Birding in Papua

In the Field in Search of Birds

Mainland West Papua has around 386 endemic species, 117 of these being non-passerines and 269 passerines. The Bismarck Archipelago adds a further 65 endemics, with 9 more from Bougainville, and further research will undoubtedly raise the total. West Papua and Papua are blessed with a great abundance of forest in extremely challenging terrain, and this has thus far enabled many of the island ecosystems to remain relatively intact. 

Hunting has been continuous for thousands of years, but at low-impact largely sustainable levels until very recently, when modern technology and the vastly increased human population pressure have tipped the balance. It is often asked why West Papua and Papua birds are so shy in many areas, and the response usually involves reference to hunting pressures, although this seems a tad glib and doubtless other factors are operating. 

Whether a resident or a visitor, you will find bird-watching in West Papua a challenge, albeit an exciting one. Thus, it pays to plan and to be prepared. Birding in West Papua can produce amazing rewards but also offers no shortage of hazards and frustrations. West Papua is best considered a specialty destination, to be savored after gaining a seasoned grasp of birding in the tropical world. 

The big pluses offered by West Papua include essentially a new bird fauna, particularly for songbirds, for example, the wonderful birds of paradise, bowerbirds, fruit-doves, pigeons, parrots, and kingfishers.  

The resident novice or newly arriving visitors to West Papua will soon discover that although birds of the open country are conspicuous and easy to study, the forest-dwelling species typically are often less common, more selective, and difficult to observe. This phenomenon is common in tropical humid forest environments around the world. Patience and repeated effort provide the only antidote to the frustrations created by those rare species that defy locating on one’s first few field trips.  In nearly all West Papua habitats, bird activity is greatest at dawn and shortly thereafter. It pays to be afield early. By 11 a.m. it is usually quiet, especially in the lowlands, unless rain brings cooler conditions. 

Equipment and what to bring?
1.    Waterproof binoculars of about 8-power are best for maximum light-gathering in the shades of the forest.
2.    A tripod-mounted spotting scope (telescope) is valuable in open habitats along roadsides, especially for birds in the canopy.
3.    A lightweight digital sound recorder, with a speaker suitable for playback and a directional microphone, greatly aids in learning vocalizations and luring shy vocal species into view. 
4.    Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and a hat with some sort of visor to shield the eyes from sun or rain.
5.    It is often very cool at dawn but hot at midday, wearing layers that can be easily removed.
6.    Loose long pants and lightweight, good-quality walking boots are often the most comfortable combination. Conditions in the mountains are much cooler, so prepare to keep warm.
7.    Insect repellent is required in some localities.
8.    A lightweight poncho or rain jacket. It is sometimes useful to carry a larger umbrella.