Report from the Molucca Islands

Indonesia, a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is a hotspot for global biodiversity, home to about 1,500 bird species, nearly 40% of which are endemic. With a rich cultural heritage and a remarkable mix of wildlife, it’s one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Our birding journey through this incredible landscape took us to remote islands, each offering unique experiences and discoveries.

The adventure began in Jakarta before heading east to Ambon, where we boarded a boat to an even smaller island to see the endangered Moluccan Scrubfowl. The following day, we flew to Yamdena in the Tanimbar Islands, where we explored the Wowunda lowlands. There, we encountered a variety of island endemics like the Tanimbar Cuckoo-Dove, Wallace’s Fruit-Dove, and Tanimbar Boobook. Our hotel, overlooking the water, also offered excellent birding, with sightings of Pied Herons and Little Black Cormorants.

After exploring the Tanimbar Islands, we flew back to Ambon and then to Seram. In Seram, we ventured to Boano Island to search for the Boano Monarch, a rare endemic. Our base was a charming lodge in Sawai, near Manusela National Park, where we found species like the Chestnut-tailed Fantail, Salmon-crested Cockatoo, Blyth’s Hornbill, and the elusive Moluccan Dwarf-Kingfisher. Non-birding activities, like snorkeling in nearby coral reefs, added to the experience.

Next, we journeyed to Buru, where we boarded a ferry for an adventure through new landscapes and even more endemic birds. Highlights included sightings of Buru Thrush, Buru Oriole, and the rare Buru Raquet-tail Parrot, and a non-avian carnivorous plant – the unusual Nepenthes pitcher plant. The final leg of our journey took us to the Kai Islands, where we found endemic species like the Kai Pheasant Coucal and Kai Besar White-eye, along with other birds such as the Terek Sandpiper and Royal Spoonbills.

Throughout this unforgettable trip, we marveled at the birdlife and enjoyed the stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and delicious local cuisine that made each destination special.