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

Tangkoko Birding in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

Tourists who go to Bunaken or Lembeh Strait for diving often consider taking land tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland. The main activities in both places are hiking and wildlife watching. Birds, butterflies, reptiles and insects could be seen during the land tour. 

There are a lot of species of tropical birds that can be watched in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland. The small ones that can be seen in the surrounding parks of the birding lodges and homestays include Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, and Yellow-sided Flowerpecker. 

When we walk into the jungle of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, we will see more interesting birds such as Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Ashy Woodpecker, Spot-tailed Goshawk, and etc. 

Birders must not skip Temboan hill, it is the site for watching big birds such as the famous Knobbed Hornbill, and Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, and other smaller birds such as Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Finch-billed Myna, Black-billed Koel, and etc.

Birding in Tangko and Minahasa Highland

Estuary of Naun River

Great-billed Kingfisher could be found in Naun river. It could be reached by motorized boat for around 20 to 30 minutes from Batu Putih village depending on the size of the boat, the power of the engine and the weather. Sea birds that could be seen along the way include White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, and etc. 

In the forest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, we could also see Celebes-crested Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Gursky's Spectral Tarsier. 

Tomohon and Mount Mahawu

More unique birds of Sulawesi could be seen when we explore the higher elevation forest and farmland of Minahasa. Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Myzomela, and Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove are some of the many birds that could be watched in Mount Mahawu near Tomohon town. 

Corn, vanilla, clove, papaya and rice

Sonder Town and its Surrounding Forest Farm

Most of the population of Minahasa highland work as farmers. They grow various kinds of food crops such as corn, rice, red bean, vegetables and fruits. These food crops attract insects rats, and birds. When we walk in an open farmland of Subdistrict Sonder, sometimes we could see birds of prey soarking in the air. They include Black Kite, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, and etc. In paddy fields, we could find White-browed Crake, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Buff-banded Rail, Barred Rail, and Collared Kingfisher, Sulawesi Scops Owl.

Shrub plants that grow on both sides of the road on the hill of Sonder town are the habitat of Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Black Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Black-faced Munia. The big trees on this hill are the habitat of Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Yellow-billed Malkoha, and etc. 

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

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

Bird Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest of North Sulawesi

A Trip Report by Charles Roring

Manado city - Temboan Hill - Tangkoko Nature Reserve

In late April 2025, I guided a Dutch photographer on 1 week bird photography tour across Minahasa Peninsula of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. I met my client at Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city and then continued our trip by car to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. It took around 2 hours to reach it. For the next 4 days 3 night s exploring the forest of Tangkoko, the coastal area of Batu Putih village, Temboan Hill, the man-made lake. There we watched and photographed a lot of species of birds. It was th first place that we stopped to watch and take pictures of birds. 

Lilac Kingfisher

Temboan Hill at the edge of Tangkoko Nature Reserve

For photographer, Temboan Hill is the most recommended site to visit. A D-SLR camera with 600 mm lens is the recommended device. There, we saw and photographed Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Gray-cheeked Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Black-billed Koel, Sulawesi Cicadabird, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo. We spent several days walking inside the rainforest of Tangkoko which was the habitat of kingfishers. There were Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Green-backed Kingfisher. Ashy Woodpecker, Spot-tailed Goshawk, Blue-backed Parrot, White-necked Myna could also be seen there. We tried to find Great-billed Kingfisher along the riverside but we were not so lucky. We saw the bird but it was impossible to take picture of the kingfisher. He was sitting on a big branch of a tree behind twigs and leaves. We could only see other birds such as Barred Rail, Little Egret and Nankeen Night Heron. The parking lot of Tangkoko was a good site for observing Sulawesi Bear Cuscus. We saw some interesting birds there too including Speckled Boobook, Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagle.

At night, we saw and photographed Sulawesi Scops Owl. It was sitting on the branch of a tree near the birding lodge where we stayed. In the morning we saw Isabelline Bush-hen was swimming in a "little water pond" in the middle of the unpaved road that connected our birding lodge with the main road.

