The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus)

Overview 

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus) is a vibrant passerine bird endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Belonging to the family Muscicapidae, this species is admired for its striking plumage and distinct, melodious call,bmaking it a cherished subject among birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher in the farm forest of Sonder in Minahasa highland of Indonesia

Identification

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is relatively small, typically measuring between 13–15 cm in length. It is instantly recognizable by:

• Bright cobalt-blue upperparts: Including the head, wings, and tail.

• Rich orange throat and chest: This bold coloring transitions into a pale, creamy yellow belly.

• Glossy black beak and eyes: Which contrast vividly with its colorful plumage.

• Sexual dimorphism: Males are more vividly colored than females, which are generally duller and may show more brownish tones.

This combination of colors makes the bird visually striking, especially against the lush green backdrop of its forest habitat.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

Habitat and Range

This species is endemic to Sulawesi, an island known for its unique biodiversity. The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher inhabits:

• Highland and Montane forests
• Dense undergrowth and forest edges
• Altitudes from sea level to about 2,000 meters
• It relies heavily on well-preserved forests, although it may also be spotted in secondary forests or plantations with sufficient tree cover.

Behavior and Diet

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is an insectivorous bird, typically foraging alone or in pairs. It employs a typical flycatcher strategy:

• Sallying from perches to snatch flying insects
• Occasionally gleaning insects from foliage
• Its diet consists of flies, beetles, ants, and small arthropods
• It is often seen flitting through the lower to mid-levels of the forest, perching upright with quick, flicking tail movements.

Breeding

Little is known about the detailed breeding behavior of Cyornis omissus, but like other flycatchers:

• It likely nests in tree cavities, crevices, or dense foliage.
• The female is believed to be responsible for nest construction and incubation.
• Breeding season timing is thought to coincide with the region’s rainy season, when insect prey is abundant.

Conservation Status

As of now, the Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but this status requires vigilance. Primary threats include:

• Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and mining
• Habitat fragmentation which isolates populations
• Lack of ecological data which limits effective conservation measures

Continued habitat monitoring and preservation of Sulawesi’s forests are critical to this species’ future.

Significance

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is not only a beautiful and captivating bird but also an important part of Sulawesi’s unique avifauna. Its presence is an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. Protecting it ensures the preservation of an entire web of life on this remarkable Indonesian island.

References:

• BirdLife International
• Handbook of the Birds of the World
• Local Indonesian conservation data

Also read:

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland of Indonesia
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Butterfly watching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Sulawesi Crow (Corvus celebensis): The Bold and Brainy Corvid of Sulawesi

The Sulawesi Crow (Corvus celebensis) is one of Sulawesi’s most fascinating endemic birds. Known for its intelligence, adaptability, and loud calls, this bird is a standout among Indonesia’s diverse avifauna. Unlike the quieter and more elusive Corvus typicus, Corvus celebensis is a more social and conspicuous crow, often seen in pairs or flocks, especially in forest edges and secondary growth.

Sulawesi Crow

As birdwatching in Sulawesi gains popularity, the Sulawesi Crow is becoming a favorite among visiting ornithologists and birders alike.

• Sulawesi Crow at a Glance
• Scientific Name: Corvus celebensis
• Common Name: Sulawesi Crow
• Family: Corvidae
• Size: About 40–45 cm in length
• Endemic to: Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN) 

Physical Description and Behavior

The Sulawesi Crow has a sleek black appearance with a relatively stout body and strong, curved bill. Its glossy feathers often have a bluish sheen in bright light. The eyes are dark, and its overall structure is similar to other crows, but it carries a regional flair that birders find exciting.

This species is known for:

• Loud, varied vocalizations – from caws and clicks to mimicry
• Social behavior – often seen in small flocks or family groups
• High intelligence – a trait shared across the Corvidae family
• Versatile diet – includes fruits, insects, small animals, and even carrion 

Habitat and Distribution

Corvus celebensis is primarily found in lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and even agricultural areas. It thrives in both primary and secondary forest environments.

Best Birding Locations to Spot the Sulawesi Crow:

Sonder's Farm Forest in Minahasa regency - Sonder is a small subdistrict town in the highland of Minahasa that is surrounded by farmland, forest, small rivers and rice paddies. This abundant food has attracted the Sulawesi Crow as well as other tropical birds of Sulawesi to live there. 

Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve – While famous for tarsiers and hornbills, Tangkoko’s forest edges often reveal crows scavenging or calling from treetops. 

Why the Sulawesi Crow Matters

Corvids are known for their complex behaviors, tool use, and problem-solving abilities. The Sulawesi Crow adds a regional dimension to that legacy. As an endemic species, it plays a role in Sulawesi’s unique ecosystem dynamics and represents the evolutionary paths that have occurred on this biogeographically distinct island.

Although currently listed as Least Concern, ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation pose potential threats. Promoting ecotourism and responsible birding can help protect the Sulawesi Crow and its habitat.

Birding Tips to Observe Corvus celebensis

• Listen carefully – their calls are often heard before they are seen.
• Check the forest edge – crows often forage along trails and cleared areas.
• Use binoculars – they’re active and curious, but often stay high in trees.
• Be respectful – avoid disturbing their natural behavior for photos or recordings. 

Plan Your Birding Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting, the Sulawesi Crow is a rewarding species to encounter. With its intelligence, distinct calls, and striking presence, Corvus celebensis is a reminder of why Sulawesi is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.

If you are interested in visiting North Sulawesi region for your birdwatching and wildlife holidays, please, contact us by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:

• Sulawesi Drongo
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
• Black-naped Oriole
• Zebra Dove
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Warbling White-eye
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Sulawesi Drongo in Sonder's Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland

This is the photograph of Sulawesi Drongo (Dicrurus montanus) that I saw in the farm forest of Sonder town in the highland of Minahasa regency of Indonesia. I saw this bird when ai was guiding a tourist from United Kingdom. We were walking on a concrete path through a clove plantation when we saw the bird sitting on a small branch of the clove tree.

Sulawesi Drongo in the farm forest of Sonder town in Minahasa highland

Drongo is considered a good friend of farmers because it eats insect for its diet. So, its function in a farm environment is a pest controller.

It did not make a lot of movements but I had to move closer several times and  change my position to get good angle for photographing this drongo. This endemic bird of Sulawesi island lives in mountainous region. It has got black feather with fork tail and dark red eye. 

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It is surrounded by rice paddy, vegetable garden, plantations of clove, coconut, and other fruiting trees. It has got forest in higher elevation area. There are rivers that supports this agricultural land. Local farmers run fish farming, pig farming and poultry farming on the sides of these rivers. 

Sonder has got several interesting birdwatching sites. The farm forest in higher elevation or mountaineous region of Minahasa highland is the habitat of such birds as Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Japanese White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird, and etc. 

In the small forest of Tounelet Slope, birdwatchers could see Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Black-naped Oriole, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulaweei Brush Cuckoo, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Chestnut Munia, Sahul Sunbird, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, and etc.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching holiday in Sonder town, you need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. We could meet you at the airport and organize your birdwatching trip to various birding sites in Sonder town and other areas of North Sulawesi.

For more information, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Hiking Tour and Birdwatching in Minahasa
• Butterflywatching in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding and Photography Tour in North Sulawesi

Sultan Cuckoo-dove or Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove?

This is the picture of, according to Wikipedia, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya).

In Sulawesi island, it is called Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla) which is a subspecies. 

In the book entitled Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago: Greater Sundas and the Wallacea, the bird is called Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia albicapilla).

Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia d. albicapilla)

Still from Wikipedia, in 2016, the bird with the name Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove is split into several species. It has createe confusion among birding guides and birdwatchers who are traveling in the region where the bird exist, i.e. Borneo, Sulawesi, Maluku, New Guinea (West Papua and PNG) and Northern Australia. 

on the page about Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove, it says that this species has been spit into the following species:

• Brown Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia phasianela) of eastern Australia
• Amboyna Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia amboinensis) of eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
• Sultan Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya) of Sulawesi and the Northern Moluccas

Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia d. albicapilla)

Previously, in 2003, the Ruddy Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia emiliana) found in Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia was split from the Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove. 

I took the above pictures of Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove in Sonder of Minahasa highland of Indonesia. Although Sonder town has not been famous as destination for birders, it is worth visiting by visitors who are interested in exploring new places for birding in Sulawesi island. 

There are a lot of birds that we could watch in Sonder town, as well as its surrounding forest and farmland. They include: Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Japanese White-eye or Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), Black-crowned White-eye, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Barred Rail, Isabelline Bush-hen, White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Brahminy Kite, Lesser Fish Eagle, Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Black-faced Munia, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Bushwarbler,  Barn Swallow, Edible-nest (White-nest Swiftlet), Glossy Swiftlet, Hair-crested Drongo (white eye), Sulawesi Drongo, etc. 

Sonder town is surrounded by rice paddy, farmland and hill forest

I usually include Subdistrict Sonder in 1 week birdwatching or wildlife watching/ photography tour across North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia covering Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Temboan Hill, Naun River, Man-made Lake, Tomohon, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Tounelet Slope of Sonder, Sonder's Hill, Sonder' Rice Paddy, and Kengkang Waterfall. 

This birdwatching tour in Minahasa Peninsula, could be combined with butterfly watching, sightseeing, farm tour or even a snorkeling and swimming tour in Bunaken islands. 

If you are interested in visiting Minahasa Peninsula in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia to enjoy this nature tour, you need to fly to Manado city. For more info, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.  

Also read:

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Flower Tour in Minahasa Highland

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

This is the photograph of Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus temminckii) that I saw in the farm forest (elevation approx. 1,000 meters above sea level) of Subdistrict Sonder in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. I made this picture using my old telephoto camera Fujifilm HS50EXR. At that time, I was doing an exploratory birding walk in higher elevation forest of Minahasa. This small bird landed on a trunk of a tall tree near the road side

A male Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

The male has got red naped patch. The female one does not have the red patch. I also saw the Sulawesk Pygmy Woodpecker. Barring and white spots one the back of the bird can be used to identify the bird. Woodpecker has got strong beak which it uses to drill the trunk or branch of a tree to dislodge insects. 

A female Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker in Tounelet slope forest of Sonder town

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker often visits the small forest that stand along the slope of Tounelet village in Sonder town of Minahasa regency.

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It is surrounded by rice paddy, hills, farmland and forest. It is has got a few birdwatching sites for visitors to explore. 

Sonder town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia

A lot of birds could be watched there including: Ashy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Black-naped Oriole, Pale Blue Monarch, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush-warbler, Black-crowned White-eye, Japanese White-eye, White-breasted Woodswallow, Collared Kingfisher, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Isabeline Bush-hen, and etc. 

As a tourist guide, I offer a birding tour program for visitors who are interested in watching birds of Sulawesi in Minahasa Peninsula of Indonesia. The duration of this North Sulawesi birding tour is 7 days/ 6 nights covering Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Naun River, Temboan Hill, Tomohon, Lake Linow, Mount Mahawu, Sonder Farm Forest and Rice Paddy.

Visitors who are interested in taking this birdwatching tour need to fly to Manado city which is the Capital of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. 

To book your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birding in Tangkoko, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Wildlife Watching Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Where is Minahasa and How to get there?

Discovering the Black-naped Oriole: A Tropical Jewel of the Canopy

Hidden within the dense canopies of tropical forests, the Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) flashes a brilliant yellow that instantly catches the eye. A striking bird of Southeast Asia and parts of the Indo-Pacific, it is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature photographers for both its beauty and elusive behavior.

Black-naped Oriole in the little forest of Tounelet slope in Sonder town of Minahasa regency

A Splash of Yellow in the Forest
The Black-naped Oriole is easily recognized by its bright yellow plumage, contrasting with a distinctive black line that runs from the beak, through the eyes, and down the nape of its neck—hence the name. Its pinkish to orange bill adds to its vibrant appearance. The males and females look quite similar, although juveniles can appear slightly duller.
This colorful oriole is often heard before it's seen. Its clear, fluty whistles echo through the forest, sometimes mistaken for those of other birds. It is most active in the early morning, foraging high in the canopy for fruits and nectar of flowers.
Habitat and Range
The Black-naped Oriole is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, parts of China and India. It prefers lowland and montane forests, secondary growth, and even parks and gardens where tall trees are abundant.
In regions like Minahasa Highland of Indonesia, where I photographed this individual (see image above), it can be spotted darting among the tall trees of the tropical rainforest. These forests provide the ideal habitat for the oriole to nest, feed, and thrive.

Black-naped Oriole can easily be recognized among the green leaves of trees in the little forest of Tounelet Slope of Sonder town in Minahasa highland

Behavior and Breeding
The species is generally solitary or found in pairs, although small family groups are sometimes seen. They are known for their swift, undulating flight and their ability to move deftly through thick foliage.
During the breeding season, which varies depending on the region, the Black-naped Oriole constructs a deep, cup-shaped nest slung like a hammock between forked tree branches. The female usually lays 2 to 3 eggs, and both parents share duties of incubation and feeding the chicks.
Conservation and Significance
Currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, the Black-naped Oriole remains relatively widespread and stable in population. However, habitat loss due to deforestation poses a growing threat in some parts of its range.
For birders and naturalists, seeing a Black-naped Oriole in the wild is always a treat. Its vivid color, melodic calls, and graceful presence serve as a reminder of the biodiversity still thriving in the forests of Asia and the Pacific.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply a lover of nature, the Black-naped Oriole is a bird worth seeking out. Keep your eyes on the treetops and your ears open—you just might catch a glimpse of this yellow jewel darting through the leaves.
Have you seen a Black-naped Oriole in the wild? Share your experience in the comments below!

Also read:

• Watching Black-naped Oriole in Sonder town of Minahasa regency
• Birding Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, Sonder's Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland