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis: Just one at KM 51, Sumba (pacificus).
BUCEROTIDAE
Sumba Hornbill Rhyticeros everetti: Recorded every day on Sumba, and some nice scope views.
With a population that is thought to number less than 4000 birds and declining, it is
considered as Vulnerable by BirdLife International.
PICIDAE
Spot-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis: At least five birds of the nominate race were seen at
Uluwatu. This species was formerly lumped in Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker D. macei of
the northern Indian subcontinent and western and northern Myanmar.
14 Birdquest: The Lesser Sundas 2010