There was a man-made lake located between Temboan Hill and Batu Putih village where the birding lodges and homestays were. Oriental Darter, Purple-winged Roller, Slender-billed Crow, Little Grebe, Little Heron, White-breasted Waterhen were seen there.

Bird Photography Trip in the forest of Mount Mahawu

Tangkoko - Manado city - Tomohon - Lake Linow

We continued our trip to Tomohon town which was around 2 hours ride from Tangkoko. There were several birding sites that we visited during our 3 days/2 nights in Tomohon. Lake Linow was the first site that we went to after arriving in Minahasa highland. For water birds, we went to Lake Linow. 

We saw and photographed Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Barn Swallow. We saw terns sitting on the other side of the lake. It was difficult to identify them, too far. We could not spent much time at the lake. Heavy rain started to cover the lake area and its surroundings. 

Lake Linow in Minahasa highland

Tomohon town - Mount Mahawu

In Mount Mahawu, we saw and photographed the famous Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Warbling White-eye, Turquoise Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher and etc. Going to Mount Mahawu too early in the morning was not always a good idea. When we arrived there was strong wind, and the whole forest was covered by fog. In addition to Mount Mahawu, we also visited a restaurant that was surrounded by flower garden. Sulawesi Myzomela, Sahul Sunbird and Yellow-sided Flowerpecker were the birds that we saw there.

Sonder's Farm Forest

We also went to Sonder's farm forest, around 30 minutes drive from Tomohon town. We saw Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Myzomela, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Black Sunbird, Yellow-billed Malkoha. On my previous trip to that site in one morning I saw Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Black-naped Oriole and White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Black-faced Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow. Sonder's farm forest was not a pristine forest but has got good open areas to watch and photograph birds. Actually there were several more birding sites in Subdistrict Sonder that we had not visited during this trip.

In our last day in Tomohon, we visited Mount Mahawu again in the afternoon. We saw the Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, and a lot of small birds that I have mentioned above. There was Superb Fruit-dove but he flew when we walked closer to photograph him. We left Tomohon for Manado city at around 10:00 a.m. Arriving at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, I said thank you, good bye to my client. 

This short trip report is written by Charles Roring from birdingsulawesi.com

Also read:

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland

• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Brown-throated Sunbird

This is the picture of Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis celebensis) that was taken in the small forest of Tounelet village in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency.  The bird, according to Wikipedia, has got a thick bill with an average length of 14 cm. It can be found in open forest, along the roadside where there are flowering plants or in coconut plantations. The bird likes the nectar of coconut flower. The male bird is more colourful than the female one. 

Brown-throated Sunbird

The Brown-throated Sunbird looks similar to Sahul Sunbird (Cynniris frenatus) whose habitat is the same. 

Sahul Sunbird

The tropical rainforest and farmland of North Sulawesi from Tangkoko Nature Reserve to Mount Mahawu and Sonder's forest are the habitat of various species of sunbirds such as Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, and Black Sunbird.

Crimson Sunbird

There are also a lot of other species of birds in Minahasa Peninsula which visitors could watch including Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Pitta, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi Myzomela, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, Pygmy Woodpecker, and etc. 

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's forest, and Tincep's ricefield and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland 
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland

Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a protected tropical rainforest area in the Province of North Sulawesi. The forest is the habitat of a lot of species of birds such as Green-backed Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, White-necked Myna, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Sulawesi Cicadabird, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Minahasa Racquet-tail (also called Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail), Sulawesi Racquet-tail (also known as Golden-mantled Racquet-tail), Blue-backed Parrot. 

Some birds from Tangkoko of Minahasa Peninsula: Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Purple-winged Roller, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Knobbed Hornbill

Because the forest is located along the coastal area, sometimes we could see such birds as White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Little Egret, Sulawesi Crow, Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Heron, and etc. 

