LESSER SUNDAS 2013 - Birding Tours - Bird Watching ... SUNDAS 2013-ebook.pdf · 2 BirdQuest Tour...

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: The Lesser Sundas 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com

Wallace’s Scops-owl (Thomas Reber)

THE LESSER SUNDAS

19 AUGUST - 6 SEPTEMBER 2013

LEADER: CRAIG ROBSON During the eighth Birdquest to The Lesser Sundas, we found a very respectable 269 species. The weather was remarkably sunny, with no rain at all during birding hours; a first for this tour. The bird of the trip was the superb Wallace’s Scops-owl that gave walk-away scope views. The tricky Flores Scops-owl was also seen well and came in at second favourite. All together, we found 9 species of owl and 4 nightjars, a remarkable total, including three barn owls, Moluccan Scops-owl at its day-roost for a third tour running, and the recently described Timor Nightjar. The numerous other avian highlights included Flores Hawk-eagle (perched and in flight), Sumba Buttonquail, Timor Black Pigeon, Barred-necked Cuckoo-dove, Citron- and Yellow-crested Cockatoos, relatively good numbers of Pink-headed Imperial Pigeons and Olive-shouldered Parrots, Sumba


Hornbill, multiple sightings of Cinnamon-banded and White-rumped Kingfishers, good perched views of Elegant Pitta, multiple sightings of Chestnut-capped, Chestnut-backed and Orange-sided Thrushes, nice views of Black-banded Flycatcher, Flores Monarch, and Timor Sparrow. The most unexpected find of the tour was the family party of tailorbirds that we found along the Sumba coast near Waingapu. They resembled Olive-backed (which is known to occur only as far as Lombok in Wallacea), but appeared to show at least some minor vocal differences. The group assembled at the hotel in Kuta, and we soon got the trip list going with both Javan and White-headed Munias. We began our tour in earnest at Nusa Dua Sewage Treatment Lagoons. This is a good place to see some of the waterbirds close up. There were plenty of Small Blue Kingfishers, as well as a good range of large waterbirds, such as Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants, and a range of herons and egrets. A swimming group of Sunda Teal were somewhat distant, Pink-necked Green-pigeons were rather more obliging, and we had nice views of some migrant Rainbow Bee-eaters. A responsive Olive-backed Tailorbird was a bit of a fast-mover. We headed on south to the Uluwatu area, at the southern tip of Bali, and this increasingly birdy area did not disappoint us. Our main goal was to see the increasingly threatened Black-winged Myna. It proved rather elusive unfortunately, with only fairly brief flight views obtained. Javan Kingfisher was also playing hard to get, and also only gave rather unsatisfactory flight views. We faired much better with the commoner specialities of the area, such as Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Small Minivet, Striated Grassbird, Common Iora, and some more obliging Olive-backed Tailorbirds. Early the following morning, before heading off for Sumba, we visited Benoa Harbour. The tide was in about as bad a place as it could be, so there was little hope of seeing any shorebirds, with not a scrap of mud in sight. We arrived pre-dawn, to a chorus of Savanna Nightjars, several of which showed really well, and we also heard one or two distant Large-tailed Nightjars. The mangrove edge produced Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, singing Flyeater (or Golden-bellied Gerygone), Pied Fantails, and an unexpected group of Lemon-bellied White-eyes, while coastal scrub held a covey of Barred Buttonquails, White-shouldered Triller, and a nice male Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker. Finally, after considerable effort, we managed to catch up with some remarkably secretive Bar-winged Prinias.

Citron-crested Cockatoos on Sumba (Craig Robson)

Our flight to Sumba arrived in good time, despite a scare caused by an earlier than scheduled departure and, after lunch in a surprisingly good local restaurant, we headed out to the dry grasslands of Yumbu, in search of the localized endemic Sumba Buttonquail. With a full group, it wasn’t long before we flushed our first buttonquail, and we were to get multiple views of this and another bird. There was not much else to hold our attention here, so we moved on to Menggitimbe in search of wetland specialities. A healthy load of rain in May and June had turned a larger than usual area into marshland, and access proved difficult. A large number of Wandering Whistling-ducks and a couple of fly-by Pacific Black Ducks were nice, and Australian Swamphen and Cinnamon Bittern showed quite well. The evening was soon upon us, with a Buff-banded Rail being our last highlight of the day.


The following morning saw us return to Menggitimbe, and we conducted a more thorough search of the wetlands in the area. The morning began with further glimpses of Buff-banded Rail and a pair of Australian Reed-warblers, before we located a very nice loafing group of Javan Plovers, many of which appeared to be in full breeding tones. A large restless flock of Pale-head Munias was also a great sighting. Heading out to an isolated lake, we spotted several lily-trotting White-browed Crakes, including one with a half-grown chick. On the main wetland were loafing whistling-ducks, more Pacific Black Ducks, Sunda Teal, and remarkably large concentrations of Common Moorhen. There were much better views of Australian Swamphen, and a handful of Australian Pratincoles, albeit rather distant. Non-waterbirds included Emerald Dove, and our first Arafura Fantails and Ashy-bellied White-eyes.

