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New distributional records from forgoten Banda Sea
islands: the birds of Babar, Romang, Sermata, Leti and
Kisar, Maluku, Indonesia
by Colin R. Trainor & Philippe Verbelen
Received 5 July 2011; inal revision accepted 10 September 2013
Summary.—Many of the Banda Sea islands, including Babar, Romang, Sermata
and Leti, were last surveyed more than 100 years ago. In October–November
2010, birds were surveyed on Romang (14 days), Sermata (eight days), Leti (ive
days) and Kisar (seven days), and on Babar in August 2009 (ten days) and August
2011 (11 days). Limited unpublished observations from Damar, Moa, Masela (of
Babar) and Nyata (of Romang) are also included here. A total of 128 bird species
was recorded (85 resident landbirds), with 104 new island records, among them
ive, 12, 20, four and three additional resident landbirds for Babar, Romang,
Sermata, Leti and Kisar, respectively. The high proportion of newly recorded and
apparently overlooked resident landbirds on Sermata is puzzling but partly relates
to limited historical collecting. Signiicant records include Ruddy-breasted Crake
Porzana fusca (Romang), Red-legged Crake Rallina fasciata (Sermata), Bonelli’s
Eagle Aquila fasciata renschi (Romang), Elegant Pita Pita elegans vigorsii (Babar,
Romang, Sermata), Timor Stubtail Urosphena subulata (Babar, Romang), the irst
sound-recordings of Kai Cicadabird Coracina dispar (Babar?, Romang) and endemic
subspecies of Southern Boobook Ninox boobook cinnamomina (Babar) and N. b. moae
(Romang, Sermata?). The irst ecological notes were collected for Green Oriole
Oriolus lavocinctus migrator on Romang, the lowland-dwelling Snowy-browed
Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra audacis on Babar, the endemic subspecies of Yellowthroated (Banda) Whistler Pachycephala macrorhyncha par on Romang, and Grey
Friarbird Philemon kisserensis on Kisar and Leti.
The Banda Sea Endemic Bird Area is rich in endemic species with at least 41 restrictedrange birds (Statersield et al. 1998). Babar (Babber), Romang (Roma), Damar, Kisar (Kisser),
Leti (Leti), Moa and Lakor, and Sermata (Sermata) are often referred to as the south-west
islands. They lie in one of the most ornithologically neglected regions of South-East Asia;
biogeographically, the avifauna is closely linked to Timor. For most islands the only primary
information is from historical collections (Finsch 1901, Hartert 1900, 1904, 1906a) with recent
avifaunal data only from Damar (Trainor 2002, 2007a,b) and Kisar (Trainor 2003, Trainor
& King 2011). Apart from Damar, none of the south-west islands is known to host singleisland endemic bird species, but Grey (Kisar) Friarbird Philemon kisserensis is endemic to
Kisar, Leti and Moa, and there are many endemic subspecies including Banded Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus cinctus letiensis and P. c. otonis, Southern Boobook Ninox boobook moae and N. b.
cinnamomina, Litle Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus rufomerus and C. m. salvadorii,
Cinnamon-banded Kingisher Todiramphus australasia dammerianus, Elegant Pita Pita
elegans vigorsii, Green Oriole Oriolus lavocinctus migrator, Rufous-sided Gerygone Gerygone
dorsalis fulvescens and G. d. kuehni, Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata cognatus, Yellow-throated
Whistler Pachycephala macrorhyncha par, P. m. compar, P. m. dammeriana and P. m. sharpei,
Wallacean Whistler P. arctitorquis kebirensis, Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas elegantula and
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R. d. reichenowi, Northern Fantail R. ruiventris hoedti and Red-chested Flowerpecker Dicaeum
maugei salvadorii.
The collecting era in the south-west islands ended around 1906, with the exploration of
Sermata (Hartert 1911a). The four most important collectors (with their assistants) were J.
G. F. Riedel (August 1883: Leti, Moa, Lakor and Babar, and November 1883: Babar, Sermata
[no birds known to have been collected], Luang, Leti, Kisar, Romang, Damar), D. S. Hoedt
(1863–68: Romang [no birds collected], Kisar, Leti, Damar and Babar), H. Kühn (Romang,
Damar, Kisar, Leti, Moa, Babar and Luang) and K. Schädler (Kisar and Babar) (van SteenisKruseman 1950, White & Bruce 1986). A major review of collections by Riedel, Hoedt and
Schädler was published by Finsch (1901), and nine papers by Hartert (e.g. 1900, 1904,
1906a,b, 1911a–c) on the collections by Kühn and his native or local collectors. Additional
bird species collected on these islands may exist in the Leiden or Dresden museums, but
most were probably documented in publications by Hartert, Finsch and other authors
(M. D. Bruce in lit. 2011). These list species and describe diferences in bird morphology
between the island populations, but there are few ecological data and these are primarily
limited to location and date of collection for a small percentage of specimens.
Kühn’s local workers visited Babar on c.12 August–29 September 1905 (Hartert 1906a;
extreme dates of specimens); Kühn visited Romang on 14 July–20 August 1902 (Hartert
1904; extreme dates). Kühn’s local workers visited Sermata (‘Sermata’) on c.14–23 June
1906 collecting 114 specimens of 45 bird species (Hartert 1911a). Collecting efort on Babar
‘does not seem to be a complete one, as the work … had suddenly to be terminated, on
account of the hostile behaviour of some of the natives’ (Hartert 1906a). Efort on Sermata
also disappointed Hartert. On Luang Island, adjacent to Sermata, a total of 47 species
was previously recorded (Hartert 1906b, 1911c). Hartert (1911a) knew that the number of
species on islands was related to land area, and because Sermata is larger than Luang (c.103
km2 vs. 5 km2) he could not ‘...help thinking that an island like Sermata must have more
species. There is no Corvus, Pachycephala, Myzomela, or Dicaeum in this collection’. Avifaunal
composition on Sermata proved most similar to the ‘western islands’—the south-west
islands then considered to include Wetar, Romang, Luang, Kisar, Leti, Moa and Kisar—
and in some cases diferent from neighbouring Babar, but with no endemic forms (Hartert
1911b). There appears to have been no other ornithological investigation of the island, with
one additional bird (Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda) noted in the literature of
south-west Sermata (Coates & Bishop 1997).
From the 16th century, the south-west islands formed part of the powerful Sultanate of
Makassar, with Makassarese traders (up to 200 boats / perahu p.a.) visiting Arnhem Land
in northern Australia in c.1720–1920 (Russell 2004) and establishing trading posts in the
south-west islands (de Jong 2013). Islands such as Lakor and Luang were important ishing
grounds for trepang (de Jong 2013) which was traded to Makassar. Kisar was an important
regional harbour, hosted a Dutch fort and was a colonial outpost until c.1940 (de Jonge &
van Dijk 1995). Colonial history was dominated by resistance from local islanders, with the
last Dutch administrator of the south-west islands leeing Kisar during 1810–17, after which
the position was abolished (de Jong 2013).
PV visited Babar for ten days on 17–26 August 2009. CRT visited Romang (and the
associated islet of Nyata), Sermata, Leti and Kisar in 2010, and Babar in 2011, with the aim
of improving knowledge (avifaunal composition, habitat use, vocalisations and taxonomic
status) of the avifauna, especially landbirds, in this remote corner of Indonesia. CRT
transited several islands en route to Damar in August–September 2001 (Kisar, Leti, Moa
and Masela of Babar), and during a visit to Wetar in 2008 (Leti and Damar) with some
additional records from these periods included here. In September 2008, B. F. King visited
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Kisar en route to Wetar and his records are also noted here. A Birdtour Asia party visited
Leti and Babar in October 2011 (Eaton & Hutchinson 2011), from which some photographs,
videos and sound-recordings have been archived at the Internet Bird Collection (IBC: htp://
ibc.lynxeds.com).
Study area and Methods
The name ‘south-west’ (Moluccan) islands is confusing because of their location in
southern Maluku, but this terminology is used in modern-day Indonesia (the administrative
district of ‘Maluku Barat Daya’ or south-west Maluku), historically in Dutch (‘Zuid Wester
Eilanden’) and German (‘Südwest Inseln’, e.g. Finsch 1901).
Babar Island (620 km2, 835 m elevation) is a limestone Outer Arc island 71 km northeast of Sermata and 132 km west of the Tanimbar Islands. Five satellite islands (Dai, Wetan,
Masela, Dawera and Daweloor) cover an additional c.200 km2. Romang (184 km2, 747 m) is
volcanic and lies in the Inner Banda Arc. It is one of the most isolated islands in the Banda
Sea and lies 55 km east of Wetar, 66 km north-west of Leti and Moa, 78 km north-east of
Timor and 122 km south-east of Damar (Fig. 1). At least seven satellite islands cover c.21
km2. The largest are Moapora (c.14 km2, 257 m) and Nyata (c.4 km2, 277 m) (Fig. 1). Romang
is dominated by two roughly circular peninsulas that comprise uplifted volcanic calderas
that mineralised underwater. The southern peninsula consists of gently undulating land at
200–350 m (including uplifted coralline limestone), while the larger northern peninsula has
many steep-sided hills above 500 m of which Mount Taur is the highest. Tropical evergreen
forest dominates (c.80% of the island), but extensive areas near villages and much of the
southern peninsula have been converted to swidden agriculture, now in various stages of
regeneration. Patches of Eucalyptus alba woodland (c.10–15%) with a tall-grass understorey
typically occur on ridges.
Sermata (c.105 km2, 340 m), Leti (c.100 km2, 370 m) and Kisar (117 km2, 270 m) are
Outer Banda Arc islands dominated by Quaternary limestone plains. On Sermata and Leti
low-grade metamorphic rocks including various schists and metachert dominate the central
inland hills. All three islands were raised above sea level by the collision of the Australasian
and Eurasian continental plates. Sermata is 2.9 km east of the large atoll complex comprising
Luang Island and Kelapa Island (c.4 km2), as well as extensive reef and sand spits (Fig. 1).
Sermata is 167 km south-east of Romang and 117 km east of Leti. Leti lies 38 km east of
Timor and 42 km south-east of Kisar. Leti is weakly isolated (<10 km) from Moa and Lakor,
and together these are known locally as the ‘Leti Islands’.
Original vegetation on Sermata would have comprised tropical forest with small
patches of Lontar palm Borassus labellifer savanna woodland on coasts and ridges, but most
of the narrow (<300 m wide) coastal plain on Sermata has been converted to garden plots
and coconuts. Inland areas are dominated by secondary tropical evergreen forest (to 40 m
tall), with occasional gardens and coconut plantations. The coastal lowlands of Leti mostly
comprise gardens and savanna woodland dominated by Lontar palm and Eucalyptus alba,
with tropical forest in gullies and on hills in the island’s central spine. Kisar is dominated by
savanna woodland and gardens, with some larger forest trees in the valleys, but no forest
patches greater than 2–5 ha remain.
PV visited Babar on 17–26 August 2009 exploring within a 10-km radius of Tepa on the
west coast. CRT accessed Babar by perintis boat from Saumlaki, in the Tanimbar Islands,
and surveyed birds within 5 km of Tepa (7–8 and 14–17 August) and Letwurang village
on the east coast (9–14 August). Around Tepa, birds were surveyed in secondary coastal
forest, beaches, mangroves, a river estuary (air besar), Melaleuca woodland, Lontar palm
savanna and gardens. At Letwurung, CRT walked a river valley (air besar) c.10 km to the
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Colin R. Trainor & Philippe Verbelen
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1A
Figure 1A. Regional map
of islands mentioned in
the text; (B) Satellite map
views of the complex
island groups of Romang
and associated islands
(scale bar = 5 km), and
Sermata, Luang and
associated islands (scale
bar = 10 km) (© Google
Maps).
1B
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Bull. B.O.C. 2013 133(4)
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Bull. B.O.C. 2013 133(4)
north-west and camped at ‘Liliana’ for two nights (9–11 August). The camp was at 240 m
in a teak Tectona grandis plantation, within a landscape of extensive secondary and primary
evergreen forest (up to 30 m tall) at 200–700 m. Beaches, gardens and two brackish lakes
were also surveyed around Letwurung.
CRT used Kisar as a base over a two-month period and travelled to Romang by boat.
Romang was surveyed on 13–26 October 2010, mostly within 5 km of the main village of
Hila (Fig. 1b). Included was coastal lowland habitat (13–14 and 18–19 October; to 100 m
elevation), mixed vegetable gardens, Eucalyptus alba woodland and primary evergreen
forest (to 40 m tall) on the lower slopes of Mount Taur (15–18 October; to 550 m), and
gardens, E. alba woodland and secondary evergreen forest (up to 25 m tall) at Lakuwahi
(20–26 October; to 320 m). Nyata Island was visited late on 20 October with only c.2 hours
along the coast before nightfall and at dawn on the following day.
Sermata was accessed on the KM Bandaneira (en route landing at Leti, Moa, Lakor and
sailing past Metimeriang, Luang and Kelapa). Birds were surveyed mostly within a 3-km
radius of the village of Elo in the north-west, on 1–9 November 2010. Habitats visited were
village, coastal and inland gardens, coastal shrubland and strand, tropical dry forest on
the coast and tropical evergreen forest at 60–200 m. CRT travelled to Leti on 10 November
and spent ive days (10–14 November 2010) within c.3 km of the main towns of Tombra
and Serwaru, mostly in village, savanna woodlands and secondary forest. CRT contracted
malaria on Sermata and was hospitalised on Leti, which reduced efective survey efort to
c.2 days and nights, before returning to Kisar on 15 November by boat. He spent c.7 days on
Kisar (11–12 October, 27–29 October and 16–17 November 2010) mostly around the airport
and a nearby forested valley, in Wonreli town and a well-forested valley east of Wonreli.
To support identiications, and descriptions, we took photographs using a Canon
40D (PV) or 7D (CRT) digital camera with a Canon 100–400 mm lens. Photographs will
be uploaded to the IBC. Sound-recordings were made with Olympus LS-10 (CRT) and
Sony Minidisk Walkman (PV) recorders, and ME-66 Sennheiser directional microphones.
Sonograms were prepared using Raven Lite 1.0 (www.birds.cornell.edu). Accession
numbers for sound-recordings uploaded to the Avian Vocalisations Centre (htp://avocet.
zoology.msu.edu) are cited as AV0000 and those uploaded to www.xeno-canto.org are
cited as XC000000. Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Gill & Donsker (2013).
Climatically, the survey period (in 2009–10) coincided with the transition from the
late dry to early wet season, but because of a particularly notable La Niña event there was
substantial unseasonal rainfall (in 2010) on all islands, including arid Kisar. Babar probably
has moderate rainfall (1,500–2,000 mm / p.a.), Romang and Sermata are high rainfall areas
(>2,000 mm / p.a.), but Leti and Kisar are typically dry (900–1,400 mm / p.a.). The 2011 visit
was during the middle of the dry season with typically dry and ine conditions.
Species accounts
A total of 127 bird species (85 resident landbirds) was recorded on Babar, Masela,
Romang, Sermata, Leti, Kisar, Moa and Damar, including 104 new island records (46 of
them resident landbirds; Table 1). Although Sermata was relatively well surveyed, ten
previously listed resident landbirds went unrecorded, but a further 20 resident landbirds
were added to the island list. Ecological notes are presented for 58 bird species below, and
brief notes appear in Appendix for the other 70 species recorded. Seventeen species were
recorded during a brief visit to Damar, near Wulur village, in September 2008 (three new
island records), six species on Moa Island (one new island record) in 2001 and two species
on Masela (both new) in 2001 (see Appendix 1). One provisional record is included in
square brackets.
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TABLE 1
Bird composition on islands visited including the total number of species recorded during the survey,
the number of species unrecorded since the collecting era and (in parentheses) the number of new
island records.
Groups
Babar
Romang
Sermata
Leti
Kisar
Total
76/23(18)
68/16(24)
52/28(32)
44/31(15)
43/12(9)
No. resident landbirds
45/6(5)
51/6(12)
36/10(20)
30/10(5)
32/6 (3)
No. resident waterbirds
4/2(1)
6/2(4)
6/2 (3)
2/2(1)
2/2(1)
No. migrants / visitors
9/15(12)
11/9(8)
11/15(9)
12/19(9)
9/5(5)
No. other migrants / visitors
0/4(7)
5/3(4)
4/3 (4)
6/4(5)
3/3(3)
No. shorebird visitors
6/6(5)
5/2(4)
6/6(4)
4/11(2)
2/0(0)
No. Australian visitors
3/5(0)
1/4(0)
1/6(1)
2/4(2)
4/2(2)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Sermata Adult photographed on a pond near Elo at 120 m on 4 October 2010. Leti Adult
with four stripe-headed chicks photographed on a small (0.5-ha) pond at 110 m on 13
October 2010. Small numbers in much of Wallacea (Kai, Tanimbar, Timor, Alor, Roti,
Flores, Ternate, Sangihe and Talaud) except Sulawesi. Breeding records from Java and
Timor generally considered as vagrants, rather than relecting presence of tiny resident
populations (White & Bruce 1986). Our records are signiicant because of the regional
dominance of Tricoloured Grebe T. tricolor (e.g. locks of >80 on Timor). Six T. tricolor were
seen on Babar (Appendix 1). Published records of Australasian Grebe for Bali, Alor and
Flores all involve singles (Mees 2006) and the breeding records on Timor (Trainor 2005a)
and now Leti, refer to single adults with chicks. Two adults and a juvenile were on Ambon
on 17 November 2012 (Robson 2013). Two recent records of larger groups: in June 2009, 37
were at Ujung Pangka, East Java, including one on eggs and another adult with two young
(van Balen et al. 2011), and at least ive active nests and 20–30 birds on Ternate, May 2012
(van Balen et al. 2013).
VARIABLE GOSHAWK Accipiter hiogaster polionotus
Babar Relatively common with 1–3 observed daily, being sound-recorded (XC138363,
18364) and photographed near Tepa and Letwurung (PV & CRT). Commonest in coconut
groves and degraded agricultural areas, with unconirmed vocal records (possibly Brown
Goshawk A. fasciatus, which is known from the island) in secondary forest to 300 m.
Recorded at most sites on Damar (Trainor 2007b), moderately common on Tanimbar
(Bishop & Brickle 1998) but possibly absent from Romang and Sermata.
BROWN GOSHAWK Accipiter fasciatus wallacii
Romang Immature in secondary forest at c.300 m, photographed and sound-recorded, is
the irst Romang record. The call was a low-pitched (1,600–2,600 Hz) bout of 10–15 nasal
(tonally complex) hi-hi... notes, with bouts given c.10 seconds apart (XC138953). Another
goshawk seen in light over Hila village was seen too briely for positive identiication.
A. f. wallacii occurs from Lombok to Wetar, Moa, Leti, Sermata, Babar and Damar (White
& Bruce 1986). Although collected on Babar, Leti and Sermata, there were no conirmed
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records in 2009–11, and it appears to be relatively rare in the region. Only one or two recent
Wetar records (Trainor et al. 2009) but frequent on Damar (Trainor 2007b).
BONELLI’S EAGLE Aquila fasciata renschi
Romang Singles photographed in light at the mine camp and in Eucalyptus woodland
below Mount Taur. Sermata One photographed at Elo village on 6 November 2010. The
Lesser Sunda endemic A. f. renschi was collected on neighbouring Luang (Hartert 1906b)
and occurs from Lombok to Yamdena (Trainor et al. 2013); the Romang and Sermata
records ill important distributional gaps. A. f. renschi is isolated from the nearest resident
population (Vietnam) by c.2,500 km and is typically one of the commonest large raptors
resident in the Lesser Sundas (Trainor et al. 2013).
BROWN QUAIL Coturnix ypsilophora raaltenii
Romang One heard (berip) once in regenerating garden, while a single egg (28.0 × 22.5 mm)
was found on the ground at the Lakuwahi mine camp on 25 October 2010. It was identical
to published photographs of the species’ eggs (Johnstone & Storr 1998; R. Johnstone in lit.
2011). Kisar Heard a few times in open savanna near the airport on 12 October 2010. Leti
One heard once in grassy savanna. Widespread in the Lesser Sundas and expected for
Romang. Historically, collected on Kisar, Moa, Leti, Luang and Tanimbar (Coates & Bishop
1997). On Kisar, villagers considered the species abundant, with quail eggs regularly sold
in markets and to restaurants in Wonreli.
MALAYSIAN PLOVER Charadrius peronii
Romang Two pairs seen and one male photographed with white hindneck collar (thereby
excluding Red-capped Plover C. ruicapillus) on Nyata Island on 20 October 2010. Kisar
A pair photographed (white hindneck collar and male with black patch below hindneck
collar) on the beach east of the airport on 12 October 2010. This Near Threatened beachdwelling plover is widespread through western Indonesia and the Lesser Sundas to Alor
and Timor, being frequent in Timor-Leste (Trainor 2005a, 2011), and these two new island
records marks the species’ south-easternmost limits.
RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE Porzana fusca
Romang Incidentally sound-recorded before dawn in evergreen forest at 300 m on 18
October 2010, and at 17.50 h in secondary forest. The call is a rapid low-pitched trill over
ive seconds (XC137915, 137913). The same call type was heard at dusk on Nyata Island
on 20 October 2010. Compared to Red-legged Crake Rallina fasciata, the trill is faster,
higher pitched, somewhat wavering, and not usually preceded by introductory notes (e.g.
XC138533; B. van Balen in lit. 2013). Rails are poorly known in Wallacea, with knowledge
of vocalisations slowly improving via sound depositories such as www.xeno-canto.org.
P. fusca occurs on Sulawesi, Flores and Sumba (Coates & Bishop 1997), with recent new
records from Timor (Trainor 2011) and Alor (XC105146; J. Hornbuckle in lit. 2013).
RED-LEGGED CRAKE Rallina fasciata
Sermata A rail sound-recorded (XC138533) at and after dusk, but not seen, in shrubby
gardens behind the beach was subsequently identiied as this species on the basis of
recordings at www.xeno-canto.org. The call commences with a brief introductory e-yeck
followed by a rapid low-pitched trill (1,040–2,500 Hz) comprising c.30 notes over 3.3
seconds that descends from an initial high of 2,500 Hz to 1,780 Hz, and is identical to
recordings made on Romang. R. fasciata is poorly known in Wallacea. It was recently found
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to be a breeding visitor to West Timor (Dymond 2010, Trainor 2011) and otherwise is known
from Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Alor and Kisar in the Lesser Sundas (White & Bruce 1986).
Recordings from Singapore and Kalimantan (www.xeno-canto.com) are similar to that
made on Sermata, but difer from the go-go... notes of birds described for Flores (Schmuz
1977, Hutchinson et al. 2006). Taylor & van Perlo (1998) stated that Red-legged Crake and
Ruddy-breasted Crake P. fusca have similar vocalisations. The recent Timor records conirm
that Red-legged Crake does breed in the Lesser Sundas, and presumably the records for
Romang, Nyata and Sermata are of wet-season visitors, suggesting that it occurs more
frequently than suspected. Two records of vagrants to Australia in late May and July
(Christidis & Boles 2008).
[PALE-VENTED BUSH-HEN Amaurornis moluccana]
Sermata Contact notes (XC137917–918) initially presumed to be of White-breasted Waterhen
A. phoenicurus were a low-pitched (900–1,400 Hz) and persistent single duk, duk... repeated
for minutes at night, perhaps sometimes for hours. They difer from alarm notes (strong ook
at 700–1,600 Hz) of White-breasted Waterhen sound-recorded on Lembata (XC102911–912)
and to alarm notes reported for Red-legged Crake on Timor (Dymond 2010). They also
difer from contact notes of Ruddy-breasted and Red-legged Crakes (www.xeno-canto.
com). The vocalisations best match the persistent calls of Pale-vented Bush-hen in eastern
Australia (L. Neilson & M. Cachard in lit. 2013) and Wallacea (R. Hutchinson & J. Eaton
in lit. 2013). In Wallacea, widespread on Sulawesi and in the Maluku region with recent
records on Tanimbar and Kai, and co-occurs with A. phoenicurus on Talaud and Taliabu
(Coates & Bishop 1997, Taylor & van Perlo 1998).
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amaurornis phoenicurus leucomelana
Romang Frequently heard giving a monotonous cluck or raucous squabbling calls in
secondary and primary forests, and the edge of gardens, to at least 400 m, and also recorded
on Nyata Island (XC137916). On Romang one was photographed by a spring in the late
afternoon. Sermata Heard at dusk and shortly afterwards on most evenings in gardens,
forest edge and shrubland, with sound-recordings of the raucous squabbling given by 2+
birds (XC138531–532). Initially, it was assumed that a trill was also produced by Whitebreasted Waterhen, but this was subsequently identiied as Red-legged Crake (above). The
species appears to be absent from the dry island of Kisar. Subspeciic variation clariied
by Hartert (1904): Sulawesi and west Nusa Tenggara populations up to Sumbawa were
included in A. p. phoenicurus, with A. p. leucomelana listed for Flores, Timor, Wetar, Romang
and Tukangbesi. On Romang, six specimens including a juvenile were collected (Hartert
1904). Our Sermata record is the south-easternmost. No rails were conirmed during our
visits to Babar, where White-breasted and Pale-vented Bush-hens might be expected
(although calls probably atributable to an Amaurornis were heard by PV). White-breasted
Waterhen has been collected on Damar, but was not recorded during the recent dry-season
visit (Trainor 2007b).
METALLIC PIGEON Columba vitiensis metallica
Babar A few heard calling (deep woo-ahh double notes, similar to Timor recordings:
AV8866) above Liliana at 550 m, but none observed. Romang Singles lushed at the edge
of secondary forest overlooking gardens at c.300 m, and one photographed in the canopy.
Distributed from Lombok to Moa, Damar and Babar, the Romang record ills a gap in the
species’ range. None observed on Sermata or Leti, but presumably present on both; local
people stated that they occasionally saw ‘black’ pigeons in forest on Leti Island.
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BAR-NECKED CUCKOO-DOVE Macropygia magna magna
Romang One of the commonest pigeons on the island, the characteristic three-note call of
M. m. magna was heard regularly and sound-recorded in secondary and primary forests
and old gardens, and one was photographed. Also heard on Nyata Island. An undescribed
two-note call (XC139671–672) was recorded at c.430 m in evergreen forest. It commences
with an upslurred note increasing in intensity, a pause of c.0.5 seconds before a quieter,
low-pitched waruk-woo, similar to the irst part of the three-noted warack woo-woo call but
with substantially less energy. This call is dissimilar to the two-note call given by M. m.
timorlaoensis (XC37868) of Tanimbar. The most common vocalisation was a three-note call
(XC139675, 137677) typical of M. m. magna, at 600–1,000 Hz and similar to but less energised
than Timor birds (e.g. XC32991). Common in forest on most islands including Timor, Alor,
Atauro and Wetar (Trainor & Soares 2004, Trainor et al. 2008, 2009). Surprisingly, none was
heard or seen on Sermata, although an adult was collected there historically (Hartert 1911a),
or on Kisar or Leti. Any Kisar population might have been extirpated, as the recent visit
covered parts of the best remaining forest, and it was not seen in 2001 (Trainor 2003) or 2008
(B. F. King in lit. 2009). Diferences in vocalisations among the subspecies suggest that at
least three species might be recognised within this complex (Eaton & Hutchinson 2011). The
absence of this dove on Babar is notable.
BANDED FRUIT DOVE Ptilinopus cinctus
Babar (otonis) Frequently heard in primary and secondary forest near Tepa (PV) and at
Liliana up to 400 m (CRT). Romang (cinctus) Common in primary and secondary forest
at 0–550 m. Nest with one egg photographed at 450 m. The nest was 4 m above ground
in a Myristica sp. tree and comprised c.40 thin twigs (c.2–3 mm wide). A second nest was
found nearby, and courtship behaviour by adult birds (noisily chasing each other through
the canopy) seen on several occasions. A squab in pin was found on the ground by local
people near the mine camp on 22 October 2010. Song is a low-pitched (230–430 Hz) woo
(XC139670, 139698), as described on Timor (Coates & Bishop 1997). Sermata (letiensis)
Regularly heard in forest and at edges. A lock of >30 observed lying into a fruiting tree
at the edge of evergreen forest, and one photographed nearby. Common throughout much
of its range (Coates & Bishop 1997), including on Romang, Sermata and Damar (Trainor
2007b). Some 30 specimens were collected by Kühn on Romang (Hartert 1904). P. c. letiensis
of Leti, Moa, Luang and Teun appears weakly diferentiated from other forms, having the
‘tail tip whiter and broader’ (White & Bruce 1986), but also has a substantially broader black
breast-band than P. c. cinctus on Romang (Fig. 2a–c). P. c. otonis of Babar, Damar and Nila
also appears weakly diferentiated from other forms, and vocalisations on Babar and Damar
are almost identical, a slow low-pitched woo at 180–450 Hz (XC140167). A recording from
Damar appears to be a duet between a pair, with one bird’s calls at slightly higher frequency
(200–500 Hz: XC66901). P. c. letiensis on Sermata also gives a slow wu repeated at c.1-second
intervals, like other subspecies (Coates & Bishop 1997).
ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT DOVE Ptilinopus regina
Babar (xanthogaster) Widespread and frequently heard (XC138366) in secondary and
primary forest up to c.650 m above Liliana, and occasionally seen and photographed (PV
& CRT). Romang (roseipileum) Frequently heard in secondary forest and garden edge at
Lakuwahi, and heard on Nyata Island, but unrecorded below Mount Taur. Call a series of
accelerating slurred woo notes (XC140168) that varies litle between diferent subspecies, or
islands. Low-pitched (400–600 Hz) ‘seesaw notes’ (XC139697) given in contact, as described
by Coates & Bishop (1997). Sermata (xanthogaster) One photographed in scrub behind the
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3A
2B
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2C
3B
3C
Figure 2. Banded Fruit Dove Ptilinopus cinctus is represented by three subspecies in the south-west islands:
(A) P. c. cinctus of Romang has narrow white tail tip and thin black breast-band; (B) P. c. letiensis of Sermata
has extensive white tip to tail and broad black breast-band; and (C) P. c. otonis on Babar has indistinct tail
patern (Colin R. Trainor)
Figure 3. Two subspecies of Rose-crowned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus regina occur in the south-west islands: (A)
male P. r. xanthogaster on Sermata has pale grey head (pufed-up after heavy rain); (B) male P. r. roseipileum
on Romang has white forehead and blackish rather than green primaries; and (C) irst-year female P. r.
xanthogaster from Tepa, Babar, with grey cap, but green head- and neck-sides, and scalloped coverts (Colin
R. Trainor)
beach and one seen lying over, with a few voice-only records (similar to calls on Romang).
Leti One in Tombra village, but not heard, on 13 November 2010. Kisar One in light and
heard calling three or four times. Common in lowland habitats in the Lesser Sundas and
Banda Sea islands, except on Flores, where there is just one recent record (Lesmana et al.
2000). P. r. roseipileum (Romang, Moa, Leti, Kisar, East Timor and Wetar) difers litle from P.
r. xanthogaster (Fig. 3a–c) (Damar, Kai, Tanimbar, Babar and Luang) and all of the subspecies
appear to difer litle in vocalisations. Johnstone (1981) proposed to unite lavicollis (Flores,
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Sawu, Roti, Semau and West Timor) and roseipileum with ewingii (of Western Australia
and Northern Territory, Australia) mostly because of perceived overlap in crown colour.
However, on Timor lavicollis (mostly in West) and roseipileum (in East Timor) have
strikingly diferent crown colours, and these may be species-level taxa.
ELEGANT IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula concinna
Babar Common in primary and secondary forest at Liliana to c.650 m, and occasional in
degraded secondary forest near Tepa (PV & CRT); several shot by hunters (PV). Damar Two
heard near Wulur on 24 September 2008. Romang Abundant in primary forest at 200–550
m below Mount Taur, but more local and less common in secondary forest on the southern
peninsula. Call a raucous urauw at 800–1,400 Hz, over 0.8 seconds, often preceded by a
rapid single or repeated buk note that carries hundreds of metres in forest. Sermata Small
numbers in tall evergreen forest at 100–200 m, but absent from secondary forest near the
coast. Widespread in the Banda Sea region including on Moa, Romang, Babar and Damar,
Teun, Kai and Tanimbar (White & Bruce 1986) and was expected on Sermata. Heavily
hunted on Damar impacting populations close to villages at least (Trainor 2007b). None
recorded on Leti, but could be present in beter quality forest that was not visited.
PINK-HEADED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula rosacea
Babar Uncommon, with singles or small groups occasionally heard in primary forest
around Liliana at 200–400 m, but none recorded in coastal gardens or secondary forest.
Romang Noted on the coast on 13 August 2001; in 2010 this small-island pigeon was
common at 0–550 m in primary and secondary forest, and at edge of gardens, and heard
in forest on Nyata Island. Sermata Fairly frequent at the edge of secondary forest with c.10
heard per day and two photographed in evergreen forest at 150 m. This Near Threatened
pigeon is much sought-after by hunters, but is common in forest in Timor-Leste (heavily
hunted in the West), abundant on Wetar and Damar (Trainor 2007b, Trainor et al. 2009) and
some other islands in the Banda Sea visited recently (Bishop & Brickle 1998). It was collected
on Kisar (Hartert 1904) and recorded again in 2001, but not in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009)
or 2010, perhaps suggesting a decline, or that the species only visits the island. Status on
Babar unclear, but might have been heavily impacted by hunting.
MARIGOLD LORIKEET Trichoglossus capistratus lavotectus
Romang Apparently uncommon, with only a few sightings of pairs or threes lying past
camp at 320 m, and over primary forest at 490 m. A few calling in secondary forest near the
mine camp on 24 October: a series of high-pitched, harsh shrieks, typical of the Rainbow
Lorikeet T. haematodus superspecies and at similar frequency to Olive-headed Lorikeet
T. euteles. On Wetar T. c. lavotectus is common (Trainor et al. 2009), but there is no recent
information on Red-collared Lorikeet T. rubritorquis (recognised at species level by Gill &
Donsker 2013), of which a specimen is available from Romang and two from Kisar (Hartert
1904, Coates & Bishop 1997). T. rubritorquis occurs naturally in northern Australia and its
presence in the south-west islands perhaps relects trade during Makassan–Aboriginal
interactions (cf. Russell 2004). Twenty-seven specimens of T. c. lavotectus were collected on
Romang by Kühn (Hartert 1904) perhaps indicating that it was formerly more common.
OLIVE-HEADED LORIKEET Trichoglossus euteles
Babar Uncommon with small numbers (groups of 1–5) heard most days, feeding in coastal
Casuarina sp. and Erythrina variegata, and seen occasionally over gardens and secondary
forest (PV & CRT). Romang Frequently heard and seen in pairs or small locks of up to ten,
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in all habitats including Eucalyptus woodland, lying over villages, primary and secondary
forest, at 0–550 m. Sermata Common in pairs and threes in all habitats including village,
and regularly seen feeding in coconut palms up to 150 m. Leti Common with birds visiting
the main villages to access Lontar palm lowers, usually as singles, pairs or threes. Damar
Two perched in mangrove and heard c.6 times in three hours, lying over the village.
Regionally, known from Wetar, Timor, Kisar, Luang, Leti, Babar, Romang and Damar
(White & Bruce 1986) and was expected for Sermata. Common on most islands except
Kisar, where none recorded in 2001 and 2010, but one was seen in 2008 (B. F. King in lit.
2009). Possibly occasionally visits Kisar from neighbouring islands, as there appears to be
no resident population (Trainor 2003).
BLUE-STREAKED LORY Eos reticulata
Babar Uncommon, with a few vocal-only records of 2–3 birds overlying tropical forest at
Liliana (XC144149). Uncommon on Damar (Trainor 2007) but relatively common on the
Tanimbar Islands (Bishop & Brickle 1998) and presumably declining due to the cagebird
trade, although recent broad-scale data are unavailable. Introduced historically to the Kai
Islands, where only two recent records, of one and two birds (Johnstone & van Balen 2013).
GREAT-BILLED PARROT Tanygnathus megalorhynchos subainis
Babar Single heard in light over tropical forest near Liliana at 300 m on 11 August 2010.
Seven collected near Tepa by Kühn (Hartert 1906a). Restricted to Babar and the Tanimbar
Islands. On Yamdena, also apparently uncommon, with ones or twos heard overlying
semi-evergreen forest, day and night (Bishop & Brickle 1998). One of the most localised
resident landbirds in the Lesser Sundas, with few recent records from Timor or Flores,
perhaps due to loss of Canarium-dominated coastal swamp forest and captures for the
cagebird trade (Butchart et al. 1996, Coates & Bishop 1997). A population of c.1,500 birds was
estimated on Sumba, where it is the least abundant parrot on the island (Linsley et al. 1998).
LITTLE BRONZE CUCKOO Chrysococcyx minutillus
Babar (minutillus & salvadorii?) Moderately common in coastal mixed gardens and
secondary forest at Tepa (PV & CRT), and frequent in evergreen forest at Liliana. Romang
Frequently heard in regenerating gardens, primary and secondary forest, at 0–550 m, and
on Nyata Island. Those observed were C. m. minutillus (cf. Errizøe et al. 2012: 372). A long
trill of 3.5 seconds, starting at 3,070 Hz, rising to 3,400 Hz, then accelerating down to 2,900
Hz (XC139669, 139694) recorded on Romang was almost identical in length and pitch
to recordings of C. m. rufomerus from Damar (Trainor 2007b). The whistled song of kiri
notes (XC139665, 139667, 139693), with or without a gargled terminus, was similar to that
recorded on Damar (XC66889, 66907; Trainor 2007b). Sermata The c.3-second descending
trill and kiri kiri song was heard seven times over three or four days, but was not soundrecorded, although they sounded similar to calls heard on Romang, Damar and Kisar. At
least two were heard adjacent to coastal gardens on 5 November 2010, but none was seen.
Only C. m. rufomerus has been collected on Sermata. Leti The long trill was heard in Serwaru
village on 25 September 2008, and heard (once) in open savanna woodland on 13 November
2010. Both C. m. minutillus and C. m. rufomerus have been collected on Leti. Kisar The long
trill was sound-recorded (XC138464) and a series of three notes recorded near the airport on
12 October 2010, but none was seen. The trill was of similar pitch and length (3.3 seconds)
to recordings from Romang. Only C. m. rufomerus has been collected on Kisar.
Taxonomy of Banda Sea forms, including the distinctive C. m. salvadorii, unclear. Based
on vocalisations, C. m. rufomerus on Damar was included within Litle Bronze Cuckoo
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(Trainor 2007b), rather than as a distinct species (Coates & Bishop 1997). There appear to
be at most minor vocal diferences between the various forms on Timor, Wetar and the
south-west islands. Errizøe et al. (2012), and Gill & Donsker (2013) retained rufomerus and
crassirostris (Babar, Tanimbar, Kai and Maluku) as subspecies of minutillus. Further work
on the genetics of these forms is required, as well as improved vocal sampling throughout
the islands. Only C. m. salvadorii previously known on Babar, but none observed by us, and
typical C. m. minutillus (previously unrecorded there) photographed during the Birdtour
Asia visit (htp://ibc.lynxeds.com).
LESSER COUCAL Centropus bengalensis sarasinorum
Babar Heard once briely in gardens south of Letwurung and once in secondary forest south
of Tepa. Romang Frequently heard in Eucalyptus alba woodland with a grassy understorey
and in shrubby regenerating gardens. Six juveniles collected in July–August 1902 (Hartert
1906a). Sermata Although not previously recorded, frequently heard in shrubland adjacent
to gardens near the coast, and in garden mosaics at the edge of evergreen forest to 200 m.
A ledgling and heavily moulting adult were photographed near Elo village. Call a typical
accelerating series of low-pitched (c.1,000 Hz) tek, tuk, buk or toto notes (XC138524, 138526) as
described for Sulawesi (Coates & Bishop 1997). Kisar Occasionally heard in grassy savanna
and at Wonreli town. Leti Heard in grassy savanna and secondary regrowth. One of the
most widespread birds in the Lesser Sundas, with exceptional colonising abilities (Trainor
2010) and was expected for Sermata and Babar, near the south-east limits (Yamdena) of its
distribution (Coates & Bishop 1997).
EASTERN BARN OWL Tyto delicatula delicatula
Babar Seen and frequently heard (AV9066) in woodland near Tepa (PV). Romang
Drawn-out shrieks heard frequently after dusk and before dawn, with a few recordings
(XC138614–615). The silhouete of one lying c.40 m above ground seen over a garden
surrounded by primary forest at 320 m. Sermata Heard most nights (XC138613). Common
in gardens and evergreen tropical forest, with up to three audible simultaneously. Screeches
similar on Romang and Sermata, low-pitched (1,600–3,160 Hz) lasting 0.7–0.8 seconds with
0.6–2.1 seconds between notes. Widespread in the Lesser Sundas including on Wetar, Kisar,
Damar (Coates & Bishop 1997, Trainor 2007b) and the Flores Sea islands, these three new
island records help to deine its regional distribution. In the absence of masked owls Tyto
spp. (except Tanimbar), apparently common in a variety of habitats on the Lesser Sundas
including tropical evergreen forest and mangroves (Trainor 2007b, Trainor et al. 2012; F. R.
Rheindt in lit. 2007). On Kisar, they roost and breed on coastal clifs and overhangs (Hartert
1904) but none was recorded in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009) or during limited nocturnal
observations in 2010.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK Ninox boobook
Babar (cinnamomina) Several heard and photographed (Fig. 4) in woodland near Tepa (PV),
forest at Liliana (CRT) and a juvenile begging in woodland near air besar (PV). Romang
(moae) Widespread at 0–400 m at the edge of gardens, primary and secondary forests, and
according to local people occasionally in Hila village. Small increase in rate of vocalisations
after dusk, but generally called irregularly until 01.00 h, typically for brief periods of 2–5
minutes. The local name ‘cuck-oo’ describes the call—two level notes over 0.65 seconds.
No duets heard, though up to two or three birds called simultaneously or in turn. Sermata
(cf. moae) First island records from gardens and edge of tropical forest, where it called each
night after dusk until at least 23.00 h. Call comprises either two or four throaty cook and
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cuck coo notes, similar to those of Sunda Cuckoo Cuculus lepidus. Song places Sermata birds
within, or close to, subspecies moae. Leti (moae) At least one heard at the edge of Serwaru
village at 03.00 h on 10 November 2010, and sound-recorded on 14 November. Well known
to local people and presumably common (PV). Call a two-note wo-hoo at 600–760 Hz (or
sometimes a pair of double notes), the irst note an overslur, rising to 760 Hz then falling
and the second level at 670 Hz.
Southern Boobook is widespread in the central Lesser Sundas including Alor
(plesseni), Roti (rotiensis), Timor (fusca), Romang (moae), Leti (moae), Moa (moae) and Babar
(cinnamomina) (White & Bruce 1986, Johnstone & Darnell 1997). The new Sermata record
might represent an undescribed subspecies. Apparently absent on Kisar, as none was
recorded over c.4 nights in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009) or on one night in 2010 in some of
the best-quality forest remnants (CRT unpubl.). Both cinnamomina and moae have two-note
calls, typical of the species in Australia, but some inter-island vocal diferences exist. A
thorough review of these taxa is now underway using genetics and vocalisations (Verbelen
2010, Trainor et al. 2012). The Roti taxon rotiensis (Johnstone & Darnell 1997, Verbelen
2010) and plesseni on Alor (Trainor et al. 2012) appear to be vocally distinct and might be
recognised speciically.
LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus schlegelii
Babar Sound-recorded near Tepa (PV) and heard twice in degraded coastal forest south of
Tepa on 14 and 16 August 2011. Call a tok or chok typical of the species. There are few recent
published records from the Tanimbar Islands (Coates & Bishop 1997, Robson 2010).
SAVANNA NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus ainis timorensis
Leti (subspecies?) One gave the characteristic schleip call at 20.00 h on 14 November 2010 in
savanna woodland. Kisar Several heard above a well-forested ravine south-east of Wonreli
on 29 October 2010; 13 recorded in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009). Widespread on Sulawesi
and most of the drier Lesser Sundas (White & Bruce 1986). Song remarkably uniform
throughout mainland and insular South-East Asia (www.xeno-canto.org). The Leti record
marks the species’ south-eastern limits, with four specimens taken on Kisar (Hartert 1904).
The Leti bird presumably is close to C. a. timorensis, described from Timor, with Kisar
included in this subspecies’ range based mostly on geography (Mayr 1944). Expected for
Moa and Lakor. Surprisingly, it appears to be absent on Wetar (Trainor et al. 2009; CRT
unpubl.). On Babar unidentiied nightjars were lushed from open woodland with a grassy
understorey (PV) but the absence of vocalisations suggested that these might have been
migrants (possibly Spoted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus).
CINNAMON-BANDED KINGFISHER Todiramphus australasia
Babar (dammerianus) Frequently heard (AV8917, XC138365) in degraded secondary forest at
Tepa (PV & CRT) and Letwurung, and primary evergreen forest to c.650 m above Liliana.
Those photographed near Tepa (PV & CRT) had the all-rufous crown characteristic of this
subspecies. Romang (australasia) Recorded frequently, mostly by voice (XC139696), at 0–550
m, in secondary and primary forest. Two photographed in secondary forest on the slopes of
Mount Taur. Sermata (dammerianus) The distinctive ch-w’wee notes described by Coates &
Bishop (1997) heard three times in evergreen forest at 150 m on one day, but none seen and
no subsequent records. Represented on Moa, Leti, Damar and Babar by T. a. dammerianus,
which was expected for Sermata, but was not collected in 1906 (Hartert 1911a). Occurs
from Lombok to Tanimbar (absent between Sumbawa and Alor), with litle vocal variation
between subspecies. Has been considered Near Threatened because of expected rates of
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4
5A
5B
5D
5C
Figure 4. The Babar endemic subspecies of Southern Boobook Ninox
boobook cinnamomina is deep cinnamon dorsally, with brown crown and
cinnamon streaking on underparts (Philippe Verbelen).
Figure 5. Wallacean Cuckooshrike Coracina personata on Romang, Timor
and Wetar is represented by C. p. personata, but those on (A) Romang
appear darker slaty grey than on (B) Timor (Mount Ramelau, East
Timor) or (C) Wetar, but this is probably caused by canopy shading and
reduced light in the photographs (Colin R. Trainor); (D) Comparison of
specimens from, left to right, Romang, Timor and Alor (C. p. alfrediana),
with female left of male in each pairing (Colin R. Trainor / © Natural
History Museum, Tring).
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forest loss, but this seems too pessimistic as it maintains healthy populations throughout
many areas (e.g. Trainor 2007b, Trainor et al. 2009, Trainor 2010).
SWIFTLET spp.
Babar Although previously unrecorded, swiftlets were frequently observed in groups
of up to 10–20 over villages, gardens, secondary and primary forest (PV & CRT). Those
photographed were similar to Uniform Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis (J. Eaton & P.
Morris in lit. 2013) but conclusive identiication must await specimens and perhaps
molecular work. Edible-nest Swiftlet A. fuciphagus was observed and photographed in
October 2011 (J. Eaton in lit. 2013); Romang Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta was frequent
in small numbers over villages and forest. Sermata Either Glossy or Uniform Swiftlets were
frequently observed over gardens and forest. Leti A few (Glossy) seen at the harbour on 25
September 2008, with one in 2010. Kisar At least 30 (Glossy). Swiftlets are poorly known in
the region, but Uniform Swiftlet is known from Tanimbar, while both Glossy and Ediblenest Swiftlets are widespread in the Lesser Sundas (White & Bruce 1986), although there
were no historical swiftlet records from Babar or Sermata.
ELEGANT PITTA Pita elegans vigorsii
Babar (vigorsii) Heard and seen near air besar inland of Tepa (PV) and at least ten called
at dusk and dawn at Liliana—one or two introductory notes followed by two slow-paced
notes over 1.3 seconds at 1,300–2,600 Hz, and atypically a bird was sound-recorded (not
in response to playback) giving a three-note call (XC138343). Romang (vigorsii) Two-note
calls heard twice at dusk in coastal strand and tropical dry forest on Nyata Island, but not
on mainland Romang. Sermata (vigorsii) First island records: up to seven heard shortly
after dusk each night in forest edge and gardens, between sea level and 150 m, but none
observed.
Call on Sermata a two-note slurred wuu-whi at 1,550–2,300 Hz with 0.4 seconds
between notes (XC138520) similar to vigorsii on Damar (XC66888), Babar and Tanimbar.
The two-note song of Lombok birds (concinna) has a similar minimum frequency (but
higher maximum) compared to vigorsii. The main diference between vigorsii and concinna
(based on recordings from Lombok, Flores, Pantar and Alor) is that the two notes are on
even pitch in the former (0.2 kHz diference in concinna) and their slower pace creates a
longer gap between notes (c.0.2–0.3 seconds in vigorsii vs. c.0.1–0.15 seconds in concinna)
and an overall less-energised sound. Gill & Wright (2006) recognised vigorsii at species level
(Double-striped Pita) but most current authorities including Gill & Donsker (2013) consider
it conspeciic with Elegant Pita. Morphological and vocal variation in P. elegans appears
conservative and limited, but the three-note call of Sumba birds (maria), slow-paced calls of
Banda Sea vigorsii and presence of migratory populations (elegans) on West Timor and Roti
indicate noteworthy variation worthy of further taxonomic consideration. Vocal diversity
consistently relects subspeciic limits. A recent molecular treatment that recognised up to
17 distinct species among populations of Red-bellied Pita Erythropita erythrogaster (Irestedt
et al. 2013) highlights the capacity of insular Pita taxa to speciate. New island records on
Nyata and Sermata help deine the Banda Sea distribution of vigorsii. The lack of records on
Romang is surprising, although vigorsii has been suggested to prefer small islands in the Kai
group (Johnstone & van Balen 2013). On nearby Timor, published records are all from the
West. Birds on Damar and Tanimbar apparently resident (Bishop & Brickle 1998, Trainor
2007b) but those on Kisar pertain to the migratory P. e. elegans (White & Bruce 1986).
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WALLACEAN CUCKOOSHRIKE Coracina personata personata
Romang Frequently heard from sea level to at least 400 m in gardens, Eucalyptus woodland,
secondary and primary forest. Several photographed, including a pair on 17 October 2010,
which appeared to be feeding juveniles. No nest observed, but the male held a large grub
in its bill for c.6 minutes, before lying into a dense leafy canopy, indicating either that
chicks were being fed or courtship behaviour (Fig. 5a). Song a sweet polyphonic whistled
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
Figure 6. Sonogram of whistled song of Wallacean Cuckooshrike Coracina personata from (A) Romang, (B)
Wetar, (C) Wetar, (D) Timor and (E) Alor. X-axis = time (0.1 seconds per tick), Y-axis = frequency (1 kHz per
tick).
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downslur, starting at 5,600 Hz ending at 4,800 Hz (XC139860; Fig. 6a) and distinct from the
single sweet whistle on Wetar, which starts at 4,100 Hz and rises twice to 5,530 Hz (Fig. 6b),
or sweet higher pitched upslurred whistle (2,200–7,000 Hz) also on Wetar (XC104566; Fig.
6c). On Timor a single whistle on mostly level pitch over 0.7 seconds (4,100–5,600 Hz) is
typical (XC103150, Fig. 6d), and on Alor a downslurred whistle (XC105852) of three notes
over 0.8 seconds (2,000–5,600 HZ) has been sound-recorded (Fig. 6e).
Wallacean Cuckooshrike is occasionally recorded as singles, pairs and threes on
Timor, Alor, Wetar and Romang, but is never particularly common and is poorly known. It
occurs in a wide range of tropical forests and savanna woodlands including Eucalyptus. Six
endemic subspecies are currently recognised in Wallacea (Coates & Bishop 1997), but this
treatment masks substantial morphological (Fig. 5a–d) between island populations, with
species-level splits probably warranted. Morphologically, none stands out as particularly
strong candidates, except dark-plumaged pollens (Kai), unimoda (Tanimbar) and perhaps the
small-bodied, white-bellied alfrediana (Lembata and Alor) (Fig. 5). Bishop & Brickle (1998)
nominated pollens (including unimoda) for species status. Vocal variation within islands,
and among subspecies, remains poorly known despite documentation here. The species’
apparent absence from Babar is surprising.
KAI CICADABIRD Coracina dispar
Babar None seen but a single low-pitched weck note sound-recorded near Liliana at 200 m
was similar or identical (XC138341) to sound-recordings from Romang; record should be
considered provisional. Romang One photographed in the subcanopy of degraded forest,
surrounded by primary forest, on the slopes (400 m) of Mount Taur on 15 October 2010.
At Lakuwahi, 1–2 sound-recorded daily, but not seen, in mosaic of tropical dry forest and
Eucalyptus alba woodland at the edge of gardens at c.300 m. Contact calls were single, lowpitched (1,000–4,000 Hz) weck notes (XC138936, 138938–939) broadly similar to the chuk
notes of Common Cicadabird C. tenuirostris (e.g. East Timor: XC32585) and Kai Cicadabird
(Coates & Bishop 1997). These are repeated at 0.3–5.0-second intervals perhaps depending
on level of agitation. Song previously undescribed: three moderately low-pitched, rasping,
cicada-like notes, irst a drawn-out double note at 1,220–2,930 Hz over 1.1 seconds, then
a gap of 1.3–2.1 seconds before a single note on level pitch (XC138935, 138937). On three
occasions individuals were followed for up to 200 m (over 5–20 minutes each) but were not
observed, as they presumably kept ahead by lying through the canopy.
Endemic to several of the higher rainfall islands in the Banda Sea including Kai, Banda,
Tanimbar and Damar (White & Bruce 1986) but is uncommon, inconspicuous and poorly
known. Six specimens collected in the Kai Islands and on Romang (Hartert 1903, 1904), a
‘ine series’ on Damar (Hartert 1900) but only one on Larat (Tanimbar) (Bishop & Brickle
1998). Few recent records of singles and a pair from Kai (Mauro 1999, Johnstone & van
Balen 2013) and Tanimbar, but not seen on Damar (Trainor 2007b) and Banda (Johnstone &
Sudaryanti 1995). Recordings of its song may assist future surveys. Based on biogeography
and habitat suitability, expected on Babar (suitable evergreen forest probably covers half the
island) and on Sermata, and perhaps on Leti and Moa. Considered Near Threatened given
its small global range and clearly small and fragmented populations (www.redlist.org).
WHITE-SHOULDERED TRILLER Lalage sueurii
Babar Common in gardens and secondary forest, with at least ten between Tepa and
Letwurung. Birds photographed at Tepa had typical plumage (male pied, white eyebrow;
female brownish above, whitish below). Romang An adult photographed and soundrecorded in Eucalyptus alba woodland at c.120 m on lower slopes of Mount Taur. Heard at
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Hila village and frequent but surprisingly elusive around gardens at Lakuwahi to 320 m.
Leti Common in open Lontar palm-dominated savanna, including around villages; pair
with two ledglings photographed on 13 November 2010. Fledglings had orange bills, white
underparts with patchy buf wash, a black-blotched breast and blackish wings with patches
of buf. The adult male was typical of White-shouldered Triller. Kisar Small numbers at
Wonreli village and the airport. In 2008, 13 were recorded (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Widespread on Sulawesi and in the Lesser Sundas, including Wetar, Kisar, Luang,
Sermata and Babar (White & Bruce 1986). Although previously collected on Sermata, none
was recorded in 2010. The Leti record ills a distribution gap, although the species is listed
for Moa and presumably also occurs on adjacent Lakor. Some morphological diferences,
but apparently litle vocal variation between Lesser Sunda populations (XC131356, 116494,
138461, 139860). Few observed on Romang and only an aberrant-plumaged bird (showing
progressive greying: van Grouw 2013) was photographed. The eight specimens from
Romang are juveniles (Hartert 1904; P. Sweet, M. Shanley & T. Trombone in lit. 2012),
which initially suggested (erroneously) to CRT that this population might represent an
undescribed neotenic taxon. Details will appear elsewhere.
GREEN ORIOLE Oriolus lavocinctus migrator
Romang Common in regenerating gardens and secondary forest around Lakuwahi, but
absent on Mount Taur. The low-pitched (500–2,300 Hz) song comprises three elements
over 0.45 seconds, with a inal downslurred note typical of Australian birds. Low-pitched
and variable contact notes over 0.35 seconds were given singly at 3–4-second intervals
(XC138948, 138950). Birds on Romang, Moa and Leti described by Hartert (1904) as O.
f. migrator, which was considered diferent to Australian birds because the stripes and
spots on the underparts are larger and yellow tips to the outer rectrices more obvious.
However, most authors, except Gill & Donsker (2013), have not recognised this subspecies,
yet photographs do show these minor diferences (Fig. 7). Green Oriole occurs also on Aru
and southern New Guinea (White & Bruce 1986). Kühn collected 20 specimens on Romang
(Hartert 1904). None recorded on Leti, but presumably extant there and on Moa.
TORRESIAN CROW Corvus orru latirostris
Babar Singles and pairs heard daily, and occasionally seen, in mixed gardens, secondary
forest and tropical forest up to 500 m (PV & CRT). Call usually a rapid low-pitched (1,000–
2,000 Hz) double-noted arr, often given in duet between pairs, or similarly pitched but
more drawn-out arr-rr notes over 0.5 seconds (AV8880–8881, XC138354–355). Vocalisations
noted as 3–4 gargled nasal notes on Tanimbar (Coates & Bishop 1997). C. o. latirostris, which
is endemic to Tanimbar and Babar, appears to be uncommon and sparsely distributed on
Tanimbar (Bishop & Brickle 1998). The species is widespread in northern Australia, Papua
New Guinea and northern Maluku (White & Bruce 1986). Bismarck Crow C. insularis
has recently been recognised at species level (Dutson et al. 2011). Calls on Babar similar
to those in Australia, indicating that some island populations are only relatively weakly
diferentiated.