There is a man-made lake near the forest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve. We could see Oriental Darter, White-breasted Waterhen, Yellow Bittern, Little Grebe, Purple-winged Roller. 

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

Minahasa Highland

Most visitors, combine their birdwatching tour in Tangkoko with another trip to Minahasa Highland. The recommended birding sites include farm forest of Sonder, Lake Linow, Tincep Ricefield, Pine Forest, and Kiawa farmland. Birds that could be watched in these areas include Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Mountain White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Superb Fruit-dove, and etc.

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

On the average, birdwatchers spend on the average 7 days/ 6 nights for the birding trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland. To share the cost, it is better for participants to travel in a group of 2 to 4 people. 

Warbling White-eye (also called: Mountain White-eye)

Most birdwatchers bring binoculars. To enhance the birding experience, a digital camera with telephoto lens or a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod can be brought during the trip.

Speckled Boobook

Acommodation

There are homestays/ lodges in Tangkoko. There are also hotels in Tomohon of Minahasa Highland. 

Booking

To take birding tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa highland, participants need to fly to Manado city of Indonesia.

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa highland, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Farm Tour in Minahasa Highland

Birding in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi Indonesia

The Province of North Sulawesi is a beautiful destination for visitors who love nature. Its capital is Manado city. Birdwatching is one of the popular outdoor activities which tourists can do while visiting Manado. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot in Subdistrict Sonder

Some Birds in North Sulawesi

There are a lot of birding sites which are good watching avifauna of Sulawesi. Some of them are described below:

Some birds in Subdistrict Sonder

ITINERARY

• Day 1. When you arrive in Manado city, we will meet you at Sam Ratulangi airport and organize your transfer to a nearby hotel. You will take a rest for around 2 houra. After that we will organize a short tour for you by car to Talawaan Forest - this is a good site for watching birds that live in warm tropical climate such as Asian Short-tailed Starling, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Zebra Dove, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Sulawesi Crow, Green Imperial Pigeon, Little Egret, Sahul Sunbird, Brown Throated Sunbird, Glossy-swiftlet, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon in this area. The magnificent scenery of Manado city with the Bunaken islands could be seen from the coast of Manado city.

Spectral Tarsier

• Day 2 - 3. We will check out of the hotel and organize your transfer to Tangkoko Batu Putih Nature Reserve. This is a great destination for birdwatching. We will spend two days here. A lot of tropical lowland birds from Sulawesi island could be watched there. They include Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-faced Munia, Red-backed Thrush, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hornbill, Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, White-eyed Drongo, Purple Rolling, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi-crested Myna, and a lot more. 
• Day 4-6 We will continue our trip to Sonder where you will enjoy birding and sightseeing in it's hill forest, valleys and farmland. There are various species of endemic birds such as Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker and Gray-sided Flowerpecker could be watched in this region. Tomohon town is also the main gate to visit Mount Subdistrict Sonder. They are highly recommended destination for visitors who love watching birds. Visitors could go hiking and birding throughout the hills, slopes and paddy fields of Sonder to watch Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Pale Blue Monarch, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Purple Heron, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Ashy Woodpecker, Black-naped Oriole, Barred Rail, White-browed Crake, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Drongo, and a lot more. Subdistrict town of Sonder is surrounded by water. There are fish ponds and rice fields that provide food for birds. Visitors who love to see farmland can go to Sonder to enjoy its natural beauty. 
• Day 7. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you to Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city again where you will continue your trip to another destination or fly back to your country.

Birds in lowland forest of North Sulawesi

Crimson Sunbird

The entry point for taking a birding holiday in North Sulawesi is Manado city. Visitors can fly from major cities in Indonesia to Manado city. Regular daily flights between Manado city and Jakarta, Makassar, Denpasar, Surabaya, Sorong are served by Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air and TransNusa. 

There are international direct flights between Singapore and Manado city served by Scoot Air. 

