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

Sonder Bird in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

Sonder town in Minahasa highland has increasingly become another destination for visitors who are interested in hiking, watching birds of Sulawesi and sightseeing. Birds that could be watched include:

• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nehrkorni)
• Sulawesi Myzomela (Myzomela chloroptera)
• Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus)
• Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra)
• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos temmincki)
• Citrine Canary- Flycatcher (Culicicapa helianthea)
• Japanese White-eye (also called: Warbling White-eye)
• Sulawesi Bush Warbler
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Black-faced Munia
• Black Kite
• Lesser Fish Eagle
• Sulawesi Goshawk
• and etc.

Sulawesi Scops Owl in Subdistrict Sonder

During the birding tour in Sonder, we will also do night walk to look for nocturnal bird such as Sulawesi Scops Owl, Speckled Boobook. 

Birds that live in lower montane forest of Sulawesi could also be seen in Sonder. The slope of Tounelet behind Siloam Hospital is still covered by a small forest. It is the natural habitat of such birds as:

• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Black-naped Oriole
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• Zebra Dove
• Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed)
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Sahul Sunbird. 

Crimson Sunbird

The outskirts of Sonder town is mostly covered by farm forest that is the habitat of

• Finch-billed Myna
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Collared Kingfisher
• Black-billed Koel
• Sulawesi Cicadabird
• Green Imperial Pigeon
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Ashy Woodpecker
• Sulawesi Crow
• Sulawesi Myna, and etc.

Barred Rail

In paddy field areas of Sonder, we could see:

• Barred Rail
• Buff-banded Rail
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Chestnut Munia
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• White-browed Crake
• Cinnamon Bittern
• and etc.

Yellow-billed Malkoha in Tounelet Slope Forest of Sonder Town

Birding Equipment

To watch birds, visitors need to bring a good pair of 8×42 mm, 10×42 mm or 10 × 50 mm binoculars. Famous brands such as Nikon Monarch, Swarovski, Leica are highly recommended. As a guide, I also bring a spotting scope for everyone to share the image of birds that sit on a branch of a distant tree. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Where is Sonder?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. The capital of the province is Manado city. It is surrounded by hills, rivers and valleys. Visitors who want to visit Sonder town can go by car from Manado city for 1 hour. 

Sonder town

Flight routes to Manado city

Car route from Manado city to Tomohon and Sonder in Minahasa highland

Extending Your Birding Tour

This birding trip in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa highland can be extended to longer trips to other birding sites in the same region of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. The tour plan for the extended tour is described in the following itinerary:

Birding in North Sulawesi

• Day 1

Arriving in Manado city. Lake Linow of Lahendong village.

• Day 2

Birding in Mount Mahawu, and Sonder's Farm Forest.

• Day 3

Birding in Mount Mahawu, Tincep's waterfall and rice field.

• Day 4

Transfer to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Birding in Temboan Hill

• Day 5

Birding inside Tangkoko forest

• Day 6 

Birding in Naun River

• Day 7

Birding in Temboan, transfer to Manado, check into hotel. Birding at the outskirts of Manado city.

• Day 8 

Transfer to airport.

How to get there?

Forign visitors need to fly from their country to Singapore. There are regular flight service from Scoot Air between Singapore and Manado city. There are also flights between Guangzhou of China and Manado city of Indonesia.

For foreign visitors who fly to Jakarta or Denpasar of Bali, they could take domestic flights provided by such airlines in Indonesia as Garuda, Batik, SuperAirjet, Citilink and Sriwijaya Air. 

Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon

Where to stay?

There are basic homestays in Sonder town. Visitors who look for more comfortable rooms can stay in hotels in Tomohon town which visitors can choose to stay. 

The birding tour in Sonder can be combined with avifauna tour in Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow and Tangkoko National Park. The duration of this tour is approximately 1 week. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Sonder and other parts of Minahasa Peninsula and want us to organize your trip, please, contact us by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Nature Tour in Manado city
• Birding and Sightseeing Tour from Manado City
• Butterfly watching in Sonder Town of Minahasa Highland
• Farmland Tours in Sonder Town

The Sulawesi-crested Myna: A Charismatic Bird of Indonesia’s Celebes Island

The Sulawesi-crested Myna (Basilornis celebensis) is a striking and charismatic bird species endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. With its glossy black plumage, bright yellow facial skin, and a prominent crest of feathers atop its head, this bird is both beautiful and unmistakable in appearance. Known for its intelligence, loud calls, and adaptability, the Sulawesi-crested Myna is an important part of the island’s unique biodiversity.

Sulawesi-crested Myna

Habitat and Distribution

This species is found across northern, central, and eastern parts of Sulawesi, as well as on some nearby smaller islands. It prefers lowland and hill forests but is also seen in secondary growth, plantations, and sometimes near human settlements. Its ability to live in disturbed habitats shows a level of resilience, although deforestation still poses a threat to its long-term survival.

Physical Characteristics

The Sulawesi-crested Myna measures about 25–28 centimeters in length. Its jet-black feathers have a metallic sheen, especially in sunlight, and its most distinctive feature is the crest – a stylish bunch of feathers that gives the bird a regal appearance. The bird’s bare yellow-orange facial skin and pale blue eyes add to its striking look. Both males and females appear similar in plumage.

Behavior and Diet

These mynas are social birds, often seen in small groups. They are omnivorous and feed on fruits, insects, and small animals. Their strong beak helps them forage efficiently in various environments. Like other members of the starling family, Sulawesi-crested Mynas are excellent mimics and vocal communicators, with a wide range of calls, whistles, and chatter.

