Birding in Sulawesi's Minahasa Peninsula

The Peninsula of Minahasa is located in the Province of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. It is a popular destination for visitors who love to watch birds and other wild animals in tropical rainforest of Sulawesi island. There are several interesting sites for birding in this region. They are described as follows:

Green Imperial Pigeon

• The Outskirts of Manado city - This birding site is suitable for visitors who only have got limited time and want to enjoy an outdoor activity instead of staying all day in the hotel. It is the site to watch Sahul Sunbird, Pacific Swallow, Pale Blue Monarch, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and etc.
• Tangkoko Nature Reserve is the habitat of a lot of tropical birds that live in lowland and lower montane forest such as Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, White-necked Myna, Ashy Woodpecker, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, and etc.
• Mount Mahawu is located near Tomohon town. It is the destination for visitors who want to see Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and Sulawesi Pitta. However, it is also the habitat of a lot of other birds including Superb Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Lake Linow is located near Lahendong village in Minahasa Highland and is the natural habitat of a lot of water birds such as Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Sunda Teal, Barn Swallow and etc.
• Subdistrict Sonder - This is a small town in Minahasa regency that is surrounded by hill forest, various agricultural trees, rice fields, rivers and water falls. Sonder is suitable for visitors who love easy birding. They can walk along a clear road, or walking path through farmland to watch such birds as Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Myzomela, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Barn Swallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Sulawesi Scops Owl, and etc.

Birding activity could be carried out all year round. Visitors need to bring 8×42; 10×42 or 10×50 mm binoculars made by Nikon, Swarovski, Leica and etc. For bird photographer, they usually bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lens. 

Accommodation

In Tangkoko, there are homestays, lodges that are suitable for birdwatchers who want to stay for several days. In Minahasa highland, for birding in Mount Mahawu; Sonder; and Lake Linow, visitors could stay in a hotel in Tomohon town. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Birding in North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat

I organize tours for visitors who are interested in exploring rainforest and watching tropical birds of Raja Ampat and North Sulawesi. Here is the program:

Birding in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

Day 1

You arrive at Domine Eduard Osok Airport of Sorong city. I or my team will meet you at the airport and organize your transfer to ferry harbor and then cross the sea by fast passenger ferry to Waigeo island. We need approximately 2 hours to reach it. 

Arriving at Waisai harbor, we will go by car to a resort located at the southern coast of Waigeo island. We may stop several times along the way to watch such birds as Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra or White-breasted Woodswallow, and Pacific Swallow. We will check into the resort and then take a rest for around 1 or 2 hours depending on the time you need to restore your energy. 

We could do birdwatching inside the complex area of the resort to look for Mimic Honeyeater, Palm Cockatoo and Helmeted Friarbird. 

After lunch, you could enjoy swimming and snorkeling. 

Day 2

Wake up at 04:00 in the morning and make preparation. After having some coffee or tea, we will leave the resort at 04:30 by car for a forest area locates on the hill of Waigeo island. We will watch Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise until around 08:30. We will walk back to main road while looking for such birds as Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna, and Blyth's Hornbill. 

We will return to resort by car again. Along the way, we could stop to fined birds such as Red-cheeked Parrot, Pink-spottee Fruit-dove, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and Pied Imperial Pigeon.

Back to the resort, we could take a rest or do easy birding to find Brown Oriole, Osprey, Pacific Reef Heron and etc.

During the day, tour participants could enjoy swimming and snorkeling. 

Night birding could be done to find such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marblee Frogmouth, or even the Hook-billed Kingfisher.

Day 3

We will do birding to find birds that we haven't seen such as Shining Flycatcher, Metallic Starling, Moustached Treeswift, and Palm Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc.

After lunch, we will return to Sorong city by ferry. Check into hotel, rest. 

Birding in North Sulawesi

Day 4.

We will go to airport and then fly to Manado city. Arriving at Sam Ratulangi Airport, we will continue our trip by car to Tomohon town. It takes around 45 minutes to reach it if the traffic is good. We will first go to Lake Linow to watch such birds as Little Egret, White-breasted Waterhen, Javan Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Sunda Teal, Barn Swallow and etc.

Night birding could be organized along the slope of Mount Mahawu to look for such birds as Sulawesi Scops Owl and Speckled Boobook. 

Birds of North Sulawesi

Day 5

We will wake up early in the morning to find such birds as Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Turquoise Flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, and etc. 

