Birds of Sulawesi

Sulawesi is a unique island. It is located in the middle of Indonesian archipelago in the transitional region from the continent of Asia to the continent of Australia. The endemism of birds and other wildlife is very high compared to other islands of Indonesia. I personally have accompanied tourists to a a number of birding sites across Sulawesi.

Birdwatching in Sulawesi

Some Birds from Sulawesi

In South Sulawesi, birding sites that are good for birdwatchers include Karaenta, Ramang-ramang, and Malino highland. There, I saw Black-ringed White-eye, White-necked Myna, Common Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pygmy Hornbill and Red-backed Thrush, and etc.

In Central Sulawesi, Lore Lindu and farmland around Palu are highly recommended. Diabolical Nightjar, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Red-eared Fruit Dove, White-eared Myza, Hylocitrea, Purple-bearded Bee-eater are some of the many birds that we could watch. 

Ashy Woodpecker

For North Sulawesi, more birding sites could be explored including Mount Mahawu, Sonder's forest, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Ambang, Maleo Sanctuary in Tambun and Dumoga Bone National Park. A lot of kingfishers could be found in Tangkoko. They are Great-billed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher. Other birds such as Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Myna, Finch-billed Myna, and Ashy Woodpecker could be seen there. The mountainous region of Minahasa from Tomohon to Sonder is the habitat of various species of birds such as Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-naped Oriole, Sultan's Cuckoo Dove, Pale Blue Monarch, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Mountain White-eye, Sahul Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, Little Egret. In general, visitors need to spend at least 2 weeks to explore the birding sites of this island and see birds of Sulawesi. 

Ducula aenea

Flying Routes to Manado

The entry point for taking birdwatching tour in Sulawesi can be Manado city first. There are regular daily flights between Manado city and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan and Sorong city. They are served by domestic airlines such as Garuda, Citylink, Lion Air and Batik Air. There is also direct international flight from Singapore to Manado city served by Scoot Air. 

Flying to Manado

Extended Tour to Raja Ampat

Another destination that can be combined with Sulawesi is Sorong city. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and snorkeling in Raja Ampat or Sausapor town. 

If you are interested in traveling to Indonesia to watch birds and wildlife in Sulawesi, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Birding and Wildlife Watching in Sulawesi