Sumba Jungle-, Sumba Brown, and Sumba Flycatchers (Craig Robson)

After lunch in Waingapu, we drove the 90 minutes to our accommodation at the homestay in Lewa, and in the afternoon began our exploration of some forest patches along the roadside towards Langgaliru. A string of more common regional birds kept us busy, including a scoped pair of Sumba Green-pigeons, and an obliging Sumba Jungle-flycatcher. A Rufous-backed Kingfisher that shot by was unexpected. We moved back towards Lewa and parked by the roadside, just in time for a pair of Sumba Hornbills to be spotted. Panic ensued as they flew, but fortunately they were relocated in a nearby open tree-top. A distant perched Black-faced Cuckooshrike, a visitor from Australia, was a write-in, and a Spotted Harrier drifted by and briefly hunted around some scrubby slopes. As nightfall approached, we positioned ourselves for Sumba Boobook, which soon obliged with superb prolonged views of a pair with their wings spread in irritation, calling back at us. Not much further along the road, some trawling for Little Sumba Boobook eventually solicited a response and, before long, a pair of these little-known owls were calling right in front of us. After a bit of perseverance, we had very satisfactory views in the spotlight, quite low down, at fairly close range. It was a bit of a double-whammy, and we returned to the homestay well satisfied. Early the next morning we headed off to reach a particular viewpoint where we could scan for the endangered Citron-crested Cockatoo. After a bit of a drive and then an uphill walk, we reached the location just as dawn broke, and were immediately greeted by several cockatoos already sitting up in the tree-tops. There were five of these fantastic birds in all, and we had great looks until they cleared out to feed after about an hour. This also proved to be a nice vantage point for scoping-up perched Great-billed and Eclectus Parrots, Marigold Lorikeet and more Sumba Hornbills, and we also had rather brief and distant views of our first Red-naped Fruit-dove. In the afternoon we explored a different area with a mixture of forest patches and clearings. Sumba Brown Flycatchers were the bird of the afternoon, a species that can easily be missed on the tour - but not this time with four seen very well. Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher perched right above us and we pulled out a calling male Australian Koel. At nightfall we had nice views of a responsive pair of Sunda (or Mees’s) Nightjars. Both the endemic boobooks were heard again, with Little being particularly common. On our last morning birding the forests of Sumba,


we returned to the same area as the previous evening. This time we succeeded in getting much better views of Red-naped Fruit-dove, with five birds seen in all, and we were also lucky enough to all get multiple good views of a rather obliging Sumba Flycatcher. There was little left to look for in the afternoon, but our luck continued when some roadside forest birding produced nice views of a perched Elegant Pitta and long looks at a beautiful Chestnut-backed Thrush. Before heading back to Waingapu for our flight to Kupang, we did a little predawn owling near Lewa. There were not many takers for Sumba Barn Owl (currently considered a very distinctive race of Australasian), but we managed to get pretty good spotlight views of a hunting bird perched in small roadside trees. It had been a clean-sweep on Sumba! Before our arrival at the airport, we visited Londa Liru Beach, just north-west of Waingapu. Malaysian Plovers were an unexpected bonus and we had good scope views of an inshore Wilson’s Storm-petrel. Pride of place however, went to a family party of tailorbirds that we found in some coastal trees and scrub. They were similar to Olive-backed but the voice, at least, appeared slightly different. Olive-backed is the only true tailorbird species that crosses Wallace’s Line, reaching distant Lombok only. Could this be an undescribed form, or is this population derived from released Olive-backed’s of captive origin? Even more remarkable was the fact that our flight to Kupang left 15 minutes early and, after arrival, we headed straight to a very good local restaurant for a celebratory lunch.

Cinnamon-banded Kingfishers near Lewa (Craig Robson)

Our first day in the field on Timor was spent at Bipolo, and was very eventful as usual. From dawn, there was a constant stream of new species, many of which were endemics. As we slowly walked through the open logged forest, we found Orange-sided Thrush, Fawn-breasted Whistler, Timor Blue Flycatcher, Timor Figbird, Greater Wallacean Drongo, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Black-chested Honeyeater (or Myzomela), Streak-breasted and Yellow-eared Honeyeaters, Red-chested Flowerpecker, Olive-brown Oriole, and Timor Friarbird, to name but a few. Large numbers of Rainbow Bee-eaters were swooping to feed around the many honey bee combs. Leaving the forest and Teak plantations, we birded the edge of the open ricefields. Scaly-breasted Munias were very numerous, and we also picked out our first Black-faced Munias and a juvenile Timor Sparrow. A group of Five-coloured Munias were seen very briefly. Several Brown Quail were flushed, a pair of Rensch’s Eagles (a distinct form of Bonelli’s) soared distantly, and there were many vocalizing Australian Pratincoles. Before lunch we had a quick look around the fish-ponds and saltworks, where we added the resident Red-capped Plovers, Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpipers, and Long-toed and Red-necked Stints. Two Australian Pelicans circled over the mangroves. After lunch we visited nearby Bariti where, after a break below some shady palms, we searched some brush- and bamboo- covered hills and gullies. There were large roving groups of Scaly-breasted Munias again, but this time we picked out an adult Timor Sparrow and at least two different Tricoloured Parrotfinches, an east Lesser Sundas endemic. Then, an incoming text from Martinus, our local guide, informed us that the scarce Olive-shouldered Parrot had


A male Timor Figbird at Bipolo (Craig Robson)

been located nearby and, soon after joining him, we had some great scope views of this unique parrot. Quickly returning to Bipolo we positioned ourselves for a boobook once more and, as night fell, we immediately had great looks at two Streaked Boobooks in the spotlight, and even managed to scope one.

Olive-shouldered Parrot at Bariti, Timor (Craig Robson)


The following morning saw us searching for a much-reduced number of endemics at nearby Camplong. By late morning, after much hard work, we had succeeded in seeing the lovely Black-banded Flycatcher, had great views of a relatively stationary pair of Spot-breasted Dark-eyes, and had various views of Timor Stubtail. Buff-banded Thicket-warbler however remained elusive and had been completely silent. After lunch, on the way back to Kupang, we checked some ricefields, but it appeared to be a little too early in the season to see any staging Oriental Plovers. We returned to the ricefields of Bipolo, in search of munias. After the intense heat abated we worked the forest edge again, and eventually up popped a small group of Five-coloured Munias. A juvenile Timor Sparrow also performed well, while a Black-faced Woodswallow dropped from its perch for food. We moved on to an area north of Bipolo, where we followed a track that crossed a bendy river. Forest guards at Camplong had reported that Pink-headed Imperial-pigeons could still be found in the area, and they were not wrong, as we soon heard their distinctive ‘booming’. With a little bit of help, two different birds sat up to be scoped, including one that was doing its dipping display flight. We visited the same area again early the following morning, walking as far as the start of the forested hills. It was heartening to discover that the imperial pigeons were still tolerably common in the area. We had our first views of Black-backed Fruit-dove and Timor Leaf-warbler, another Greater Wallacean Drongo and, perhaps best of all, an unusually responsive Buff-banded Thicket-warbler. We headed inland and uphill to Soe, arriving at our hotel in time for lunch. In the afternoon we paid our first visit to Oelnasi, an area of monsoon forest 15km back towards Kupang. Is wasn’t long before we heard the distinctive wolf-whistle of a Barred-necked Cuckoo-dove and, although they were relatively elusive this year,

