Zebra Dove in Sonder Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland, North Sulawesi

This is the photograph of Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) that I took while doing a morning birdwatching walk along the farm forest of Sonder town in Minahasa highland of Indonesia. 

Zebra Dove

When I saw the bird, it was walking on the ground at a roadside. I tried to walk closer. Perhaps, the bird felt intimidated, so, it flew and landed on a branch of a tree. However, it was still within the reach of my camera. I made several pictures of the bird.

Some birds in the farmland of Sonder town

I also saw several other species such as Purple Heron, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-throated Sunbird, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eye), Sooty-headed Bulbul and Finch-billed Myna. 

When I walked deeper and longer into the forest, I could see more interesting species such as Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Mountain White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye and etc. 

A lot of people in Indonesia keep this bird in cage as pet. In certain cities in Indonesia, they conduct sound contest of their zebra doves. As the prize, winners get car, motorcycle, tv, fans and gas stove or money. 

The Zebra Dove: A Gentle Songbird of the Tropics

The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is a small, graceful bird known for its soft, melodious calls and beautifully patterned plumage. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, the Zebra Dove has also been introduced to many other tropical regions, including Hawaii and parts of the Pacific Islands, where it has adapted well to urban and rural settings alike.

Appearance

Zebra Doves are easily recognized by their slender bodies and long tails. Their plumage features a delicate blend of browns and grays, with distinctive black-and-white barring across the neck, chest, and wings — a pattern that gives the bird its common name. The underparts are generally pinkish-gray, and their eyes are pale blue or gray, adding to their gentle appearance.

Behavior and Habitat

These doves are ground feeders and are often seen foraging for seeds and small insects in open spaces, roadsides, gardens, and parks. They are known for their calm temperament and tend to be solitary or found in pairs rather than large flocks.

Zebra Doves are especially known for their pleasant, cooing song, which is soft, rhythmic, and repetitive — a sound that is often associated with peace and serenity in the tropics.

Breeding and Nesting

Zebra Doves breed throughout the year in favorable climates. They build simple nests from twigs and grass, usually placed in bushes, trees, or even in man-made structures. Both the male and female share responsibilities in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

Cultural Significance

In some parts of Southeast Asia, the Zebra Dove is prized for its voice, and dove song contests are popular. In these competitions, birds are judged on the quality, clarity, and rhythm of their calls. As a result, some people keep these birds as pets, though they are also widely appreciated in the wild for their natural presence and song.

Conservation

Currently, the Zebra Dove is not considered threatened and is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Their adaptability to human environments and diverse food sources contributes to their stable population. However, like all wildlife, they benefit from healthy ecosystems and thoughtful coexistence with humans.


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Conclusion

The Zebra Dove is a charming representative of the avian world, admired for both its appearance and gentle vocalizations. Whether seen perched quietly on a branch or heard cooing softly in the morning, this bird adds a serene touch to the landscapes it inhabits.

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

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

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.

Temboan Hill at the edge of Tangkoko Nature Reserve

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

Tangkoko Bird List in North Sulawesi

There are a lot of species of birds that birdwatchers could see while exploring the rainforest, farmland, coastal area and rivers in Tangkoko Batu Angus Nature Reserve of North Sulawesi. Here is the list of some of the birds in Tangkoko and its surrounding areas:

Speckled Boobook

• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Pygmy Hanging Parrot
• Minahasa Racquet-tail (Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail)
• Golden-mantled Racquet-tail
• Blue-backed Parrot
• Green-backed Kingfisher
• Lilac Kingfisher
• Ruddy Kingfisher
• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
• Great-billed Kingfisher
• Collared Kingfisher
• Pink-necked Green Pigeon
• Pied Imperial Pigeon
• Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon
• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Green Imperial Pigeon
• Black-naped Fruit-dove
• Spotted Dove
• Stephan's Dove
• Zebra Dove
• Red-collared Dove
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (also called Sultan's Cuckoo-dove)
• Black-naped Oriole
• Purple-winged Roller
• Black-billed Koel
• White-rumped Triller
• Sulawesi-crested Myna
• White-necked Myna
• Sulawesi Cicadabird
• Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo
• Bay Coucal
• Lesser Coucal
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Crimson Sunbird
• Sahul Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Common Sandpiper
• Whimbrel
• Little Grebe
• Yellow-bittern
• White-breasted Waterhen
• Oriental Darter
• Black-naped Tern
• Pacific Reef Heron
• Purple Heron
• Gray-billed Heron
• Nankeen Night Heron
• Little Heron
• Striated Heron
• Speckled Boobook
• Ochre-bellied Boobook
• Spot-tailed Goshawk
• Brahminy Kite
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Ashy Woodpecker
• and  etc.

Knobbed Hornbill

When we explore deeper into Minahasa highland, we will see more interesting avifauna. There are overlapping occurance in range of the birds. Here are some of them:

• Lesser Fish Eagle
• Sulawesi Goshawk
• Black Kite
• Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Speckled Boobook
• Sulawesi Crow
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
• Snowy-browed Flycatcher
• Citrine Canary Flycatcher
• Turquoise Flycatcher
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Warbling White-eye
• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Sulawesi Myzomela
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Pygmy Hanging Parrot
• Black Sunbird
• Sahul Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Sahul Sunbird
• Crimson Sunbird
• Sulawesi Bush Warbler
• Stephan's Dove
• Superb Fruit-dove
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• White-faced Cuckoo-dove
• Red-eared Fruit Dove
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Collared Kingfisher
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Pygmy Woodpecker
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Black Kite
• Barred Rail
• Buff-banded Rail
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• White-browed Crake
• Cinnamon Bittern
• Javan Pond Heron
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Sulawesi Pitta
• Gray Wagtail
• Gray-rumped Treeswift
• Glossy Swiftlet
• Edible Nest Swiftlet
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Black-faced Munia
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• and etc.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching/ photography trip in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Related Posts

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

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:

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

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot at the Edge of Tangkoko Forest

These are photographs of Sulawesi Hanging Parrot that I took in two different places. The first one was taken in Temboan Hill of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, and the second one in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency. In the second picture, the bird landed on the branch of clove tree and started to feed on the lichen. This tropical bird eats fruits like papaya. This was a small parrot whose feather was mostly green with red patch on its forehead (crown).  It has got a length of approximately 15 cm. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

The red feather could also be seen on its chin, leading edge of the wing and rump. Sulawesi Hanging Parrot has got orange feet, and pale yellow iris with black eye pupil. 

This beautiful bird could be watched along the edge of rainforest and farmland that has got fruiting trees. They like to sit on the canopy of the trees. Unfortunately, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot is often seen by farmers as pest because they often fly in groups to fruiting trees which are grown by farmers.

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

Also read:

• Warbling White-eye
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Birding in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland

Sooty-headed Bulbul in the Farmland of Minahasa

In Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi, Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is one of the most common birds that people can see in cities, towns and villages. 

In Greek, the term Pynonotus is formed from two words, i.e. puknos which means thick or compact; and nōtos meaning backed (nōton back). The term aurigaster consists of two Latin words: aurum meaning gold, and gaster meaning belly.

People in Indonesia call it Kutilang. According to e-bird, Sooty-headed Bulbul is considered as a sensitive bird. As a matter of fact, the bird is not sensitive at all in Minahasa peninsula.  

Sooty-headed Bulbul

The songbird is traded as caged bird in several parts of Indonesia because people like listening to their songs. Sooty-headed Bulbul. This bird helps farmers by feeding on insects in farmland areas. However, it can also be considered as pets because it eats fruit. 

Sooty-headed Bulbul in Sonder town of Minahasa regency

There are also other common birds that we can see in Minahasa highland especially throughout its small towns and villages. They include Eurasian Treesparrow, Sahul Sunbird, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, and Zebra Dove. 

As a tourist guide in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi, I offer birdwatching tour for visitors who want to watch the avifauna of this region. 

Birdwatching is an interesting tourism activity for nature lovers. Visitors can watch various species of birds as well as other animals when walking in outdoor environment. 

Sonder town in Minahasa regency

The highland of Minahasa has got a lot of beautiful landscapes. Tour participants can enjoy birdwatching and at the same time seeing the beautiful nature of the highland.

If you are interested in exploring the farmland and forest Minahasa for birdwatching and sightseeing, please, contact me Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Warbling White-eye
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Collared Kingfisher 

Warbling White-eye

I often do birdwatching trip in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa highland. One of the birds that I see is Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus). This is a small bird that likes to hop on the twigs of shrub plants that grow along the roadside of hills in Minahasa. 

Warbling White-eye

According to ebird, this bird can be found in Indonesian islands, the Philipines, coastal area of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korean peninsula and even upto Russian Far Fast.  In Wikipedia, it says that the bird is omnivorous meaning that it eats various kinds of food from berries to insects and seeds. Therefore, ecologically, the bird plays very important role as seed dispersers and as predator of small insects that are often considered by farmers as pest. So, this tiny bird is an unsung hero in agriculture. 

Warbling White-eye

In Minahasa highland, this Warbling White-eye lives in the mountains where the daily temperature is cools. 

The bird has got olive head, neck and wings with bright yellow throat and white-grayish underparts. It has got black pointy bill and white-eye ring. 

In addition to Warbling White-eye, other birds that I see during my birding walk in Minahasa highland include Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Drongo, White-eyed Drongo, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker and a lot more. 

As a tourist guide, I offer birdwatching and butterfly watching tours to tourists who plan to visit Manado city in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. 

If you are interested in taking a vacation to Indonesia and want to me organize your nature tour in Minahasa highland, you could contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by e-mail 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

Nature Tour Around Manado City

As a tourist guide, I offer nature tours around North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The outskirts of Manado city consist of hills and farmlands. They are attractive for visitors who want to see beautiful nature, watch birds and butterflies as well as see wonderful view of the landscape or seascape around Manado city. Here are some of them:

Pasal Beach in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

• Makatete Hills - located in the south of Manado city, this place can be reached by car or motorcycle. From Sam Ratulangi International Airport, it takes around 50 minutes to reach it when the traffic is not congested. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Manado city while having a cup of tea or coffee with some fried bananas at the café that is built on the hill.

Makatete Hills are located in the south of Manado city

• Another site near Manado city that offers magnificent view of the sea and Bunaken islands is Mount Tumpa. Visitors could see Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain. In addition to enjoying the beautiful view of the seascape of Manado city, visitors could enjoy watching birds and butterflies of North Sulawesi in Mount Tumpa. There are such birds as Zebra Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Red Jungle Fowl, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pale Blue Monarch, Slender-billed Crow, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Finch-billed Myna and etc. 

Tunan Waterfall

• Tunan Waterfall - This natural tourist attraction is located near Sam Ratulangi International Airport. It takes around half and hour to reach the waterfall. Visitors who want to visit this place need to wear rubber boots or sandals that have grips so that they could walk along the slippery concrete path. Green plants grow along both sides of the path. Various kinds of butterflies could be seen around the waterfall. 

Farmland in Talawaan village near Manado city

• Talawaan Farmland is the land area around Talawaan village. Local people grow various kinds of crops including papaya, avocado, coconut, corn, jackfruit and etc. Visitors could walk along the road to see the green crops,  as well as watch birds and butterflies around the area. Birds such as Green Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Ivory-backed Woodswallow, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Slender-billed Crow, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove could be watched in this area. 

Minahasa Highland Tour

Birds in Minahasa Highland

Collared Kingfisher

Extended Tour to Tomohon and other places of Minahasa Highland

There are still a lot of interesting places that we could see if we extend our tour to Minahasa highland such as Tomohon town, Subdistrict Sonder, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Pine Forest, Tincep Village, Langowan, and etc. 

If you are interested in taking a land tour around Manado city and up to Minahasa highland, and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Related Posts:

• Minahasa Highland Tour
• Birding in Mount Mahawu and Lake Linow of Tomohon Municipality
• Sightseeing and Birdwatching Tour in the Ricefield of Sonder

Minahasa Highland Tour

The highland of Minahasa is located in the Province of North Sulawesi. It is a beautiful destination for tourists who love nature and culture. There are volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, farmland, rice fields, rivers, valleys and a lot of villages. Most of the inhabitants of Minahasa highland work as farmers. They grow rice, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, chilli, spring onion, rambutan, peanuts, clove, and a lot more. They also run pig fig and fish farming. 

Subdistrict town of Sonder

Visitors who are interested in spending their holiday time in Indonesia can travel to Minahasa highland. They need to fly from their country to Jakarta which is the capital of Indonesia. After that they could continue their trip by taking a domestic flight to Manado city. Airlines that provide regular flights between Manado and major cities include Garuda, Citilink, SuperAir Jet, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. It is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. After that, the next trip is by car. Most visitors go to Tomohon town. There are hotels and homestays in Tomohon which they can choose to stay. Another destination is Subdistrict Sonder. Visitors can stay in the homestays that are located in that small town. 

Minahasa Highland Tour

Visitors could enjoy hiking and sightseeing in Mount Mahawu. There are concrete stairs that lead visitors to its crater. There are also concrete paths that stretch along the slopes of the volcano. They can be used by visitors to explore plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals of Mount Mahawu. For visitors who love birdwatching. They could find Warbling White-eye, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Turquoise Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and etc. 

Another interesting site near Tomohon is Pine Forest. It has got pine trees that grow around the slopes of sulphuric pond. Visitors could enjoy soaking their bodies in the hot spring water of the sulphuric pond that, according to local people, is good for curing skin disease.

Flowers along the roadside of Tincep Village

The subdistrict of Sonder is surrounded by farmland. Visitors could enjoy farm tour in Sonder seeing rows of clove trees along the slopes of its hills or walk through paddy fields that look like green carpet in a valley between Sonder town and Tincep village. Visitors could enjoy birdwatching and butterfly watching in Sonder. There are some eating houses or small restaurants that offer grilled pork and tilapia fish with stir fried vegetables.

Rice Field and Birds in Minahasa Highland

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Crimson Sunbird

Barred Rail

Birds that could be watched in Sonder include the Black-naped Oriole, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Malkoha, Black Kite, Black-faced Munia, Chestnut Munia, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pale Blue Monarch, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, and a lot more. 

Lake Tondano

Another attraction of Minahasa highland is Lake Tondano. It is the place where visitors go to enjoy Minahasa spicy culinary at the restaurants that are built along the side of the lakes.

Statue of Ragey in Kawangkoan town of Minahasa regency

Kawangkoan is a small subdistrict town that is surrounded by farmlands. There are shops and restaurants that sell locally made baked cookies, rroasted peanuts, steamed buns, and etc. Restaurant and eating houses in Kawangkoan are also famous for their grilled pork.  In Minahasa the grilled pork skewer is called ragey. This delicious menu is available in most towns of the region.

Farmland in Minahasa highland

Booking

If you are interested in enjoying your vacation in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.

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