Conservation Status

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Sulawesi-crested Myna is currently listed as a species of "Least Concern." However, habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and development continues to impact forest ecosystems across Sulawesi. Conservation efforts that protect native forests will benefit this species and countless others that share its habitat.

Birdwatching and photography tour in Sonder farm forest of Minahasa highland

Ecotourism, Birdwatching and Photography Tour

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Sulawesi offers incredible opportunities to see endemic species like the Sulawesi-crested Myna. Destinations such as Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, and Lore Lindu National Park, Mount Mahawu, Sonder's Farm Forest are among the best places to observe endemic birds of Sulawesi in the wild.

Some birds in Minahasa Peninsula of North Sulawesi

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Conclusion

The Sulawesi-crested Myna is more than just a beautiful bird—it is a symbol of the rich natural heritage of Sulawesi. With its unique appearance and engaging behavior, it captures the attention of all who encounter it. Protecting the forests of Sulawesi is key to ensuring this fascinating bird continues to thrive for generations to come.

Related Posts:

• Birding in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi Province
• Wildlife Watching in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Farmland Tour in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland

Birding and Sightseeing Tour from Manado City

Birding and sightseeing tour can be arranged from Manado city. Its durations is usually from 1 to 3 days depending on the time which the participants have. For visitors who are interested in a short birdwatching tour, its itinerary can be described as follows:

Birds at the outskirts of Manado city

Sooty-headed Bulbul

• In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel in Manado city. We will organize your tour to a forest at the outskirt of Manado city. There, we will walk along the roadside to look for such birds as Barred Rail, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Zebra Dove, Ivory-backed Woodswallow, Finch-billed Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Black-naped Fruit Dove and etc. 

Collared Kingfisher

• At around 09:30, when the activity of birds in trees has reduced significantly, we will do sightseeing tour to State Museum of Manado to see the historical and cultural background of peoples of North Sulawesi province of Indonesia.
• Lunch at around 12:00. Back to your hotel for rest. At 15:00, we will continue our trip to a hill outside Manado city. We will see the landscape view and look for birds such as the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulaweei Cuckoo-dove, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Gray-rumped Treeswift and etc.

Zebra Dove

Other attractions in Manado city include the traditional markets of Karombasan, Bersehati as well as the Malalayang Beach, Mount Tumpa, and Manado Town Square Mall (modern shopping center).

Flight routes to Manado city

Manado is the capital city of the Province of North Sulawesi in the Republic of Indonesia. It can be reached by plane from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong. The airlines that fly to Manado include Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. There is a direct flight that connects Manado city and Singapore served by Scoot Air.

Manado city by the beach

Manado city view from the parking lot of Mantos (Manado Town Square)

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding and sightseeing tour in Manado city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

• Tangkoko Birding

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Birdwatching and Photography Trip in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

The forest, agricultural land and paddy fields of Subdistrict Sonder in Minahasa regency is the habitat of various species of birds. They are beautiful subjects for visitors who like photography. 

Turquoise Flycatcher in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Bird Photography Trip in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

In higher elevation forest of Sonder, photographers can take pictures of such birds as Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye,  Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson Sunbird, Black-faced Munia, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, White-faced Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Drongo and etc. 

Crimson Sunbird

Inside the Sonder town, there is a small forest. It is located at Tounelet slope behind Siloam Hospital. Birds are active in this forest especially in the mornings and in the afternoons. Some of them are Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sahul Sunbird, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-naped Oriole, Brown-throated Sunbird, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Brush Cuckoo, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, White-rumped Triller, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, and Black-crowned White-eye.

If we explore further to the outskirts of Sonder town and its agricultural land and paddy fields, we will be able to see more birds such as Zebra Dove, Finch-billed Myna, White-eyed Drongo, Collared Kingfisher, Cinnamon Bittern, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, White-breasted Woodswallow, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Barred Rail and etc. 

Birds in the farmland of Sonder: Purple Heron, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-throated Sunbird, Zebra Dove, White-eye Drongo, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Finch-billed Myna

Taking pictures in the farmland is easy because photographers can put their cameras on tripods and stand on the roadside.  

There are also Barn Swallow, White-nest Swiftlet, Purple Needletail, Gray-rumped Treeswift, Sunda Teal, Purple Heron, Sulawesi Swiftlet, can be seen in open area such as in paddy fields of Tincep village, and Lake Linow.

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland

The entry point for visitors to Minahasa regency is Manado city. It is the capital of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. So, visitors need to fly from their country to this city and then continue their trip by car to Tomohon town or Subdistrict town of Sonder. 

Every day, there are flights between Manado city and some major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, and Sorong. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. 

Flight from major cites in Indonesia to Manado city

Accommodation

There are homestays in Sonder and hotels in Tomohon town which visitors can choose to stay while birding in Sonder. 

If you are interested in spending your holiday time in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

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

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher in Mount Mahawu

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

This is the photograph of Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (Actenoides princeps) that I saw in the forest of Mount Mahawu several kilometers from Tomohon town. I organized bird trip for 4 Taiwanese tourists at that time. We were walking along the trails inside the forest when we saw the bird roosting on the branch of a tree around 1.5 meters above the ground. It was a very good sighting because the bird stayed on the branch for more than 5 minutes.
The bird is an important target among birders who want to see endemic avifauna of Sulawesi.
Guiding Service

As a tourist guide, I offer birding tours to this region for visitors who want to go to Sulawesi. Please, read this tour package. However, it can be customized according to the interest of customers.
In addition to watching birds, visitors could see local people who are working in the farmlands, or making traditional palm sugar or even see how local villagers make metal farming tools.

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

Also read:

• Kingfishers in Minahasa Peninsula

• Tangkoko Birding