Timor Black Pigeon and Barred-necked Cuckoo-dove at Oelnasi (Craig Robson)

we soon encouraged a pair into open trees above us. Further on, as the light turned, we tracked down a singing Timor Black Pigeon. With this one we had to settle for very close good flight views on this occasion. As it got dark we returned to a small clearing, in time to hear the recently split Timor Nightjar when it began to utter its unique territorial call. Great views were had by spotlight as a pair flicked around above our heads, with one later perching in the open.


The next morning we were up very early, in order to negotiate the very bad road to West Timor’s highest mountain, Gunung Mutis. We were expecting rather poor weather and at least some early morning chill, but we could not have been more wrong. It was a beautiful clear sunny day, from start to finish, with unusually clear views of the summit cone. This did not help us achieve our goal of tracking-down all of the available specialities however. Timor Imperial-pigeon was typically elusive, being heard only, as was Iris Lorikeet with a probable distant leader-only bird that flew before we could scope it. We had better luck with Timor Cupwing (or Wren-babbler), a likely future split from Pygmy; a bit of playback bringing in a highly responsive pair. Great views of the local form of Lesser Shortwing were also a nice surprise, in a secluded gully. The near-endemic Olive-headed Lorikeet was relatively scarce, but we eventually got some good perched scope views. Several Timor Flowerpeckers (the local montane form of Blood-breasted), yet another potential split, were also seen while more run-of-the-mill species included Metallic Pigeon, the deep, often doubled call-notes of which are not to be confused with the low reverberating rumble of Timor Imperial Pigeon, Black-backed Fruit-doves, the local form of Island Thrush, Yellow-eared Honeyeater, Timor Leaf-warbler and Mountain White-eye. Our last day on Timor began with a very pleasant morning at Oelnasi, where we got much better views of Timor Black Pigeons, with three seen, and better views for many of us of Buff-banded Thicket-warbler. Another very responsive pair of Spot-breasted Dark-eyes performed and we snapped a displaying pair of White-bellied Chats. On the way back to Kupang we made further unsuccessful searches of the ricefields where staging Oriental Plovers would be expected during the coming fortnight. Sea-watching from the Kristal hotel produced but a single leader-only Wilson’s Storm-petrel.

White-rumped Kingfisher at Pagal, Flores (Craig Robson)

From Kupang, we had a very early morning flight to Ruteng, in the mountains of Flores. From the airport we drove across to our accommodation at the Catholic Seminary in Kisol, stopping for some introductory highland birding along the way. It was pretty quiet, apart from a few Little (or Flores) Minivets, a nice tail-waggling Brown-capped Fantail, a pair of Sunda Pygmy Woodpeckers feeding young in a nest, and rather fleeting views of our first Russet-capped Tesia and Crested Dark-eye. The large freshwater lake of Rana Mese held two surprises: a single write-in adult Black-throated Little (or Australasian) Grebe, and a White-browed Crake at unusually high altitude. In the afternoon, we made our first trip out to the forest near Kisol. There had been some recent road ‘improvements’, which didn’t seem to affect us too adversely, but it was a typically quiet afternoon. Initial scans for the Flores Hawk-eagle produced nothing, White-rumped Kingfishers and Flores Crows only called distantly and the Golden-rumped and Black-fronted Flowerpeckers were rather over-active. Several nice Black-naped Fruit-doves were scoped, and sneaky Thick-billed Dark-eye showed for some of us. After dark, our owling plans were foiled, with Wallace’s and Moluccan Scops-owls being heard only, the former typically fast and elusive on the move. During the next day we paid morning and afternoon visits to the forest. Around dawn, there was much calling activity, and we concentrated our efforts


on getting some initial views of White-rumped Kingfisher and Flores Crow, succeeding on both fronts, but with the latter in flight only. It does seem that the crow is struggling with the wider road now. We were at the Flores Hawk-eagle ‘viewpoint’ for less than an hour before one of these magnificent birds was spotted in a ridge-top tree. It proceeded to circle, glide and perch again as it worked its way across our field of view, before heading off across the open valley out of site. As things warmed-up, the bird activity plummeted and we headed back to base for lunch and a break. Again, it was a very slow afternoon, with a lot of effort producing little of note. Soon after dark however, the Wallace’s Scops-owl called again, and this time most of us saw it gliding slowly overhead; at some height, and looking remarkably large. A Moluccan Scops-owl also flew across the road but was rather too quick. Predawn on our last day at Kisol brought further fruitless attempts to see scops-owls, and a glimpse of Common Palm Civet. After breakfast, we headed into the hills and our accommodation in Ruteng. Birding along the roadside at Rana Mese was quite eventful for a change. Secreted in a small roadside gully, we had great views of a pair of Bare-throated Whistlers, one of the premier specialties of the area, and a very close Sunda Cuckoo was unexpected. A calling Pygmy Cupwing (or Wren-babbler) was a bit harder to get onto. Along the roadside we scoped two different Flores Jungle-flycatchers, and had excellent views of Flores Leaf-warbler and Crested Dark-eye. Yellow-breasted Warbler and the highly distinctive local form of Blood-breasted Flowerpecker put in brief appearances, and a number of Golden-rumped Flowerpeckers showed better for all; as did Flores White-eye (an unusual yellow-bellied form that has inexplicably been placed in Oriental). After lunch in Ruteng, we headed up to the forested slopes surrounding the town. With light cloud above us, we enjoyed a very good run of sightings. Flores Shortwing, an odds-on split from White-browed, performed well in roadside weeds, as did some remarkably confiding Russet-capped Tesias. A Scaly-crowned Honeyeater sat right out on dead branches, while clumps of maroon-reddish fruits attracted Dark-backed Imperial Pigeon, Barred Cuckoo-doves and Yellow-browed and Thick-billed Dark-eyes. A couple of Flores Lorikeets flew from their perch before we could get onto them. Mountain Tailorbird and Pygmy Cupwing showed bits of themselves. Just as it was getting dark, we positioned ourselves at the forest edge, and waited hopefully for a response from the diminutive Flores Scops-owl. Unfortunately nothing was forthcoming from the desired spot, and a lengthy battle (or was it a test?) ensued, which ended in a 1-0 first round win for the scops-owl. We had better fortunes with a surprisingly responsive Wallace’s Scops-owl; though it kept perching in difficult spots, we had several good to fair flight views in torch-light. Dinner and beers beckoned.

Chestnut-capped Thrush and Flores Monarch at Puarlolo (by local guide Martin Klau)

The next morning was spent along a minor road north of Ruteng, that skirts the forested slopes from near Pagal down to Gapong. It was a hot sunny morning with plenty of bird activity as usual, though we struggled again this year with the main targets. No sign again of Wallace’s Hanging-parrot and, with none of the fig trees in fruit, there was little hope of finding a Flores Green-pigeon. A pair of Flores Lorikeets gave a double flight view, but it was rather too brief for many of us. Two different White-rumped Kingfishers sat right out in the open to be photographed, and we had better looks at a pair of Thick-billed Dark-eyes. A nice selection of other regional specialties included close perched Sunda and Rusty-breasted Cuckoos, Pale-shouldered Cicadabird, Little Minivet, and Black-fronted and Golden-rumped Flowerpeckers. In the afternoon, we


returned to the forested highlands. Our first goal was to get some perched views of Flores Lorikeet, and fortunately we found a handful of birds that we could scope as they fed in flowering trees, albeit rather distantly. As the skies cleared of cloud and darkened, the familiar manic, barking hoot of a Wallace’s Scops-owl started. This bird didn’t need much encouragement and was soon spotted alighting on the lower branch of a large tree in full view. We enjoyed the best and longest views of this tricky species that I have ever had, and it was still there, nodding its head in annoyance when we left it. Less than 15 minutes had elapsed before a glaring Flores Scops-owl came in and perched low in some trees at close range - another double whammy!! Our last full day in the Flores highlands began with the incredible dawn chorus of Bare-throated Whistlers at Golo Lusang. They were singing everywhere at dawn but it took us quite a while to get one fixed in the scope for a long look, showing off its bulging red throat-skin. We explored lower levels to the south, without much luck, although the scenery was stunning in places, and there was some cultural interest. We had to make a very early start the next morning, and travel west for a dawn visit to Puarlolo, in search of the endemic Flores Monarch. The monarch performed well this year, and we all had satisfying views. Chestnut-capped Thrushes were also very vocal and active, with numerous views as we all managed to get satisfactory looks at this little cracker. A male Rufous-chested Flycatcher put in but a brief appearance, but we did get much better looks at several remarkably showy Flores Crows. We headed off for a bit of luxury in the Bintang Flores Hotel in Labuan Bajo. In the afternoon we birded the Potawangka Road which branches-off at the outskirts of Labuan Bajo, with nothing of real note to add to the trip list.

An inquisitive Yellow-crested Cockatoo, chowing on Tamarind (Craig Robson)

On our last day in the Lesser Sundas we made the journey to Komodo National Park. We boarded our boat before dawn and grabbed a couple more hours of sleep as we cruised across the straits. We awoke not long before dawn and, on the way into the island, enjoyed the serene views. Several neat Bulwer’s Petrels


skimmed past at first light and there was a casual Bridled Tern. Cruising along the coast of Komodo we saw Great-billed Heron, as well as Pacific Reef-egrets, several Greater Crested Terns and a single Little Tern. We soon arrived at the dock and, after being allotted our park guide, we were soon staring at several huge Komodo Dragons. Nearby, a roosting couple of Moluccan Scops-owls were scoped and photographed at their shady day-roost - a regular feature here now. A walk through the dry woodlands brought some superb Green Junglefowl, multiple scope views of Komodos most important bird, the critically endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo, and many Lemon-bellied White-eyes. Heading back to Labuan Bajo with our eyes glued to the sea, we enjoyed great views of Bulwer’s Petrels and also spotted a couple of Red-necked Phalaropes. Our last birding of the tour was spent watching shorebirds along the coast from our hotel. A surprisingly good variety included Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot and Terek Sandpiper, and there were also 7 loafing Australian Pelicans - most unexpected.

Roosting Moluccan Scops-owls on Komodo (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). Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Black-throated Little Grebe (Australasian G) Tachybaptus novaehollandiae A single adult at Danau Rana Mese. Red-throated Little Grebe (Little G) Tachybaptus ruficollis Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 2 at Bipolo and, unexpectedly, 7 at Labuan Bajo, Flores.


Grey Heron Arden cinerea Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana One on the way to Komodo. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Coates & Bishop lump this in Western G E, and call it Great Egret Egretta alba. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Just 2 at Bipolo. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Pacific Reef-egret Egretta sacra sacra Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Javan Pond-heron Ardeola speciosa Little Heron (Striated H) Butorides striatus Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Several at Menggitimbe, Sumba. Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata timorlaoensis Just a pair briefly on Sumba. Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus Black-winged Kite (B-shouldered K) Elanus caeruleus Black Kite Milvus migrans affinis A few on Sumba. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus intermedius White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Short-toed Eagle (S-t Snake-eagle) Circaetus gallicus Regular sightings on Sumba and Timor. Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis 1 on Sumba. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Singles on Sumba (tjendanae) and Timor (hellmayri). Variable Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster sylvestris Great views of a perched male at Kisol. Rensch’s Eagle Hieraaetus [fasciatus] renschi On Timor & Flores. A likely future split from Bonelli’s Eagle. Flores Hawk-eagle Spizaetus floris An adult perched and in flight at Kisol, working the slopes of Gunung Pacandeki. Spotted Kestrel (Moluccan K) Falco moluccensis microbalia Wandering Whistling-duck Dendrocygna arcuata Sunda Teal Anas gibberifrons Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt reinwardt (H) Calling predawn at Kisol. Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Seen on Sumba (pallidior) and Timor & Flores (raaltenii), latterly at high elevation. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (H) Apparently introduced. Heard on Timor. Green Junglefowl Gallus varius Seen very well on Komodo as usual; briefly on Bali and Flores.

Red-backed Buttonquail at Bariti (Craig Robson)

Red-backed Buttonquail Turnix maculosus maculosus Great looks at a pair taped-in at Bariti, Timor. Sumba Buttonquail Turnix everetti Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator suscitator Three on Bali. Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis cf. philippensis One was seen on consecutive days at Menggitimbe. White-browed Crake Poliolimnas cinerea 5 including a youngster at Menggitimbe & 1 at Danau Rana Mese (1200m). White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus orientalis Australian Swamphen Porphyrio melanotus 10-15 at Menggitimbe, Sumba. White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Javan Plover Charadrius javanicus Around 25 at Menggitimbe, Sumba, and 6 near Labuan Bajo. Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus 30 or so at Pan Muti, near Bipolo. Malaysian Plover Charadrius peronii A nice pair at Londa Liru Beach, near Waingapu. Greater Sand-plover (G Sandplover) Charadrius leschenaultii


Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Two near Labuan Bajo, right at the end of the trip. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Two near Labuan Bajo. Common Redshank Tringa totanus eurhinus Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Two near Labuan Bajo where most unexpected. Rufous-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Just 4 at Pan Muti; a bit too early presumably. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta 25 at Pan Muti. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 20 at Pan Muti. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 2 at Pan Muti. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 2 on the way back from Komodo. Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Many scattered sightings this year. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana About 15 distant birds on the way back from Komodo. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus 1 on the way to Komodo. Now in the genus Onychoprion. Little Tern Sterna albifrons 1 on the way to Komodo. Now in the genus Sternulus. Greater Crested Tern Sterna bergii Frequently seen, mainly on way to Komodo. Now in the genus Thalasseus.

Malaysian Plover at its breeding beach on Sumba (Craig Robson)

Rock Pigeon Columba livia Metallic Pigeon Columba metallica Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis tigrina Barred Cuckoo-dove Macropygia unchall unchall At least 4 at fruits near Golo Lusang. Ruddy Cuckoo-dove Macropygia emiliana One or two at the forest edge on the outskirts of Ruteng. Barred-necked Cuckoo-dove Macropygia magna magna A pair swooped in at Oelnasi. Another heard. Little Cuckoo-dove Macropygia ruficeps orientalis Small numbers on Sumba and Timor. Timor Black Pigeon Turacoena modesta At least 4 were seen at Oelnasi, and several more heard. Emerald Dove (Common E D) Chalcophaps indica Regularly seen on Sumba and Flores. Green-winged Pigeon (Pacific Emerald Dove) Chalcophaps timorensis Small numbers on Timor. Zebra Dove (Peaceful D) Geopelia maugei Two on Bali. Barred Dove Geopelia maugei Pink-necked Green-pigeon Treron vernans vernans Sumba Green-pigeon Treron teysmannii Black-backed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus cinctus Small numbers seen well on Timor (cinctus) and Flores (albocinctus). Red-naped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus dohertyi At least 6 of these lovely birds on Sumba. Rose-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus regina flavicollis Common on Timor. Black-naped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus melanauchen melanauchen Common on Sumba and Flores. Green Imperial-pigeon Ducula aenea polia


Pink-headed Imperial-pigeon Ducula rosacea sasakensis Three seen and many heard at a new site on Timor. Dark-backed Imperial-pigeon Ducula lacernulata sasakensis Not uncommon on Flores, with several scoped. Timor Imperial-pigeon Ducula cineracea (H) Drew a blank this year. Marigold Lorikeet Trichoglossus capistratus fortis Just 7 on Sumba, but scoped perched. Flores Lorikeet (Leaf L) Trichoglossus weberi Ten or so, with some scope views. Olive-headed Lorikeet Trichoglossus euteles About 15 at Gunung Mutis; also seen perched. Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea parvula At least 8 on Komodo, and well distributed in the area visited. Citron-crested Cockatoo (Sumba C) Cacatua citrinocristata Very prolonged views of a group of 5 on Sumba. Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus cornelia A single female on Sumba. Red-cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus geoffroyi Many sightings. Nominate on Timor; floresianus on Sumba and Flores. Great-billed Parrot Tanygnathus megalorhynchos 9 sumbensis on Sumba. Olive-shouldered Parrot Aprosmictus jonquillaceus On Timor, at Bariti, Bipolo, Gunung Mutis & Oelnasi; 10 in all. Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus lepidus 3 seen on Flores. Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus (H) Rusty-breasted Cuckoo (Indonesia C) Cacomantis sepulcralis sepulcralis Easily seen on Sumba and Flores. Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus whitei 1 seen and several heard on Timor. Gould’s Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx russatus Common on Timor. Common Koel (Asian K) Eudynamys scolopacea malayana (H) Heard on Komodo. Australian Koel Eudynamys cyanocephala A male showed on Sumba. Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis

Timor: vocalizing Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon and the recently split Timor Nightjar (Craig Robson)

Eurasian Barn Owl Tyto alba javanica (H) One called loudly near Ruteng. Australasian Barn Owl Tyto delicatula delicatula Good flight views at Oelnasi, Timor. Sumba Barn Owl Tyto [delicatula] sumbaensis A hunting bird was spotlighted near Lewa. Potential endemic species. Flores Scops-owl Otus alfredi Spotlighted on consecutive nights and seen exceedingly well again. Moluccan Scops-owl Otus magicus albiventris Great daytime views again on Komodo; 2 birds. Flight views at Kisol. Wallace’s Scops-owl Otus silvicola Brilliant walk-away scope views of 1 in the Flores highlands. Flight views at Kisol. Sumba Boobook Ninox rudolfi A pair performed very well as usual. Little Sumba Boobook Ninox sumbaensis Excellent spotlight study of one on Sumba (two seen in total). Streaked Boobook Ninox fusca Three on Timor; great views as usual. Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus (H) Benoa (macrurus) & hotel grounds near Labuan Bajo (‘schlegelii’). Timor Nightjar Caprimulgus sp. nova A right pair of performers at Oelnasi.


Sunda Nightjar (Mees’s N) Caprimulgus meesi Several seen on Sumba and others heard on Flores. Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Seen well at Benoa, Bali, en route on Sumba, and heard on Timor. Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphaga dammermani Widespread. Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta sumbawae Common on Sumba and Flores. Timor Swiftlet Collocalia [esculenta] neglecta Common on Timor. A potential split from Glossy. Linchi Swiftlet (Cave S) Collocalia linchi dedii Only on Bali. House Swift Apus nipalensis Bali and Kupang. White-rumped Kingfisher Caridonax fulgidus Easily seen on Flores, particularly at Pagal. Javan Kingfisher Halcyon cyanoventris Rather fleeting views this year at Uluwatu. Collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris chloris Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta sancta Several on Bali and Sumba. Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher Halcyon australasia australasia Three seen on Sumba and one on Timor. Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa rufidorsa Fleeting views near Langgaliru, Sumba. Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo coerulescens Quite common at Bali wetlands. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis floresiana Several birds at Bipolo.

Petting Citron-crested Cockatoos and a dopey male Sumba Hornbill on Sumba (Craig Robson)

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Widespread. Note the correct specific name. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Widespread, including three at Nusa Dua STL, and 80+ at Bipolo. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti One at Uluwatu. Common Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis pacificus Two on Sumba. Sumba Hornbill Rhyticeros everetti A total of five were seen on Sumba. Easy this year. Spot-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis analis Five on Bali. Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos moluccensis grandis Flores. Feeding young in nests in two areas. Elegant Pitta Pitta elegans Singles seen by us all on Sumba (maria), and by Thomas on Flores (concinna). Australasian Bushlark Mirafra javanica parva Common in grasslands on Sumba. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica gutturalis Just one on Sumba. Pacific Swallow (House S) Hirundo tahitica javanica Striated Swallow Hirundo striolata striolata Small numbers on Sumba, Timor and Flores. Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans timoriensis Frequently seen on Timor. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Common on Timor (medius) and Sumba and Flores (albidus). Wallacean Cuckoo-shrike Coracina personata sumbensis Three on Sumba, with some good views. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Austral migrant: 1 at Langgaliru & 2 near Waingapu, Sumba. Pale-shouldered Cicadabird Coracina dohertyi Small numbers on Sumba and Flores. White-shouldered Triller Lalage sueurii A few on Bali; common on Sumba and Timor.


Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus saturatus About 12 on Bali, with some fledged young. Little Minivet (Flores M) Pericrocotus lansbergei Common. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia scapularis Quite common on Bali. Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster aurigaster Common on Bali; locally common but introduced on Timor. Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier analis Common on Bali. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus javanus Three at Uluwatu. Lesser Wallacean Drongo Dicrurus bimaensis Common on Sumba (sumbae) and Flores (bimaensis). Greater Wallacean Drongo Dicrurus densus densus A handful in the Bipolo area. Olive-brown Oriole (Timor O) Oriolus melanotis melanotis Some nice views, particularly at Bipolo. Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis broderipii Frequent on Sumba and Flores. Timor Figbird Sphecotheres viridis Fairly common on Timor. Flores Crow Corvus florensis Small numbers of this gap-billed weirdo on Flores. Southern Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Widespread throughout. Grey Tit Parus cinereus cinereus Widespread. Fledge young noted on Flores. Pygmy Cupwing (P Wren-babbler) Pnoepyga pusilla everetti Regularly heard and a couple of sightings on Flores. Timor Cupwing (T Wren-babbler) Pnoepyga [pusilla] timorensis 3 seen & c.10 heard on Timor. Likely to be split. Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys leucophrys A singing bird seen well on G. Mutis, Timor. Others heard. Flores Shortwing Brachypteryx [montana] floris Two sightings at Golo Lusang. A good split from White-browed. Chestnut-capped Thrush Zoothera interpres About five at Puarlolo, and some very good views. Chestnut-backed Thrush Zoothera dohertyi Sumba, Timor, Flores. 2 fledged young at latter, with 1 dead on a track. Orange-sided Thrush Zoothera peronii 10 or so seen on Timor. Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus schegelii Common on Gunung Mutis, Timor.

On Flores: Flores Jungle-flycatcher and Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (Craig Robson)

Pied Chat Saxicola caprata Common: Sumba (francki), Timor (pyrrhonota), and Flores (fruticola). White-bellied Bushchat (Timor Chat) Saxicola gutturalis Common enough, with 11 logged. Flyeater (Golden-bellied Gerygone) Gerygone sulphurea sulphurea Seen on Bali and Flores. Plain Fairy-warbler (P Gerygone) Gerygone inornata Common on Timor. Russet-capped Tesia (R-c Stubtail) Tesia everetti Some excellent views for all, in the Flores highlands. Timor Stubtail Urosphena subulata Seen by most of us eventually; about 5 birds in all. Sunda Bush-warbler Horornis vulcanius everetti Somewhat more easily seen on Timor. Australian Reed-warbler Acrocephalus australis A couple showed very well on Sumba. Mountain Tailorbird Phyllergates cucullatus everetti Flores highlands. Not a tailorbird but closer to Abroscopus. Olive-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus sepium Several seen on Bali. Tailorbird Orthotomus sp. A pair with at least two fledged young near Waingapu, Sumba. See notes. Timor Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus presbytes Mainly in the uplands but also seen near Bipolo. Flores Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus floris Common montane endemic.


Yellow-breasted Warbler Seicercus montis floris 1 seen and a couple heard in the Flores highlands. Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris One singing at Uluwatu, Bali. Buff-banded Thicket-warbler (B-b Thicketbird) Buettikoferella bivittata Several good sightings on Timor. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis fuscicapillus On Sumba and Timor. Bright-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis lineocapilla A few on Timor. Bar-winged Prinia Prinia familiaris Three on Bali, after some work. Flores Jungle-flycatcher Rhinomyias oscillans At least 8 in the Flores highlands. Sumba Jungle-flycatcher Rhinomyias stresemanni 3 on Sumba. Sumba Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa segregata A very good tour for this species, with 4-5 seen well. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra clarae Three seen at Gunung Mutis. Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria dumetoria Single males at Rana Mese and Puarlolo. Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni Frequent on Timor, but only heard on Flores. Sumba Flycatcher Ficedula harterti A very responsive bird near Lewa was even scoped. Black-banded Flycatcher Ficedula timorensis At least 4 seen on Timor, with good views again. Timor Blue flycatcher Cyornis hyacinthinus Not uncommon and well distributed. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea prophata A few on Flores. Asian Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi A few seen on Sumba (sumbaensis) and Flores (floris). Flores Monarch Monarcha sacerdotum 4 seen this year at Puarlolo. Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus trivirgatus 1 seen and another heard on Sumba. Broad-billed Flycatcher Myiagra ruficollis ruficollis Frequent on Sumba and Timor. Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica Several on Bali. Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris rufiventris Common on Timor. Brown-capped Fantail Rhipidura diluta Several waggletails on Flores. Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas Frequent on Sumba (sumbensis) and Timor (semicollaris). Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (G-h Flycatcher) Culicicapa ceylonensis Sumba (connectens) & Flores (sejuncta). Flores White-eye Zosterops [palpebrosus] unicus Common in Flores uplands. See note.

Bare-throated Whistler and Sumba Flowerpecker (Craig Robson)

Fawn-breasted Whistler Pachycephala orpheus Common on Timor. Rusty-breasted Whistler Pachycephala fulvotincta Seen on Sumba (fulviventris) and Flores (fulvotincta). Yellow-throated Whistler Pachycephala macrorhyncha calliope Several on Timor. Bare-throated Whistler Pachycephala nudigula Best views were of a pair around mid-day at Rana Mese. White-breasted Wood-swallow Artamus leucorynchus albiventer Black-faced Wood-swallow Artamus cinereus perspicillatus One scoped at Bipolo. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach bentet Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor Widespread. Young fledged and also being fed in nest-holes on Flores. Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus Small numbers on Bali, Sumba, and at Bipolo/Pan Muti, Timor.


Black-winged Myna Acridotheres melanopterus tertius 3-5 at Uluwatu, Bali. Timor Friarbird Philemon inornatus Helmeted Friarbird Philemon buceroides Common on Sumba, Flores & Komodo (neglecta), and Timor (buceroides). Streak-breasted Honeyeater Meliphaga reticulata Common on Timor. Scaly-crowned Honeyeater Lichmera lombokia Locally common on Flores. Indonesian Honeyeater Lichmera limbata Widespread on Sumba and Timor. Yellow-eared Honeyeater (Flame-e H) Lichmera flavicans Somewhat scarce this time on Timor. Sumba Myzomela (S Red-headed Honeyeater) Myzomela dammermani One male showed for us all at Langgaliru. Black-breasted Myzomela (B-chested Honeyeater) Myzomela vulnerata Small numbers on Timor. Brown-throated Sunbird Anthreptes malacensis Sumba; incl. 2 dependant juvs (rubrigena) & Flores (convergens). Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis ornata Frequent on Bali and Flores. Apricot-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia buettikoferi Sumba endemic. A used nest in the homestay garden at Lewa. Flame-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia solaris solaris Timor and Flores. Golden-rumped Flowerpecker Dicaeum annae Frequent on Flores. Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile 5 on Sumba (tinctum) and 12 on Timor (obsoletum). Potential splits. Black-fronted Flowerpecker Dicaeum igniferum Common on Flores. Red-chested Flowerpecker (Blue-cheeked F) Dicaeum maugei maugei Just 7 on Timor. Blood-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum sanguinolentum rhodopygiale 2 males in the Flores highlands. Timor Flowerpecker Dicaeum [sanguinolentum] hanieli 2 at Gunung Mutis. A likely split from Blood-breasted. Sumba Flowerpecker Dicaeum [sanguinolentum] wilhelminae A likely split from Blood-breasted. Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker Dicaeum trochileum A nice male on Bali. Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus montanus In the highlands of Timor and Flores. Yellow-spectacled White-eye (Y-ringed W-e) Zosterops wallacei Common on Sumba and Flores. Ashy-bellied White-eye Zosterops citrinella citrinella Yellow-browed Dark-eye (Cream-browed White-eye) Lophozosterops s. superciliaris Frequent on Flores. Crested Dark-eye (C White-eye) Lophozosterops dohertyi dohertyi Regularly seen on Flores. Spot-breasted Dark-eye (S-b Heleia) Heleia muelleri Two sightings on Timor, totalling 5 birds. Thick-billed Dark-eye (T-b Heleia) Heleia crassirostris Regular on Flores. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus malaccensis Red Avadavat Amandava amandava flavidiventris Sightings on Sumba and Timor. Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Widespread sightings. Tricoloured Parrot-finch Erythrura tricolor Two with Scaly-breasted Munias at Bariti. E Lesser Sundas endemic. Javan Munia Lonchura leucogastroides A few in the hotel grounds on Bali; where they were nesting. Black-faced Munia Lonchura molucca A few on Timor and Flores. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata On Bali (nisoria), Sumba (sumbae), & Timor and Flores (blasii). Five-coloured Munia Lonchura quinticolor Just a few on Timor. White-headed Munia Lonchura maja A pair in the hotel grounds on Bali. Pale-headed Munia Lonchura pallida Flocks totalling 120 birds at Menggitimbe, Sumba. Timor Sparrow Padda fuscata An adult at Bariti, and 2-3 juveniles at Bipolo.

Rainbow Bee-eater (Craig Robson)


MAMMALS Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus (NL) One or two noted on Bali. Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Asian Palm Civet (Common P C) Paradoxurus hermaphroditus 1 briefly at Kisol. Long-tailed Macaque (Crab-eating M) Macaca fascicularis Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus (NL) 1 on the way into Komodo. Timor Deer (Rusa D) Cervus timorensis 15 or so on Komodo.

Timor Deer on Komodo (Craig Robson)

NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Green-winged Pigeon (Pacific Emerald Dove) Chalcophaps timorensis This is the correct specific name, rather than longirostris. Eurasian Barn Owl Tyto alba Australasian Barn Owl Tyto delicatula Sumba Barn Owl Tyto [delicatula] sumbaensis Coates & Bishop lump Australasian Barn Owl in Eurasian Barn Owl using the name Barn Owl for the enlarged species. Additionally, the results of recent DNA work suggest that sumbaensis may warrant full species status. Pygmy Cupwing (P Wren-babbler) Pnoepyga pusilla Timor Cupwing (T Wren-babbler) Pnoepyga [pusilla] timorensis 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. The timorensis form of Pygmy Cupwing is a likely future split, based on its voice, morphometrics and range. Tailorbird Orthotomus sp. Olive-backed Tailorbird is officially the only tailorbird east of Wallace’s Line, reaching Lombok. The birds seen on Sumba appeared similar to that species but appeared to show at least minor vocal differences. Time will tell whether our birds represent an undescribed form or relate to a population of Olive-backed Tailorbirds derived from captive origin. Flores White-eye Zosterops [palpebrosus] unicus Bizarrely, this very distinctive form has been lumped in Oriental White-eye, to which it bears scant resemblance, morphologically or vocally.


APPENDIX 2 – Other fauna & flora recorded REPTILES Komodo Dragon Varanus komodoensis At least five of these famous giant monitor lizards on Komodo. Monitor Varanus sp. One seen at Menggitimbe, Sumba. Tockay Gecko Gekko gecko Widespread. Flat-tailed Gecko Cosymburus platyurus On Sumba at least. Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas One during the journey back from Komodo. Boschma’s Gliding-lizard Draco boschmai 2 on Sumba and 1-2 on Komodo. Timor Gliding-lizard Draco timorensis Just one on Timor.

A hulking great Komodo Dragon, soaking-up the sun (Craig Robson)

AMPHIBIANS Asian Common Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus Common throughout, but probably non-native. Cricket Frog Fejervarya limnocharis In the ricefields at Bipolo etc. BUTTERFLIES Common Snow Flat Tagiades japetus KM 51, Sumba. Haliphron Birdwing Troides haliphrone naias Several on Sumba. Lime Papilio demoleus Komodo. Peranthus Peacock Papilio peranthus Beautiful green swallowtail on Flores; particularly Kisol. Banded Peacock Papilio palinurus Beautiful green swallowtail on Sumba. Lemon Emigrant Catopsila pomona on Timor. Orange Emigrant Catopsila scylla Several at Kisol. 'Reinwardt’s' Orange Tip Ixias reinwardti Komodo. Great Orange Tip Hebomoia glaucippe flavomarginata Kisol & Komodo.


Common Wanderer Pareronia valeria tryphenam Common at Kisol. Orange Gull Cepora judith oberthueri At Kisol. Chocolate Albatross Appias lyncida Kisol. Caper White Belenois java Behind Londa Liru Beach, Sumba. Psyche Leptosia nina Small numbers at Camplong, Kisol & Komodo. Related to the European Wood White. Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon rosimon Kisol. Common Sailer Neptis hylas On Timor. Blue Pansy Junonia orithiya On Sumba. Chocolate Pansy Junonia iphita Kisol. Grey Pansy Junonia atlites Common in the fields at Bipolo. Northern Argus Junonia erigone At Oelnasi, Timor. ‘Timor Admiral’ Vanessa dilecta Several at Gunung Mutis. Endemic to West Timor Striped Tiger Danaus genutia Black-and-white Tiger Danaus affinis At Benoa. Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus Widespread. Climena Crow Euploea climena On Timor. Striped Blue Crow Euploea mulciber Pair mating at Kisol. Yellow Costa Acraea issoria An unusual-shaped rufous butterfly on Sumba. Common Palmfly Elymnias hypermnestra At Kisol Seminary, Flores, & on Komodo. Malay Lacewing Cethosia hypsea Kisol. Rustic Cupha erymanthis Sumba. Cruiser Vindula dejone Sumba.

‘Timor Admiral’ Vanessa dilecta (Craig Robson)

DRAGONFLIES Pale-spotted Emperor Anax guttatus Danau Rana Mese. Slender Skimmer Orthertrum sabina Widespread. Blue Percher Diplacodes trivialis Sumba. PLANTS Gebang Palm Corypha utan Native. India to Australia. Tamarind Tamarindus indica Introduced to southern and south-eastern Asia 1000s of years ago. Chinese Spiranthes Spiranthes sinensis Roadside at Rana Mese. Jewel orchid Goodyera procera Photographed at Golo Lusang, Flores.


TOP 5 BIRDS Wallace’s Scops-owl Flores Scops-owl White-rumped Kingfisher Bare-throated Whistler Sumba Hornbill

Dawn at Langgaliru, Sumba (Craig Robson)

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