LARGE-BILLED CROW Corvus macrorhynchos macrorhynchos
Romang Fairly common in ones and twos, with one photographed. A lock of 21 lew into
Hila village to roost. Sermata Uncommon, with one seen on the coast and one heard at dusk
around primary evergreen forest (120 m). The bird seen had a dark iris unlike Torresian
Crow, which has a white iris. The song comprised low-pitched (1,500 Hz) arr notes over
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0.2 seconds, with 0.65 seconds between notes, which is typical of Lesser Sunda populations
(Coates & Bishop 1997). Leti One at Serwaru village on 11 August 2001, one heard on 25
September 2008, and one seen in Lontar palm-dominated savanna in 2010. Moa Two on the
well-forested coast at Kaiwatu village on 11 August 2001. Kisar Recorded in 2001 (Trainor
2003), two seen in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009) and frequently seen and heard in 2010,
with several near the airport, including one photographed being mobbed by Grey (Kisar)
Friarbird Philemon kisserensis. Collected historically on Kisar. Widespread in the Lesser
Sundas, except on Damar (Trainor 2007b) with these new island records clarifying its southeasternmost limits.
ORANGE-SIDED THRUSH Geokichla peronii audacis
Babar Common and frequently heard in all habitats except villages; many seen and several
photographed in gardens and secondary forest near Tepa atesting to its relatively coniding
behaviour (PV & CRT). Romang Observed at Hila cemetery in 2001; in 2010 frequently
heard singing (XC139851) in gardens, secondary and primary forest from sea level to at least
550 m, with one photographed. Sermata Vocalised infrequently, with three heard singing
in evergreen forest, one photographed in evergreen forest, and at least one singing in
coastal strand vegetation (XC138519). Song a complex series of at least seven phrases often
comprising four whistles followed by a high-pitched, buzzy kseeert note (6,500–9,000 Hz). G.
p. audacis occurs in East Timor, Wetar, Babar, Romang and Damar (Coates & Bishop 1997)
and was expected on Sermata. It presumably also occurs on Leti, Moa and Luang. Despite
its Near Threatened status, appears to be under no threat of extinction, being common
in a wide range of habitats and there seems to be no trade beyond West Timor, Roti and
probably Semau.
SUNDA THRUSH Zoothera andromedae
Romang One in secondary forest at c.280 m. A high-pitched song was heard prior to the
observation—a downslurred pseee commencing at 10,300 Hz that descends to 7,300 Hz
over 0.8 seconds (XC139694). Such very high-pitched calls are typical of many thrushes
including Orange-sided and Chestnut-backed Thrushes Z. dohertyi on Timor (J. Eaton in
lit. 2011) making atribution of this vocalisation to Sunda Thrush provisional. A recording
of Sunda Thrush in the Philippines (R. Hutchinson unpubl.) is substantially longer (2.1
seconds) but otherwise similar (9,700 Hz to 6,700 Hz). One of the most skulking and elusive
Asian thrushes. Just two were collected by Kühn on Romang (Hartert 1904), suggesting that
they were also elusive in 1902. The lack of morphological divergence among Sunda Thrush
populations throughout its range suggests that colonisation has been rapid and recent.
PIED BUSH CHAT Saxicola caprata
Babar (cognatus) Common in gardens and roadside habitats throughout (PV & CRT),
with both sexes photographed and sound-recorded (XC138362) at Tepa. A female in Tepa
was blind in one eye. Romang (pyrrhonotus?) A few pairs at edge of gardens or in Hila
village (0–340 m) and a female photographed after being hand-caught roosting on a rocky
overhang in early evening. Kisar (pyrrhonotus?) One of the commonest birds throughout
including in Wonreli village, gardens and savanna woodland. Adult female photographed
(28 October 2010) feeding a cricket to juveniles calling from a nest in Lontar palm leaves.
A female fed male and female ledglings (buzzy begging notes: XC138465) at Wonreli on
29 October (Trainor 2012). In 2008, 24 were recorded (B. F. King in lit. 2009). First records
for Romang, where apparently uncommon and perhaps a recent colonist, as the species
is generally obvious and is unlikely to have been overlooked during the collecting era.
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7B
7A
8A
8B
Figure 7. Green Oriole Oriolus lavocinctus: (A)
Romang O. f. migrator and (B) O. f. lavocinctus
Darwin, Australia, 30 November 2010 showing
slight morphological diferences (Colin R.
Trainor)
Figure 8. Rufous-sided Gerygone Gerygone
dorsalis fulvescens on Romang: (A) juvenile being
fed a large insect by adult and (B) ledgling
(Colin R. Trainor)
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Romang represents the eastern limit of the range of S. c. pyrrhonotus. Apparently absent on
Leti and Sermata.
RUFOUS-SIDED GERYGONE Gerygone dorsalis
Babar (fulvescens) Photographed (PV) and occasionally heard in all habitats from degraded
secondary forest to primary forest above Liliana at c.650 m (PV & CRT). Damar (kuehni)
One near Wulur on 24 September 2008. Romang (fulvescens) Frequent in wide range of
habitats including thicket-like regenerating gardens, secondary and primary forest. A
juvenile (orange gape, broad yellowish eye-ring, cream underparts, pale grey head and
predominantly grey back washed pale brown) was photographed being fed by an adult
on 24 October 2010 (Fig. 8a). About 50 m away on the same date, a ledgling (Fig. 8b)
had strikingly diferent markings (dark eye, remains of white gape patch, broad whitish
eye-ring sufused yellow, grey crown and nape, and white underparts sufused grey and
rufous) to adults, which have reddish-brown irides and brown or rufous upperparts,
making ield identiication diicult. Sermata (fulvescens) Common in all habitats with up
to ten daily and several photographed. Song a series of up to 31 uneven-pitched, warbled
notes at 600–4,700 Hz (XC138527–529) and in contact a series of squeaky notes at 1,800–4,800
Hz that rise and fall in pitch (XC139669). Song similar on Damar (XC66899) and can last
for >1 minute. Song on Kai described as ‘a complex jangle of unhurried notes with a slight
warbled quality’ (Coates & Bishop 1997) which matches birds on Romang, Sermata, Kisar
and Leti. Kisar (fulvescens) Heard in Wonreli town and common in coastal savanna, where
foraged in Ziziphus sp. trees. Overlooked in 2001 (Trainor 2003), but eight seen in 2008 (B.
F. King in lit. 2009). Leti (fulvescens) Present on 11 August 2001 and in 2010 was common
in village of Serwaru, savanna woodland and secondary forest. Moa (fulvescens) Two at
Kaiwatu village on 11 August 2001.
Endemic to islands in the Banda and Flores Seas (White & Bruce 1986). All of the few
recent surveys in its range have found the species to be common and widespread (Dutson
1995, Coates & Bishop 1997, Bishop & Brickle 1998, Trainor 2007b), except on the Kai and
Tayandu islands (Johnstone & van Balen 2013). Birds on Romang were originally described
as endemic G. d. sequens, based on the upperparts ‘being more richly coloured, the back and
the wings more tinged with cinnamon rufous ... and the young are also yellow underneath’
(Hartert 1904). These diferences are minor, as there appears to be limited morphological
(and probably vocal) variation among populations on the Banda Sea islands.
TIMOR STUBTAIL Urosphena subulata
Babar (advena) Heard at sea level on the Tepa–Letwurung road, commonly sound-recorded
(PV & CRT) and observed once in forest at air besar near Tepa (PV) and at Liliana up to
c.650 m (CRT). Romang (undescribed) Frequent in secondary and primary forest, and
regenerating gardens, at 0–550 m. Song a single high-pitched (7,560–9,000 Hz on Babar,
XC137921; 8,055–9,276 Hz on Romang, XC137924) upslurred pssseeer over 1.2–1.3 seconds
(Babar) or 1.6 seconds (Romang), with the same structure as on Timor, Roti (XC32715,
32713), Atauro (XC140163), Alor (XC140159) and Wetar (XC140162; Fig. 9a–k). Pitch varies
slightly between islands (min. 7,974–8,706, and max. 8,950–9,357 Hz) and song length
varies substantially (apparently with island area) from 0.99 seconds on Timor (31,000
km2), to 2.02 seconds on Atauro (150 km2). Contact or alarm notes on Babar comprise at
least 4–5 rapidly produced, high-pitched notes (7,400–9,300 Hz, AV9071, XC137921) over
0.35 seconds, producing a twitering sound. On Romang contact notes similar to those
on Babar in pitch (8,800–9,500 Hz, XC137924), over 0.2 seconds, but mostly level without
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rapid changes in frequency. On Wetar contact calls higher pitched, long, single notes
(8,500–9,800 Hz; 0.25 seconds), sometimes repeated, (XC140161; Fig 12j). The Babar records
are the irst since specimens in 1905, and the Romang records the irst ever. The mouse-like
behaviour of this tiny forest bird belies its capacity to colonise islands. New island records
for Atauro (Trainor & Soares 2004), Roti (Trainor 2005b) and Alor (Trainor et al. 2012)
have greatly improved knowledge of its distribution, but litle progress has been made
clarifying the distinctiveness of these populations, though songs appear to vary relatively
litle. Sonograms of call notes on Romang and Babar are consistently diferent to those from
Wetar and Atauro (Fig. 9), and there does appear to be diferences in upperparts coloration
among the various island populations (Fig. 10a–c) perhaps suggesting that more taxa could
be recognised. A molecular approach will be important to clarify the taxonomic status of the
island forms. Following discovery on Babar, Hartert (1906a) predicted its occurrence on the
islands between Timor and Babar. It is absent from Sermata and appears to be absent from
Damar (Trainor 2007a) and Leti.
9A
9B
9D
9C
9E
9F
9G
Figure 9. Sonograms of Timor Stubtail Urosphena subulata songs: (A) Romang (XC137923–925), (B) Wetar, (C)
Atauro, (D) Timor, (E) Roti, (F) Alor, (G) Babar (XC137921)
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9H
9I
9J
9K
Figure 9 (cont.). Sonograms of Timor Stubtail Urosphena subulata songs: (H) Babar (contact notes, XC137922),
(I) Romang (contact notes, XC137924), (J) Wetar (three contact notes) and (K) Atauro (contact notes). X-axis
= time (variable, 0.1–0.5 seconds per tick), Y-axis = frequency (2 kHz per tick).
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA Cisticola exilis lineocapilla
Babar Occasionally sang from grassland and shrubs at Tepa (PV & CRT) and Letwurung.
Sermata Males in breeding plumage regularly sang at the edge of gardens and in scrub,
with several photographed. Song a series of tonally complex, rasping, burred ‘wheezing’
notes at 1,500–9,500 Hz, at intervals of 0.7–1.2 seconds (XC138530). A lower pitched
(1,700–7,400 Hz) and slightly diferently structured whee also sound-recorded. These did not
include the low-pitched second or third plio / pzick note, typical of birds on Sulawesi and
mainland Asia (Coates & Bishop 1997; www.xeno-canto.org). Not seen on Romang (where
previously collected), but widespread in Wallacea and much of South-East Asia.
SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hyperythra audacis
Babar Frequently heard and occasionally seen (sound-recorded and photographed) in
secondary and primary tropical forest at air besar (FV) and Liliana at c.200–650 m (CRT).
Call a high-pitched single, double or triple note at 6,000–7,800 Hz (XC137942–943). No
songs heard. A female was sound-recorded giving high-pitched (7,000–9,000 Hz), rapid
twitering notes. Contact calls on Wetar (the geographically most proximate population)
are higher pitched than on Babar (7,000–9,500 Hz) and comprise single high-pitched notes
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10B
10A
10C
11B
11A
11C
11D
Figure 10. Drab (grey-) brown plumage of Timor Stubtail Urosphena
subulata: (A) Romang (undescribed), (B) Babar (U. s. advena) contrasting
strongly with bird from (C) Timor (U. s. subulata) showing rusty-brown
upperparts, perhaps partly because of diferences in lighting in dark
understorey.
Figure 11. Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra audacis on
Babar is morphologically similar to many other subspecies, despite its
relative isolation and novel lowland habitat use: (A) male; (B) female at
Liliana; (C) male from Wetar cf. F. h. clarae; and (D) female F. h. clarae,
Mount Mutis, West Timor, showing grey upperparts (Colin R. Trainor)
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12A
12B
12C
12D
12E
Figure 12. Sonograms of Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra: (A) Babar, F. h. audacis, (B) Wetar,
(C–D) Mount Mutis, West Timor, F. h. clarae (songs) and (E) Wetar (probable song). X-axis = time (variable,
0.2–0.5 seconds per tick), Y-axis = frequency (1 kHz per tick).
(swik) or rapid double or triple notes over 0.2–0.5 seconds (XC137940). On Wetar the song is
apparently 5–6 rapid, high-pitched notes (at 8,100–7,500 Hz, over 1.0 second) that descend
in pitch from the irst note (XC137940, 137945). That on nearby Timor is a single, rapid, highpitched (5,500–8,000 Hz) series of swik notes that produces a diferent shape on sonograms
to notes on Babar and Wetar (Fig. 12). On Timor the song (XC140165–166) usually comprises
an introductory high-pitched downslur that starts at 8,000 Hz and ends at 7,300 Hz over 0.2
seconds, followed by 2–16 high-pitched (7,300–7,600 Hz) notes that descend then ascend in
pitch (over 0.7–3.0 seconds).
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Snowy-browed Flycatcher occurs from the Himalayas and across South-East Asia,
with 22 generally recognised subspecies (Gill & Donsker 2013), including seven endemic to
Wallacea (White & Bruce 1986). A population recently discovered on Wetar (CRT unpubl.)
is undescribed, but is probably close to F. h. clarae of Timor. Males on Babar are similar
in appearance to those on Wetar (Fig. 11). Usually strictly montane (above c.1,000 m), on
Babar the species occurs in the lowlands, perhaps down to sea level in forested areas. Still
common on Babar (but absent from more degraded forest near the coast) and regionally
is common on Mount Mutis (West Timor), several mountains in East Timor including
Mt Mundo Perdido and Mt Ramelau (Trainor et al. 2008; CRT unpubl.) and is probably
widespread in the mountains of Wetar (CRT unpubl.). The presence of numerous described
subspecies, substantial genetic (Outlaw & Voelker 2006), vocal (www.xeno-canto.org) and
morphological variation (www.orientalbirdimages.org) suggests that some taxa may be
recognised speciically in the future.
BLACK-BIBBED MONARCH Symposiachrus mundus
Babar Frequently heard, sound-recorded (XC138348–351) and occasionally photographed
in highly degraded secondary forest, clumps of trees in agricultural land (PV & CRT) and
tropical forest to at least c.650 m. Endemic to Babar, Damar and the Tanimbar Islands
(White & Bruce 1986). A common member of mixed-species locks on Tanimbar (Bishop
& Brickle 1998). On Damar, it was overlooked during a survey in 2001 (Trainor 2007a,b)
but was seen in 2011 (Eaton & Hutchinson 2011). Black-bibbed Monarch occurs in highly
degraded secondary forest and is under no threat of extinction anywhere within its range.
BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER Myiagra ruicollis ruicollis
Romang Few records and appeared uncommon, in regenerating gardens and secondary
forest, and also present on Nyata Island. Three diferent notes sound-recorded: a two-note
whistle of diferent pitch (wee-oo), typical rasping bzzzsh notes, and weee-eer notes at 2,000–
3,600 Hz. The later are higher pitched than on Timor (XC139685–686). Common on Timor,
especially around water, and present on Sumba, Sabu, Roti, Timor, Alor, Lembata, Wetar
and Damar in the Lesser Sundas (White & Bruce 1986). Vocal diversity among the various
subspecies poorly documented in Wallacea and merits additional work.
ARAFURA FANTAIL Rhipidura dryas
Babar (reichenowi) Common in all habitats, except village, below 650 m (PV & CRT).
Romang (elegantula) Observed on the coast in 2001; in 2010 it was common in all wooded
habitats to at least 400 m, as well as at Hila village and on Nyata Island (XC140290). One
photographed inalising a nest in evergreen forest at c.250 m on 20 October 2010. The nest
was just 2.5 m above ground in a 15-m tall forest tree and was constructed entirely of dry
grass (Fig. 13c). Sermata (elegantula) Common throughout including village. Leti (elegantula)
Frequent in village gardens at Serwaru, savanna woodland and forest. Damar (elegantula)
Pair in secondary forest on 24 September 2008. The only published ield information on
elegantula was from Damar, where it was widespread in 2001 (Trainor 2007b). Observations
on Romang and Leti conirm that R. dryas is typically one of the most widespread and
frequently encountered birds in wooded habitats in the south-west islands. Birds on Leti
and Sermata appeared identical, with a white forehead, but those on Romang had a buf
forehead (Fig. 13a–d). Song on Romang and Sermata is a relatively weak series of 6–8
jangling notes (XC139863, 138534), similar to that on Damar (XC66900), Timor, Wetar and
adjacent islands (Coates & Bishop 1997). Recently split from Rufous Fantail R. ruifrons, R.
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13C
14A
14C
14D
Figure 13. Arafura Fantail Rhipidura dryas shows subtle morphological variation in the south-west islands,
with R. d. reichenowi on Babar (A) having a rufous-cinnamon forehead; R. d. semicollaris on Timor (B) has rich
rufous above the eyes and duller brown head; R. d. elegantula, on nest on Romang (C) has buf forehead, and
birds on Sermata (D) a white forehead (Colin R. Trainor)
Figure 14. Northern Fantail Rhipidura ruiventris hoedti: (A) on Sermata has white belly and vent, rather than
buf belly; (B) ledgling on Sermata with yellow gape patch, downy feathers on rump, brown markings on
blackish primaries, and blotchy breast sufused grey and buf; (C) on Romang has well-deined white-spoted
grey breast, and no supercilium; and (D) R. r. pallidiceps on Wetar has cream breast streaked grey and white
supercilium (Colin R. Trainor)
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dryas includes seven subspecies in Wallacea (Boles 2006, Gill & Donsker 2013). Overlooked
by collectors on Sermata (Hartert 1911a) and remarkably Rhipidura is absent from Kisar.
NORTHERN FANTAIL Rhipidura ruiventris hoedti
Romang Frequent in all wooded habitats, including regenerating gardens, to at least
400 m. Sermata Recorded daily in gardens and tropical forest. One photographed in
evergreen forest held an adult dragonly for several minutes and presumably was feeding
young. Adults had a white rather than buf belly (Fig. 14). A ledgling photographed on 5
November 2010 had black irides, orange gape, cream throat sufused buf, brown breast
sufused buf, cream belly washed buf, blackish wings with patches of buf, and traces of
down on the rump, wings and belly (Fig. 14b). The song included at least 14 tonally complex
downslurred notes at 1,500–3,000 Hz over c.4 seconds (XC138521). Leti One photographed
on a Lontar palm in open savanna. Moa Two in woodland at Kaiwatu on 11 August 2001.
Damar Two in secondary forest on 24 September 2008. The only other recent records of R. r.
hoedti were on Damar, where it was widespread (Trainor 2007b). This subspecies (of which
the name buetikoferi is a synonym) has well-deined white spoting on the grey breast (Fig.
14). R. ruiventris is widespread in the Lesser Sundas and Maluku, with the nine endemic
subspecies found in most wooded habitats including garden edge (Coates & Bishop 1997).
Extensive vocal and genetic analyses are needed to understand the taxonomy of this group
(Rheindt & Hutchinson 2007).
CINNAMON-TAILED FANTAIL Rhipidura fuscorufa
Babar Frequently observed, sound-recorded and photographed (PV) in all habitats, except
village, to at least 650 m (CRT). Endemic to Yamdena, Larat and Selaru in the Tanimbar
archipelago, and Babar (Coates & Bishop 1997). Few diferences in habitat use between this
species and R. dryas, which occur in syntopy. R. fuscorufa perhaps prefers greater tree cover
and forages higher than Arafura Fantail. Both are frequent to common on Babar.
YELLOW-THROATED WHISTLER Pachycephala macrorhyncha
Babar (sharpei) Several in tropical forest near air besar (PV). Romang (par) Relatively elusive
in secondary and primary forest: c.90% of whistlers observed were Wallacean Whistler
P. arctitorquis, which is more coniding (Kühn collected eight Yellow-throated Whistlers
vs. 38 Wallacean Whistlers). Photographed on 14–26 October 2010 (Fig. 16) at the edge of
secondary forest and gardens, at c.300 m. Birds on Romang have a buf breast and belly,
while P. m. compar has a white throat that contrasts litle with the breast and belly (Hartert
1904). Leti A whistler heard in evergreen forest along a stream was not identiied to
species or sound-recorded. Only P. macrorhyncha has been collected on the island. Those
on Romang (P. m. par) and Leti and Moa (P. m. compar) are ‘hen-feathered’ birds; ours are
the irst ield observations of par. P. m. par (Fig. 15) is vocally distinctive compared to P. m.
calliope on Timor. Combined with the distinctive morphology, including absence of a yellow
throat, this suggests that the hen-feathered taxa might be recognised speciically. Vocal
comparisons with typical-plumaged birds on Damar (dammeriana) and Babar are required.
WALLACEAN WHISTLER Pachycephala arctitorquis kebirensis
Babar Frequently photographed and sound-recorded in woodland, secondary and primary
forest (PV & CRT). Romang Observed on the coast in 2001. In 2010 this was one of the
commonest birds in all wooded habitats including regenerating gardens and garden edge
to at least 550 m, and was heard on Nyata Island. A nest in construction, at the edge of a
garden on 22 October 2010, was a cup c.12 cm in diameter by 12 cm deep, constructed of
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15A
15B
15C
Figure 15. Sonograms of calls and songs of Yellow-throated Whistler Pachycephala macrorhyncha par on
Romang and P. m. calliope on Timor: (A) fast-paced song and chong notes (par); (B) fast-paced song and chong
notes (par); (C) rapid complex song, Lore, East Timor, 4 June 2005. X-axis = time (1–2 seconds per tick), Y-axis
= frequency (0.5 kHz per tick).
thin grass stems and twigs, and c.2.2 m above ground in a small tree (Fig. 17a). A single
white egg was present on 26 October. A juvenile male was photographed on 16 October,
with a partial black breast-band and incomplete black cap. Sermata Not collected in 1906,
but proved to be one of the commonest passerines with several photographed. Heard
frequently in evergreen and dry forest, less commonly in coastal strand and regenerating
gardens. Damar Two in scrub near Wulur on 24 September 2008.
Typical of the genus, this whistler has an extraordinary range of vocalisations (e.g. Fig
18; AV8983, XC38230, IBC), but overall variation is poorly documented. Common on Damar
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17A
17C
17B
17D
Figure 16. Distinctive hen-feathered Yellow-throated Whistler Pachycephala macrorhyncha par on Romang
(and compar on Leti and Moa) has cream throat and substantially diferent vocalisations to other members of
‘Golden Whistler’ complex (Colin R. Trainor)
Figure 17. (A) Male Wallacean Whistler P. arctitorquis kebirensis at nest on Romang, (B) female on Sermata
with white underparts and relatively limited streaking, (C) lateral view of female (immature?) on Sermata
with apparently mostly clean white underparts, but streaking perhaps obscured, and (D) female on Romang
with extensive buf wash to underparts, and streaking (Colin R. Trainor)
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18A
18B
18C
Figure 18. Sonograms of complex vocalisations by Wallacean Whistler Pachycephala arctitorquis: (A) song
at Tepa, Babar, 23 August 2009 (AV8984); (B) song at Mount Taur, Romang, 16 October 2010; (C) call (?) at
Lakuwahi, Romang, 20 October 2010. X-axis = time (1–2 seconds per tick), Y-axis = frequency (0.5 kHz per
tick).
(Trainor 2007b), Romang and Sermata, where tolerant of substantial habitat modiication
and found in all wooded habitats including edge of gardens. Yellow-throated Whistler
often shows stronger ainity with primary forest. Females on Romang and Sermata
were initially misidentiied as female Yellow-throated Whistler; the heavy, conical bill of
Wallacean Whistler is the most distinctive feature (Fig. 17). Also common on Yamdena,
where represented by P. a. arctitorquis (Coates & Bishop 1997), but surprisingly Tayandu
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P. a. tianduana is known only from the ive-specimen type series, and may be extinct
(Johnstone & van Balen 2013). Remarkably, whistlers are absent from Kisar.
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach bentet
Sermata Regular in small numbers, and photographed, in coastal savanna and scrub
around gardens. A ledgling with yellow gape patches, short tail and brown rather than
black tertials was photographed on 5 November. An adult was close to a stick nest (120
× 150 mm) in a small tree 4.5 m above ground, but unclear whether it had eggs or was
still building. The adult had a more extensive black eye-patch than shown in Coates &
Bishop (1997), above and behind the eye, and the wing was black with no white. Call a
tonally complex, buzzy low-pitched (900–4,000 Hz) squawk at c.1.25-second intervals
(XC138523–524) similar to recordings from Bali (XC31386). Kisar Occasional in savanna
woodland near the airport, with two recorded in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009). L. schach is
randomly distributed in the Lesser Sundas. Its absence from Flores is odd, as is its apparent
absence from the dry savanna of Leti. Unrecorded on Sermata in 1906 (Hartert 1911a), it
has either recently colonised the island, perhaps due to the conversion of coastal forest to
woodland, or was earlier overlooked. This is a substantial range extension, with the nearest
populations on Kisar and East Timor, 120 km to the west. Also present in Papua New
Guinea (White & Bruce 1986).
GREY (KISAR) FRIARBIRD Philemon kisserensis
Leti Common in coastal savanna woodland especially where dominated by Lontar palms,
occasionally observed at village edge but unrecorded in secondary tropical forest. A total
of c.10 seen, all singles. Kisar Common and widespread in all habitats (especially Lontar
palm savanna and regenerating gardens) including Wonreli village and elsewhere around
habitation. Frequently seen feeding on lowers of Lontar palm. A nest was found 3.5 m
above ground in a prickly Acacia nilotica near the airport on 11 October 2010. Constructed
of grass, twigs and cobweb, it was c.12 cm wide and 10 cm deep. Two adults atending
the nest were photographed and their contact calls recorded. Nearby an adult mobbed
a Large-billed Crow suggesting that the later may predate young friarbirds. In 2008, 52
were recorded (B. F. King in lit. 2009). Often considered a subspecies of Litle Friarbird P.
citreogularis (Coates & Bishop 1997), but based on biogeography (e.g. Timor Friarbird P.
inornatus has long been split from Litle Friarbird; cf. Mayr 1944) is frequently recognised
as a species (Sibley & Monroe 1990, Gill & Donsker 2013). Unlike Timor Friarbird, Kisar
Friarbird bears a strong resemblance to Australian citreogularis, having similar bluish-black
facial skin, and neck to belly spoted brown. White & Bruce (1986) stated ‘the pale whitish
grey fore-neck spoted with white appears distinctive’, but this diference is less obvious in
life (Trainor & King 2011). The call of Kisar Friarbird is a rapid, low-pitched oo-lup, similar
to Australian citreogularis (Trainor & King 2011). Greater sampling of contact notes and
songs, and perhaps genetic data, are needed to clarify the distinctiveness of this taxon.
BANDA MYZOMELA Myzomela boiei annabellae
Babar Common in most wooded habitats from degraded agricultural land to Melaleuca
woodland and tropical evergreen forest, at sea level to c.300 m (PV & CRT). Song a
moderately low-pitched twiter with two or three strong introductory notes (2,750–4,570
Hz) followed by up to 14 even-pitched trilled notes over 0.7–1.2 seconds (AV8964–65,
XC138359–360). Considered moderately common in a similar range of habitats on Yamdena
(Bishop & Brickle 1998) and Banda Neira in the Banda Islands (Johnstone & Sudaryanti
1995). Part of a complex superspecies formerly lumped within Scarlet Honeyeater M.
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sanguinolenta (White & Bruce 1986) together with Sulawesi Myzomela M. chloroptera and
Wakolo Myzomela M. wakoloensis (Coates & Bishop 1997, Gill & Donsker 2013). The status
of these Wallacean taxa, and recently discovered insular populations, is unclear (Rheindt
2010, Rheindt et al. 2010, Trainor et al. 2012) and needs review. Banda is 350 km distant from
Tanimbar and Babar, and including all of these taxa within M. boiei may require further
consideration.
SCALY-BREASTED HONEYEATER Lichmera squamata
Babar Abundant in all habitats from villages at sea level to evergreen tropical forest to at
least 650 m (PV & CRT). Romang Noted in 2001. In 2010 it was probably the commonest
bird, being recorded in Hila village, gardens, Eucalyptus woodland, primary and secondary
forest from sea level to at least 550 m. Common also on Nyata. A ledgling with yellow
gape patches and plain olive-grey underparts, rather than heavily ‘scaled’ chest and belly,
was photographed in coconut trees at Lakuwahi on 23 October 2010. Sermata Although
not previously recorded, this Banda Sea endemic was the most vocal bird on the island and
common in all habitats. Leti Abundant at Serwaru village on 11 August 2001 and recorded
near the harbour in 2008. Common in all habitats from village, savanna woodland and
secondary tropical forest. Widespread and common or abundant on Damar (Trainor 2007b),
but mostly restricted to coastal lowlands on Wetar, where it is common (CRT unpubl.),
and surprisingly absent from Kisar, which lacks nectar-rich Eucalyptus woodlands and
extensive tropical forest (an unconirmed record of Indonesian Honeyeater L. limbata was
made on Kisar: Appendix 1). In the Kai group considered scarce except on the small islet of
Er (Johnstone & van Balen 2013). Wide range of vocalisations (www.xeno-canto.org) given
throughout much of the day. Presumably also present on Lakor, Kelapa and most unvisited
small islands.
BLUE-CHEEKED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum maugei
Babar (salvadorii) Common in all habitats from village, gardens, tropical secondary forest
and evergreen tropical forest (PV & CRT). Fledgling (bright orange gape patches and orange
bill except grey tip) photographed in Tepa on 15 August 2012. Romang (maugei) Frequent in
secondary and primary forest, gardens and Eucalyptus woodland from sea level to at least
350 m. Kühn collected 27 specimens (Hartert 1904). Greater similarity in song of birds from
Babar and Romang than Wetar (maugei), despite the subspeciic diferences in populations
on the former islands. On Babar the song (XC138361) comprises 3–4 high-pitched notes at
6,500–8,100 Hz, over 0.7–0.9 seconds, while on Romang (XC139854–855) it is 3–4 notes at
6,900–7,400 Hz, over c.1 second. On Wetar (maugei) the song includes three pairs of higher
pitched notes at 6,400–9,000 Hz, delivered over c.1.7 seconds. Damar (maugei) Heard in
secondary forest on 24 September 2008. Those on Romang were originally described as
an endemic subspecies, D. m. romae, but the described diferences from Timor maugei
(abdomen yellowish cream, vs. white with creamy tinge) are slight (White & Bruce 1986).
D. m. salvadorii was described for those on Moa and Babar, which mostly lack a black breastband (Hartert 1906a). Perhaps typical of some of the random distributions on Banda Sea
islands, lowerpeckers have yet to be recorded on Leti, Luang (Hartert 1911c) or Sermata,
and they appear to be genuinely absent from the irst- and last-named. Habitat appears
suitable on these islands, but their absence may relect area requirements, particularly
where isolated from large source islands. Few published breeding records but Noske (2003)
noted juveniles on Timor in December, April and May (wet season).
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ASHY-BELLIED WHITE-EYE Zosterops citrinella albiventris
Babar Common to abundant below 650 m (PV & CRT). Romang Noted in 2001; in 2010,
common to abundant at 0–550 m, in village, gardens, secondary and primary forest, and
on Nyata. A nest with three white eggs in a clove (Eugenia aromatica) tree on 24 October
2010 was 2 m above ground and comprised a well-constructed cup c.12 cm wide by 15 cm
deep, mostly of grass. Sermata Common to abundant in all habitats from beach, village to
evergreen forest below 200 m. Observed feeding on grubs on the ground and on insects
in papaya plants. Leti Observed behind the harbour on 25 September 2008. In 2010 it was
common in villages, savanna woodland and secondary forest. Kisar Abundant in Wonreli
town, gardens, savanna woodland and tropical forest throughout; c.145 recorded in 2008
(B. F. King in lit. 2009). Moa Abundant in Kaiwatu on 11 August 2001. Damar Heard in
secondary forest on 24 September 2008. Typically one of the most abundant passerines
throughout its range in the Lesser Sundas (Coates & Bishop 1997, Trainor 2007b), where it is
generally replaced by Mountain White-eye Z. montanus above c.800–1,000 m. The later has
recently been recorded on Alor, Atauro and Wetar (Trainor et al. 2012; CRT unpubl.), but is
absent from the south-west islands, presumably because they lack extensive high-elevation
habitat. Contact notes of Z. citrinella comprise a variety of weak, high-pitched, twitering
notes. Song on Romang is 10–17 notes over 3.3 seconds (XC139673) with a warbling quality
(and variable frequency range), like Z. c. albiventris on Tanimbar (Coates & Bishop 1997). On
Babar, continuous low-pitched (2,500–3,500 Hz) squabbling notes over 6–10 seconds were
recorded (XC138342, 138347).
ZEBRA FINCH Taeniopygia gutata gutata
Leti Common in groups of 3–6 birds in village and savanna woodland. One adult female had
a yellow bill (see IBC), which was thought to be unusual, but it is unclear if this represents
the yellow-bill mutation because an orange bill is a sexually selected trait more frequent in
males, and is also associated with diet, particularly carotenoids. Females often have yellow
bills (J. Stapley in lit. 2013). It also had a faint black line behind the mandible (but less
marked than in Australian birds), a white facial mark bordered by black, and the breast,
belly and vent pink, contrasting strongly with the grey throat and lanks. Coates & Bishop
(1997) show the adult female as having a more linear white facial patch without a black
border, and the underparts are described as pale grey rather than pink. It accompanied an
adult male and adult female, both of which had typical red bills. Kisar Common in Wonreli,
and in gardens and savanna woodland across much of the island; in 2008, 49 were recorded
(B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Long considered conspeciic with Australian T. g. castanotis, but because of diferences
in plumage, size and vocalisations has been recognised speciically by some authorities
(Payne 2010). Recent genetic analyses also support its distinctiveness given a high level
of non-coding nuclei divergence from Australian populations (Balakrishnan & Edwards
2009). Ancestors of the Lesser Sundas subspecies hypothesised to have colonised Timor
from Australia c.1.9 MYA (range 1.2–2.8 MYA: Balakrishnan & Edwards 2009) and have
since colonised neighbouring Lombok east to Luang and Sermata (Coates & Bishop 1997).
Common in dry, often degraded lowlands on Timor, Wetar and Atauro (Trainor and
Soares 2004, Trainor et al. 2009), but merits greater ield study; most work has been done in
aviaries. The absence of Zebra Finch from Sermata, where it was collected historically, was
one of several surprising omissions.
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TRICOLOURED PARROTFINCH Erythrura tricolor
Babar Locally common to strikingly abundant in all habitats including village gardens to at
least 300 m (PV & CRT). Romang Two records: an immature photographed at Lakuwahi,
foraging in bamboo, and an immature-plumaged bird in a papaya plant at Lakuwahi.
Contact calls were high-pitched (6,100–7,800 Hz) tonally complex sweee notes, given at
least 1.4 seconds apart, with rapid increases and decreases in frequency (AV8901, 8907,
XC139690), similar to birds on Timor, with slight variation in sonograms (XC32587). On
Wetar, a series of higher pitched (7,800–9,100 Hz) upslurred swik notes was recorded.
Surprisingly common on Babar, but apparently uncommon on Romang. However, ten were
collected on Romang by Kühn (Hartert 1904) suggesting that it was formerly quite common.
The species is frequently patchily distributed, perhaps being associated with bamboo, and
is easily overlooked.
Discussion
Our study provides the irst observations of Grey (Kisar) Friarbird and several
subspecies endemic to the south-west islands, made during the irst ornithological visits
to Babar, Romang, Sermata and Leti in >100 years. The distinctiveness of Grey (Kisar)
Friarbird, as well as the hen-feathered subspecies of Yellow-throated Whistler remains
unclear, but based on their distinctive vocalisations both might be treated as species. The
Elegant Pita subspecies vigorsii has been recognised at species level (Gill & Wright 2006)
and our observations conirm consistent vocal diferences between subspecies (described
primarily on plumage diferences) and suggest that further taxonomic evaluation is needed.
Other notable records were Southern Boobook, Kai Cicadabird, Green Oriole, the lowlanddwelling Snowy-browed Flycatcher and Timor Stubtail.
A total of 46 new island records of resident landbirds were made. Few are surprising.
Many can be explained by greater survey efort (e.g. Southern Boobook, other endemics
on Sermata), possible (e.g. Pied Bush Chat on Romang, Long-tailed Shrike on Sermata)
or certain recent colonisations (e.g. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus) and some
large-bodied birds were not collected historically due to shipping costs (e.g. Large-billed
Crow) but were mentioned by Kühn to Hartert. Records of Timor Stubtail on Romang are
of substantial biogeographical signiicance. This tiny skulking passerine has recently been
discovered on Atauro (Trainor & Soares 2004), Roti (Trainor 2005b) and Alor (Trainor et
al. 2012). Analysis of sound-recordings shows that vocalisations are similar throughout
its range. Specimens and molecular work are probably needed to improve knowledge of
the taxonomic ainities of these populations. The Babar survey conirms the adequacy
of historical efort because we added only six resident landbirds. The survey on Romang
appears to have been adequate to record most bird species. Few resident landbirds were
missed, most of them grassland specialists (Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis, Goldenheaded Cisticola Cisticola exilis, Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata and Pale-headed
Munia L. pallida) or riverine birds (Azure Kingisher Ceyx azureus and Common Kingisher
Alcedo athis). Kai Cicadabird is one of the most poorly known Banda Sea endemics:
sound-recordings from Romang should enable future surveys to determine the status of
this inconspicuous (and presumably uncommon to rare) bird. A call recorded on Babar
is similar to this species, but conirmation is needed. Among several migrants missed on
Romang, the most interesting omission was Spoted Nightjar, which arrives from Australia
in the austral winter. Specimens taken on Romang and elsewhere in the region are from the
period July–September (White & Bruce 1986), so it may have been absent during our survey.
Modern-day presence of Australian migrants during recent ield work in the south-west
islands, Tanimbar and Kai appears lower than in the collecting era (Appendix 2). Part of
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the explanation may be that populations of much of Australia’s avifauna are declining (e.g.
Garnet et al. 2010) and presumably populations of migrants are in similar straits.
The large number of additions to the avifauna of Sermata (e.g. 20 resident landbirds),
and the equally large number of missed species is puzzling. Additions included seven
restricted-range species (Elegant Imperial Pigeon, Pink-headed Imperial Pigeon, Oliveheaded Lorikeet, Cinnamon-banded Kingisher, Orange-sided Thrush, Wallacean Whistler
and Scaly-breasted Honeyeater). The best explanation is survey efort (e.g. nine days on
Sermata vs. at least 47 on Babar). Kühn’s men may have also focused more on open-country
species and waterbirds than forest landbirds. Twenty-ive (56%) of the species recorded
in 1906 went unrecorded in 2010, including ten resident landbirds (Brown Goshawk,
Bar-necked Cuckoo-Dove, Paddyield Pipit Anthus rufulus, Wallacean Cuckooshrike, Whiteshouldered Triller, Wallacean Drongo Dicrurus densus, Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus
cinereus, Zebra Finch, Five-coloured Munia Lonchura quinticolor and Pale-headed Munia)
that are generally common throughout their Wallacean distributions in tropical forest or
savanna woodland, which were covered by the recent survey. An exception may be Brown
Goshawk, an inconspicuous species that is easily overlooked, and appears rare in the southwest islands. Black-faced Woodswallow is often patchily distributed and uncommon. When
CRT questioned local villagers on Sermata about the distinctive Wallacean Drongo, they
mentioned that the species is abundant on an island to the west (probably Metimiarang),
but they were actually referring to frigatebirds Fregata sp.! Possibly Kühn’s men missed
Sermata and visited Kelapa, 2.9 km west of Sermata. This seems unlikely, as all of the listed
birds would be expected on Sermata but, as with collections from nearby Luang, there
is a high proportion of visiting / migrant open-country species and few forest specialists
(Hartert 1911a,c).
Sermata presumably had greater forest cover during the collecting era, so the number
of open-country / grassland species recorded historically and small number of forest
specialists is diicult to interpret. Of the 47 species collected on Luang, several are surprise
inclusions (Bonelli’s Eagle, Banded Fruit Dove and Wallacean Drongo) as these birds
usually depend on forest and are mostly restricted to large islands (>c.100 km2). However,
Luang presumably also had greater forest cover in the early 20th century, compared to
the fragments now. One of the most surprising species that was not seen on Sermata is
Paddyield Pipit, which typically requires short grass, a habitat not found by us, but is
perhaps present elsewhere on the island (or outside La Niña years). The species is abundant
on drier islands such as Kisar and locally on Timor (CRT unpubl. data), and is listed for
Leti and Moa, but not Babar or Tanimbar (Coates & Bishop 1997). It was not collected on
Luang (Hartert 1906b, 1911c) which is now dominated by short-grass habitat. The status
of inches also hints at substantial changes in bird composition between surveys. In 2010
only the newly recorded Scaly-breasted Munia was widespread and abundant, whereas in
1906 Zebra Finch, Five-coloured and Pale-headed Munias were collected. The last-named
was also overlooked on Babar during recent visits. Natural avifaunal turnover has been
suggested as a cause of these diferences (M. Bruce in lit. 2011), but this seems unlikely to
explain the degree and composition of avian change in a relatively short period, particularly
in the absence of major environmental events (e.g. a volcanic eruption). The lack of records
of Bar-necked Cuckoo-Dove (single historic specimen), Wallacean Drongo and perhaps
White-shouldered Triller is also surprising, as these species are typically vocal and
conspicuous. More observations are needed on Leti (and Moa) but the avifaunas of Babar,
Kisar and Romang are now relatively well known, while improved coverage on Sermata
(plus Luang and other islets) might add species and provide further clariication of the
status of several others known only from the 1906 visit.
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Acknowledgements
Thanks to Frank Rheindt and Murray Bruce for reviewing the manuscript, and their comments and suggestions
which improved text. Staf of Robust Resources and PT Gemala Borneo Utama provided fantastic support
including transport to and from Romang, and accommodation on Romang and Kisar. Particular thanks to
Giuseppe Lo Grasso, Hery Kusama, Megah Boedi and Parlindungan Sibarani of PT Borneo for transport and
accommodation on Kisar and Romang. Ben F. King made available his Kisar observations. Thanks to Bas van
Balen, Martin Cachard, Mike Carter, Rohan Clarke, Jef Davies, Stephen Debus, James Eaton, Keith Fisher,
Chris Gooddie, Hein van Grouw, Jon Hornbuckle, Robert Hutchinson, Ron Johnstone, Pete Morris, Lloyd
Neilson, Jessica Stapley and David Stewart for discussion, comments and clariications mostly relating to
taxonomy, or for providing comparative sound-recordings. Thanks to Paul Sweet, Mathew Shanley, Thomas
Trombone (American Museum of Natural History, New York) for photographs of the White-shouldered
Triller specimens collected by Kühn on Romang that conirmed its status, and to Robert Prŷs-Jones and Mark
Adams for access to specimens (notably of Wallacean Cuckooshrike) at the Natural History Museum, Tring.
References:
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Addresses: Colin R. Trainor, School of Environment, Charles Darwin University 0909, Northern Territory &
School of Science, Information Technology and Engineering, University of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia,
e-mail: halmahera@hotmail.com. Philippe Verbelen, Krijgsgasthuisstraat 89, 9000 Ghent, Belgium,
e-mail: ilip_verbelen@yahoo.fr
APPENDIX 1
Species encountered during ield work on Babar, Masela, Romang, Sermata, Leti, Kisar, Damar and Moa but
not included in the main text. * = new island record, predominantly migrant, visiting or non-forest resident
species. All records by CRT except where indicated.
Species name
Comments
Tricoloured Grebe Tachybaptus tricolor
Babar*: six on lake south of Letwurung on 12 August 2011.
Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
Romang*: present of Hila on 13 August 2001. Leti*: two at harbour
on 11 August 2001.
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
Babar*: one over brackish lake south of Letwurung on 12 August
2011, several seen by PV. Damar: one near Wulur on 24 September
2008.
Litle Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Babar*: two photographed in coastal lagoon near Tepa (PV).
Litle Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos
Babar*: several photographed south of Tepa at air besar in 2009
(PV); one at brackish lake south of Letwurung on 12 August 2011.
Romang*: present of Hila on 13 August 2001. Leti*: four along coast
on 13 November 2010.
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
Babar: ive photographed on lagoon near Tepa in 2009 (PV). Regular
on Tanimbar and Timor (Bishop & Brickle 1998, Trainor 2011).
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Romang: one of Hila village and one on beach on Nyata Island.
Sermata: one lew past Elo village on 2 November. Leti*: two lew
past the harbour on 14 October 2010.
Great Egret Ardea alba
Babar: single photographed near air besar in 2009 (PV); one near
estuary of air besar south of Tepa on 16 August 2011 (a male
collected near Tepa on 22 May 1906: Hartert 1911b).
Intermediate Egret Egreta intermedia
Babar*: one on brackish lake south of Letwurung on 12 August
2011.
Paciic Reef Egret Egreta sacra
Babar: white phase photographed near Tepa (PV & CRT); grey
phase at Tepa, white phase at Letwurung. Masela*: one on beach in
2001. Romang: white phase on Nyata Island. Sermata: dark phase
seen several times in light. Moa: two dark phase at Kaiwatu on 11
August 2001. Kisar: dark phase on beach; one in 2008 (B. F. King in
lit. 2009).
Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Babar: heard and seen regularly at dusk near Tepa (PV); singles
lushed twice in dense coastal forest near Tepa. Sermata: one heard
(kwok) after dusk on 8 November 2010, was presumably this species
or Striated Heron Butorides striata.
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Babar: one lew over Tepa on 24 August 2009 (PV); one specimen
(Hartert 1906a).
Paciic Baza Aviceda subcristata timorlaoensis
Babar*: one photographed in shrubby clearing near Liliana (150 m)
on 11 August 2011.
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Species name
Comments
Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Kisar: single photographed near the airport on 28 October 2010; one
collected historically, and one seen in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus intermedius
Babar: a few observed in 2009 at Tepa (PV); three adults at Tepa
and Letwurung, and an immature at Letwurung on 13 August 2011.
Damar: one adult on 24 September 2008. Leti: four singles seen.
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Babar*: immature photographed near Tepa (PV); an adult of Tepa
on 7 August 2011 and one at Liliana on 11 August 2011. Moa*: pair
at the harbour in 2001. Romang*: adult in light of Hila. Sermata:
immature photographed at Elo on 8 November. Moa*: two at
Kaiwatu on 11 August 2001; Kisar: one in 2008 (B. F. King in lit.
2009).
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis
Romang: unidentiied Accipiter lying through Hila village on 19
October 2010 was this species or Chinese Sparrowhawk A. soloensis.
Leti*: single perched near the harbour on 25 September 2008; an
Accipiter observed briely on 13 November 2010 was either this
species or Chinese Sparrowhawk.
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
Babar: one at close range in light near Tepa in 2009 (PV), probably
an Australian migrant or possibly resident.
Spoted Kestrel Falco moluccensis microbalius
Babar: several singles over open areas (PV). Sermata: one
photographed and seen on several days near Elo village. Kisar: one
in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Orange-footed Scrubfowl
Megapodius reinwardt reinwardt
Babar: frequently heard throughout the night and morning in
forest at Liliana; common in coastal forest and scrub near air besar
(PV). Romang: frequently heard at dawn and after dusk in forest.
Sermata: Fairly common, heard often at dusk in forest edge and
gardens.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Babar*: three photographed on exposed reef at Tepa on 17 August
2011.
Paciic Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Sermata*: one photographed behind beach 5 November 2010.
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Babar*: lock of 30+ photographed on stony beach near Tepa on 18
August 2009 (PV).
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
Babar: total of four on beach at Letwurung on 11–12 August 2011,
and two at Tepa harbour on 17 August 2011.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Masela*: one on beach in 2001. Sermata*: one photographed
on beach on 2 November 2010. Leti: one behind harbour on 11
November 2010. Damar: one on 24 September 2008.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Babar: one photographed near Tepa on 18 August 2009 (PV).
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Babar: one at Tepa harbour on 17 August 2011. Damar: one on 24
September 2008.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Romang*: 2–3 at Hila. Sermata*: at least two on beach.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Babar*: one photographed on beach near Tepa on 18 August 2009
(PV).
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Babar: several seen and heard near Tepa (PV); 3–4 at Tepa on 7
August 2011, two at Letwurung on 9 August 2011 and one at Tepa
on 17 August 2011. Romang: c.12 at Hila and 20 on Nyata Island.
Sermata*: photographed on several days at beach. Leti: one on 11
August 2001, two on 25 September 2008 and 4–5 in 2010. Kisar:
several on beach; three in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009). Damar: one
on 24 September 2008.
Grey-tailed Tatler Tringa brevipes
Babar: one on beach at Letwurung on 12 August 2011. Romang*:
four on beach at Hila. Sermata: one photographed on beach
on 2 November 2010. Leti*: six in stream behind harbour on 25
September 2008, and one on beach on 13 November 2010.
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Species name
Comments
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruicollis
Romang*: two on beach. Sermata: two photographed on beach.
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Babar*: two on beach near Tepa on 18 August 2009 (PV).
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Babar*: three adults in partial summer plumage near Tepa on 18
August 2009 (PV).
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
Romang*: 3–4 on beach.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Leti*: three near the harbour on 11 August 2001.
Beach Thick-knee Esacus magnirostris
Babar: pair alarm-calling along sandy beach near air besar,
presumably nesting nearby (PV); one calling (kleep kleep) at c.03.00 h
at Tepa. Sermata: vocal records along the coast at night.
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella
Babar: photographed on beach (PV); four on 25 August 2009; four at
Tepa on 7 August 2011 and one on 17 August 2011.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Kisar*: single photographed near Wonreli on 12 October 2010.
Damar*: single lying over mudlats on 24 September 2008.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica ainis
Leti*: two photographed at the harbour on 25 September 2008,
subsequently identiied as G. n. ainis. Collected on Luang (Hartert
1906b).
Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii
Romang*: at least two on 20 October 2010 photographed of Hila.
Leti: c.4 observed daily along the coast.
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
Romang*: lock of c.40 photographed of Hila on 20 October 2010.
Spoted Dove Spilopelia chinensis tigrina
Babar: uncommon with one, two or a few at Tepa and Letwurung.
Romang: occasional in gardens. Sermata: frequent in small numbers
in shrub and gardens. Leti: one in Elo village. Kisar: a few in
gardens near Wonreli in 2010, but unrecorded in 2001 (Trainor
2003); 15 in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Paciic Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps longirostris timorensis
Babar: frequent in well-wooded gardens and secondary forest, but
unrecorded at Liliana. Romang: common in forest; photographed;
typical uu-uuut (XC139692, 139699–700). Sermata: one photographed
and heard calling infrequently. Leti: heard in secondary forest.
Kisar: several lushed in forested valleys, and heard; seven in 2008
(B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Barred Dove Geopelia maugeus
Babar: uncommon at Tepa, but c.30 on road to Letwurung, where
common. Romang: noted in 2001; in 2010 occasional in gardens and
scrub, and on Nyata Island. Sermata: a few in gardens. Leti: one at
Serwaru on 11 August 2001, and heard in the village in 2010. Kisar:
fairly common in gardens and savanna woodland; c.100 in 2008 (B.
F. King in lit. 2009).
Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus
Sermata*: one lushed in coastal shrub and photographed on 8
November 2010.
Koel sp. Eudynamys orientalis / scolopaceus
Romang: regularly heard after dusk and occasionally by day.
Sermata*: a few heard at dawn and dusk around forest. Historically
only Paciic Koel E. orientalis collected in region.
White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Sermata*: locks of 20–30 photographed on coast. An uncommonly
reported Palearctic winter visitor to the region with few Lesser
Sunda records; winters mostly in New Guinea and eastern Australia
(Coates & Bishop 1997).
Paciic Swift Apus paciicus
Leti*: a few over village on 11 November 2010. Kisar*: c.6 over
Wonreli on 16 November 2010.
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Species name
Comments
Collared Kingisher Todiramphus chloris chloris
Babar: heard at harbour in 2001; common in 2009 (PV); abundant
on coast (10–30 daily) and frequent inland along rivers in 2011.
Romang: present in 2001; in 2010 frequent in all wooded habitats,
one lew from a termitaria on a coconut palm. Sermata: common in
woodland and tropical forest. Leti: one seen and several heard in
2010. Kisar: four in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009). Damar: one on 24
September 2008.
Sacred Kingisher Todiramphus sanctus
Babar: abundant along coast with up to 20 daily, perched on wires,
exposed coral reefs and coastal trees.
Small kingisher sp.
Damar*: a high-pitched squeak, similar to Common Kingisher
Alcedo athis heard on 24 September 2008 (Common Kingisher
occurs on Romang, though unrecorded in 2010).
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Romang: occasional over village and gardens; also Nyata Island.
Kisar: heard and 3–4 seen; two in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis paciicus Babar: heard at Liliana on 14 August 2011. Romang*: frequent
at garden edge and in secondary forest (XC139853). Leti: two
photographed in savanna woodland. Kisar: one in 2008 (B. F. King
in lit. 2009).
Horsield’s Bushlark Mirafra javanica
Kisar*: song lights recorded at airield on 12 October 2010.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica guturalis
Babar*: two at Tepa on 14 August 2011. Romang*: a few at Hila.
Sermata*: twos and threes in light at village. Leti: one on 25
September 2008, and a few over village in 2010. Kisar*: a few seen.
Paciic Swallow Hirundo tahitica javanica
Babar: a few photographed near Tepa (PV & CRT), seen at
Letwurung. Romang: noted at Hila in 2001, and a few there in 2010.
Leti*: c.20 over beach on 25 September 2008, and small numbers in
2010. Kisar: two seen; 12 in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
Babar: a few in 2009 (PV) and c.5 near Tepa on 7 & 14 August 2011.
Leti*: c.20 in small groups on powerlines on 11–14 November 2010.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis
Romang*: up to four at Hila; one on Nyata Island. Sermata*: ones
and twos regular around village and in coastal shrub, including an
immature photographed. Kisar*: singles along stream on 12 October
2010. Damar*: heard on 24 September 2008.
Paddyield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Leti: 3–4 heard in coastal savanna. Kisar: common in grassy savanna
woodland; 15 in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Ziting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Leti: common in village, gardens and savanna. Kisar: frequently
heard, one photographed; two in 2008 (B. F. King in lit. 2009).
Island Monarch Monarcha cinerascens
Romang: frequent in primary and secondary forest to 320 m; also
Nyata Island. Sermata*: common in primary and secondary forest to
200 m with one photographed. Kisar: frequent in forested valleys.
Spectacled Monarch
Symposiachrus trivirgatus trivirgatus
Romang: seen in 2001 on coast; in 2010 frequent in primary and
secondary forest to 320 m.
Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus
Leti: four lying over village on 13 November 2010.
White-breasted Woodswallow
Artamus leucorynchus musschenbroeki
Babar: small numbers along river inland of Tepa (PV); just two
south of Tepa in 2011. A. l. musschenbroeki is endemic to Babar and
Tanimbar, but is weakly diferentiated, with a slightly longer and
stouter bill, and marginally more black on the crown (White &
Bruce 1986).
Short-tailed Starling Aplonis minor
Romang: uncommon with c.1 record / day in primary and
secondary forest, mostly of pairs lying over.
[Indonesian Honeyeater Lichmera limbata]
Kisar*: heard near the airport, but none seen, so this irst record
must be considered unconirmed. Perhaps occasionally visits from
Timor or Wetar.
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Species name
Comments
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Babar*: introduced and locally common in Tepa (PV & CRT) and
Letwurung. Romang*: common in Hila. Sermata*: abundant in Elo.
Leti: common in Serwaru. Kisar*: abundant in Wonreli and over
much of the island near houses; present in 2008 (B. F. King in lit.
2009).
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata blasii
Babar: uncommon except in Tepa gardens where c.20 seen. Romang:
munias observed in 2001 and 2010 but not identiied to species may
have been this species, which was collected historically. Sermata*:
not collected historically, common in locks of up to 30 at Elo
village, with photographs of adults and immatures. Kisar: common
in savanna woodland and village, mostly juveniles.
Five-coloured Munia Lonchura quinticolor
Babar: groups of up to ten in gardens at Tepa, but not seen
elsewhere.
APPENDIX 2
Status of Australian landbird migrants in the Banda Sea region (sources: White & Bruce 1986, Bishop &
Brickle 1998, Hornbuckle 2009, Johnstone & van Balen 2013; PV & CRT unpubl.). Key: H = historical record
(pre-1980), R = recent record (post-1980). It is unclear whether some species arrive as migrants or are
represented by resident forms, or a mix of both (including omited species such as Australian Hobby Falco
longipennis and koels Eudynamys sp.).
Species
South-west
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides
H
Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus
H
Brush Cuckoo C. variolosus
H
Horsield’s Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis
Tanimbar
Kai
R
H/?R
R
Shining Bronze Cuckoo C. lucidus
?
Black-eared Cuckoo C. osculans
H
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
H
Spoted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus
H
Sacred Kingisher Todiramphus sanctus
H/R
Forest Kingisher T. macleayii
H
H/R
H/?R
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
H/R
H/R
R
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
H/R
H/R
H/R
Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans
H/R
R
H/R
Black-faced Cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae H
H/R
H/R
White-bellied Cuckooshrike C. papuensis
H
H/R
H/R
Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagitatus
H
Magpielark Grallina cyanoleuca
H
R
H
?
?
H
H/R
H/R (probably resident)
H/R
H/R
© 2013 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2013 British Ornithologists’ Club