Flight routes between Manado city and major cities in Indonesia

There are hotels in Manado city and Tomohon that can accommodate visitors who want to stay for a few days or weeks in North Sulawesi. 

Celebes-crested Macaque

If you are interested in traveling to Manado city to see its beautiful natural landscape and watch birds and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read: 

Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve,  Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland

Wildlife Watching in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi

Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve is a famous destination in the Province of North Sulawesi for wildlife watching tourism. Visitors from all corners of the world go to Tangkoko to watch birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. It is located in the northeastern region of Minahasa peninsula around one and a half ride from Manado city.

Spectral Tarsier in the rainforest of Tangkoko's Nature Reserve

According to Wikipedia, the number of species of animals is listed as follows:

• 127 mammals
• 233 birds
• 104 reptiles and amphibian animals

Knobbed Hornbill

There are a lot of species of birds that visitors can watch while walking under the canopy of the trees of Tangkoko. Tangkoko is famous for its kingfishers. Some of them include Green-backed Kingfisher (Actenoides monachus), Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfiher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher and etc. The nearby Kalinaun is the habitat of Great-billed Kingfisher.

Purple-winged Roller

Visitors can also watch Red-backed Thrush, Ochre-bellied Boobok, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Pygmy Hornbill, Purple-winged Roller, Oriental Dollarbird, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon.

Because Tangkoko Nature Reserve is located in the coastal area of North Sulawesi, visitors who go there can also watch sea birds such as the Pacific Reef Heron, Great-billed Heron, Osprey, Lesser Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird, Common Tern, Great-crested Tern, Black-naped Tern, and etc. 

Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

The activity of watching sea birds could be combined with a boat trip to Kalinaun where visitors could watch Great-billed Kingfisher, Pied, Little-pied Cormorant, Little-black Cormorant and etc.

The following picture of Great-billed Kingfisher was taken in Kalinaun river. Mangrove trees grow along both banks of the river. They are the natural habitat of various species of coastal birds including this kingfisher.

Great-billed Kingfisher

Another important site for general birding in Tangkoko area is the Temboan Hill. It is the place where visitors could watch a lot of species of birds including Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Silvertip Imperial Pigeon, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hornbill, Sulawesi Pitta, and a lot more. 

Visitors who go to Tangkoko can stay in the homestays or lodges that are run by local people.

Ashy Woodpecker in the rainforest of
Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Other Animals

In addition to birds, we could also see insects, reptiles and mammals. 

Celebes-crested Macaque (Macaca nigra)

MINAHASA HIGHLAND

The tropical rainforest and farmland of Minahasa highland is the natural habitat of a lot of colourful species of birds and butterflies. For birds, visitors could find Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Warbling White-eye, Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson Sunbird, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Turquoise Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Barred Rail, Isabelline Bush-hen, White-browed Crake, Black Sunbird, Black-faced Munia, Pale Blue Monarch, White-breasted Woodswallow, Collared Kingfisher, Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Black-naped Oriole, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker and etc.

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Pale Blue Monarch

Birding Sites in Minahasa highland

Mount Mahawu is the recommended site for birdwatching. There are also forest and farmland areas in Subdistrict Sonder which visitors could explore. Sonder also has got rice fields that are suitable for watching and photographing water birds such as Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Barred Rail, White-browed Crake, and etc.

Lakes and waterfalls in Minahasa highland are good choices for birding. Bringing binoculars, spotting scope and camera will greatly enhance the birding experience of tour participants.

For Minahasa highland, there are hotels in Tomohon town and homestay in Sonder town which visitors could choose to stay for a few nights.

Warbling White-eye

Booking

If you are interested in watching birds and other wildlife in Tangkoko Nature Reserve as well as other areas in Sulawesi, you could contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa highland
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birds in Minahasa
• Walking Tour in the Farmland of Sonder
• Birding and Wildlife-Watching in Sulawesi