Bird Families of the World

Most of New Guinea’s 7 endemic bird families member seen only on the highlands. Tari Gap area is less accessible than legendary Kumul Lodge and trails, but it seems that birding there is more productive. My wish list included also the non-endemic Boatbills which have a representor in north-east Australia. Some finding hints:

• Blue-capped Ifirta seen on mossy trees in a few locations in Tari area, sometimes a few birds together
• Tit Berrypecker and Crested Berrypecker: Tit BP. seen just up above the canopy. Crested BP seen once or twice by others.
• Wattled Ploughbill was co-operative for a few minutes on our first day, later was much harder
• Several species of Berrypeckers and Longbills seen in both highlands and lowlands sites. Fan-tailed BP is probably the easiest to photograph.
• Mottled Berryhunter seen on fruiting trees a few time in Tari area.
• Satinbirds – The long lasting Crested Satinbird which was seen in the  Kumul feeders did not show up. Loria’s Satinbird heard in a few highlands locations, usually parching far up on tree tops.  
• Melampittas – Lesser Melampitta heard in many places, including in Kumul lodge, but as a highly secretive bird, tough to seen and photograph.
• Boatbills – Black-breasted Boatbill was common and co-operative in the highlands. The non-endemic Yellow-breasted Boatbill seen one in lowlands.