After that we will explore farm forest of Sonder to look for Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Drongo, Black-faced Munia, Chestnut Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow, Gray Wagtail, Black Kite, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye.

We could also watch birds along the slope of Tounelet village to look for such birds as Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Black-naped Oriole, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sooty-headed Bulbul and etc.

Day 6

We will explore Mount Mahawu again to find Scaly-breasted Kingfisher or Sulawesi Pitta if we haven't seen it well. There are a lot of interesting birds in the morning such as Superb Fruit-dove, Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Red Jungle Fowl, and etc. 

We will watch birds along the rice field area to look for White-browed Crake, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Collared Kingfisher, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Cinnamon Bittern and etc.

As we go to lower elevation forest, we will look for Green Imperial Pigeon, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher. Night birding could be conducted again to find Speckled Boobook. 

Day 7

We will check out of the hotel early in the morning for Tangkoko Nature Reserve. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach it depending on the traffic. A short stop at Temboan hill to watch birds such as Sulawesi Hornbill, Knobbed Hornbill, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove and etc. Check into a lodge. Rest. 

Afternoon birding along a big pond to look for Purle-winged Roller, Oriental Darter, White-breasted Waterhen, Little Egret, and etc.

Day 8

We will enter the forest of Tangkoko to look for Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Malkoha, White-necked Myna, and etc.

There mammals such as Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, Celebes-crested Macaque, Gursky's Spectral Tarsier.

Day 9

We will go to Naun river to look for Great-billed Kingfisher. In the same mangrove forest, we may also see other birds such as Gray-rumped Treeswift, Sulawesi Crow, Ivory-backed Woodswallow, White-rumped Triller, Pied Cuckooshrike, and etc.

Day 10.

Check out of the hotel

Transfer to airport

End of Tour

Sulawesi Scops Owl

This is the photograph of Sulawesi Scops Owl (Otus manadensis) which I took in at the farm area of Subdistrict town of Sonder. The bird was calling at dusk. I mimicked his sound several times and in less than 5 minutes he flew to and landed on the branch of a tree near me. 

Sulawesi Scops Owl

Because the tree was located at a the side of a road, the bird was disturbed by the sounds from humans and the lights of the nearby houses. He later flew to higher branches of another tree. Fortunately, I could follow him and was able to take some photos of him. Here is some info about the nocturnal bird:

The Sulawesi Scops Owl (Otus manadensis) is a small owl species found only in Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia — making it endemic to the region. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Taxonomy & Classification
Scientific name: Otus manadensis
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Genus: Otus — a group of small to medium-sized owls known as scops owls.
First described in 1872 by A. B. Meyer.
2. Physical Description
Size: Around 15–17 cm in length — about the size of a sparrowhawk, but fluffier.
Plumage: Brown, rufous, or grey morphs — this variation helps them blend with tree bark.
Streaked and mottled patterns for camouflage.
Ears: Possesses small “ear tufts” (actually feather tufts, not ears).
Eyes: Large and yellow to orange, well-adapted for nocturnal vision.
3. Distribution & Habitat
Range: Only found in Sulawesi, plus nearby islands like Lembeh, Togian, and Sangihe.
Habitat: Lowland and montane forests up to around 1,800 meters above sea level.
Often near villages, plantations, and forest edges.
Behavior: Often perches quietly in dense foliage during the day, making it hard to spot.
4. Behavior & Diet
Nocturnal — active at night, resting during the day.
Diet: Insects (moths, beetles, crickets), small lizards, and sometimes small birds.
Hunting style: Hunts from a perch, swooping down to snatch prey with talons.
5. Vocalization
Famous for its distinct “poo-poo-poo” or “whit-whit” calls, repeated at regular intervals.
Calls are often the easiest way to detect them during night birding.
Males and females call to defend territories and attract mates.
6. Breeding
Breeding season likely linked to the dry season.
Nests in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or natural hollows.
Clutch size is usually 2–3 eggs.
Both parents may take part in feeding chicks.
7. Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern — relatively widespread across Sulawesi.
Main threats: habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and land conversion.
Adaptable to secondary growth and even semi-urban habitats, which helps its survival.
8. Birding Notes
Birders often find it by listening for its repetitive nighttime calls. A flashlight will reveal its bright reflective eyes.

If you are interested in taking a bird photo tour in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa and other sites in North Sulawesi, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Bird Photography Guide in Manado city
• Birdwatching in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Malawi and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Guided Birding Walk and Sightseeing Tour in Manado City of North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It has got suburban areas that are still interesting for visitors who want to enjoy birdwatching. Tropical birds that could be watched during the walking tour include: Sooty-headed Bulbul, Glossy Swiftlet, White-nest Swiftlet, Sahul Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pale Blue Monarch, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Pale Blue Monarch, Barred Rail, Sulawesi Crow and etc. 

Sooty-headed Bulbul

In addition to birds, we could also butterflies, dragonflies and beetles in the farmland areas outside of Manado city. Some of them include: Celebes-banded Swallowtail (Papilio gigon), The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Blanchard's Wood Nymph (Ideopsis vitrea), Common Birwing (Troides helena), Brown Pansy (Junonia hedonia), Pale Blue Tit (Hypolycaena sipylus), Manado Yellow Tiger (Parantica menadensis) and etc.

Dragonflies usually sit on the tip of grass blades or leaves of creeping plants that grow near water. Some that can be seen during the tour are Manado Grasshawk (Neurothemis manadensis), Green Skimmer (Orthetrum serapia), 

Butterflywatching in the Suburb of Manado city

Manado city is the destination for tourists who want to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming in Bunaken islands and Lembeh Straight. 

Most of scuba divers cannot fly back to their countries immediately after taking the dive tour. They usually need to stay for 1 day in a hotel in Manado city. This guided birding walk that is added with city tour allows them spend time doing activities that are more interesting than just spending all day in the room of a hotel.

Extended Tour

This birdwatching tour in the suburb of Manado city can be extended to 1 more week to explore birding sites in Minahasa highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve. 

If you are interested in taking this birdwatching tour in Manado or even throughout North Sulawesi Province, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Sonder Bird
• Tangkoko Birding
• Tangkoko Bird List
• Tour Around the Farmland of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sulawesi's Minahasa Peninsula

Scaly-breasted Munia in North Sulawesi : The Charming Little Finch of the Grasslands

The Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata), also known as the Spotted Munia or Nutmeg Mannikin, is a small, social bird found across tropical Asia. It has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Beloved for its gentle nature and striking plumage, this munia thrives in open habitats and is often seen in small flocks.

Scaly-breasted Munia

Physical Characteristics

The Scaly-breasted Munia is a small bird, about 11–12 cm in length. Its most distinctive feature is the scale-like pattern on its breast and belly, formed by dark-edged white feathers, giving the bird its name. The rest of the plumage is typically brown with a slightly reddish tinge on the head and back. Both males and females look similar, making sexing by appearance difficult.

Juvenile munias lack the scaly breast and are mostly dull brown with paler underparts.

Scaly-breasted Munia in Tomohon town

Habitat and Distribution

This species is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern China. It prefers grasslands, open woodlands, rice fields, and even urban gardens. Thanks to its adaptability, the Scaly-breasted Munia has become a successful colonizer of new areas where it has been introduced.

Behavior and Diet

Scaly-breasted Munias are gregarious, often seen in flocks feeding on seeds and grains. Their diet mainly consists of grass seeds, millets, and occasionally small insects. In agricultural areas, they are considered as pests due to their fondness for rice and other cereal crops.

They forage both on the ground and on grass stalks, often hanging upside-down to reach seeds. Their chirping and twittering are soft but constant when in flocks.

Breeding and Nesting

The breeding season varies depending on the region but often coincides with the monsoon or rainy season. Scaly-breasted Munias build a globular nest using grasses and other fine plant material, usually placed in bushes, trees, or even in man-made structures.

They lay 4 to 6 white eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. The young fledge in about 3 weeks, but families often stay together for some time afterward.

Conservation Status

The Scaly-breasted Munia is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a wide range, a stable population, and is abundant in many parts of its distribution. However, localized threats include habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.

Cultural and Ecological Importance

In many parts of Asia, the Scaly-breasted Munia is a popular aviary bird due to its calm demeanor and attractive appearance. Ecologically, it plays a role in controlling grass seed populations and serves as prey for birds of prey and small mammals.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Minahasa Peninsula of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Sonder Tours
• Sonder Bird
• Minahasa Highland Tour
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland