Western Pacific Odyssey

Recces systematic lists

Issue 3 24/6/2005.

These are the mouth-watering bird and cetacean species seen, with applicable comments and notes, on the sea voyage recce conducted by Chris Collins, assisted by Kaj Kampp, on the expedition vessel Spirit of Enderby in March and April 2005. They sailed from Auckland , New Zealand to Pusan, South Korea. It should be noted that this voyage track was further west in the second northern half than the actual Spring 2007 voyage will travel. This is reflected by a few expected seabird species not seen on this recce, which we still expect to be seen on the expedition itself. The sea conditions were described as generally very smooth, with two windy weather systems encountered in the northern sectors of the recce only (max Force 7). Good numbers and a good variety of whales and dolphins were also seen, increased observer numbers on the actual voyage itself should increase the level of sightings further. Air recces will also take place to the islands we plan to visit and Chris has just added further notes as a result of visiting the northern islands of the itinerary. Additional notes will be added to later versions of this document in due course. A second air trip to the southern islands of the voyage will take place later in 2005 or early 2006 and possibly a second voyage recce in 2006. Recce Systematic List by Chris Collins, edited by John Brodie-Good. Black Petrel: copyright C.Collins.

Seabirds

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor

A single bird seen on 20 March, shortly after leaving the wharf in Auckland.

Wandering Albatross   Diomedea exulans

12 seen on the first full day at sea.  The majority were juvenile birds and were predominantly a rich chocolate-brown colour with white faces.  Some of the older birds showed characteristics of Gibson’s Wandering Albatross.

Black-footed Albatross   Phoebastria nigripes

A single bird was seen on the last full day at sea before reaching the southern end of mainland Japan.

The route taken in 2005 resulted in us approaching Japan directly from the south and we were, therefore, only in waters where this species occurs for a relatively short time.  On the Odyssey in 2007, we plan to approach Japan more or less from the east (ie after getting close to the Short-tailed Albatross island of Torishima) and, as a result, expect to find this species in greater numbers than on the recce.

Black-browed Albatross   Thalassarche melanophris

Two nominate form birds were seen on the first full day at sea out of Auckland, with a sub-adult bird from Campbell Island (Thalassarche [melanophris] impavida) seen on the pelagic into the Hauraki Gulf.

The latter was readily identifiable by its yellow eye, meanerâ facial expression (ie more pronounced eye-brow) and darker underwings.

Great-winged Petrel   Pterodroma macroptera

Seen in good numbers on both full days at sea south of Norfolk Island with a total of 235 birds recorded.

Tahiti Petrel Pterodroma rostrata

A total of 11 were positively identified as this species on various dates between Norfolk Island and the Solomon Islands.

A further 24 individuals were seen where the very similar Phoenix petrel could not definitely be excluded.   The range of this species is, however, to the east of the route we took in 2005, so it is thought that these birds were also Tahiti Petrels.

Providence Petrel  Pterodroma solandri

Two birds were seen between Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. These showed the grey belly, darker head and skua-like wing patches which characterise this species.

A few pairs breed on a small island off Norfolk Island and we hope to encounter more birds in 2007.

Kermadec Petrel  Pterodroma neglecta

Two birds were seen on the first full day at sea between Auckland and Norfolk Island, with a further three seen the following day.

White-necked Petrel  Pterodroma cervicalis

A total of 32 individuals were recorded with the vast majority of these (27 birds) being seen on the sea day south of Norfolk Island.  The other birds were seen on the day before (3 birds) and after (2 birds).

Cook's Petrel  Pterodroma cookii

A common breeder in the Hauraki Gulf and at least 25 birds were seen plus four individuals were seen on the first full day at sea out from Auckland. 

Gould's Petrel  Pterodroma leucoptera

Just under 100 birds were logged between the first full day at sea and New Caledonia.  The peak count was on the first sea day north of Norfolk Island when 62 birds were recorded.

Black-winged Petrel  Pterodroma nigripennis

Only recorded on 2 dates, the first full day out from Auckland when 10 were seen and a single bird subsequently being sighted just north of Norfolk Island.

Fairy Prion  Pachyptila turtur

22 birds seen on the first full day at sea and seen in small numbers in the Hauraki Gulf.

Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii

A single bird was seen the day after crossing the Equator with another two days later.

Black Petrel (Parkinson's Petrel) Procellaria parkinsoni

Only encountered on the first two sea days (ie between Auckland and Norfolk Island).  This species follows ships, so it is difficult to be precise about numbers, however, 10 were recorded as having been seen.

Also seen in the Hauraki Gulf (50+) which was a good opportunity to see this species at extremely close range and appreciate how similar it is to Flesh-footed Shearwater and that at distance, there are only subtle differences between the two.

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas

This species was first seen on the sea day south of Rennell and then periodically in low numbers (less than 10 per day and not on a daily basis) until we were close to Japan where it was common, ie 100+ logged on 2 consecutive days.

Flesh-footed Shearwater  Puffinus carneipes

A single bird was seen as we left Auckland and then 40 were recorded the following day.  As with Black Petrel, this species regularly follows ships, so it is difficult to be precise as to the number seen.

Curiously, we then began to encounter this species again, but in only small numbers, when north of the Solomon Islands. This is consistent with information in Harrison's Seabirds, ie that the migration route taken by this species does not take it through the waters between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

Good numbers were seen in the Hauraki Gulf too (100+).

Wedge-tailed Shearwater   Puffinus pacificus

The most frequently encountered seabird on the whole of the Odyssey with a total of 1,300 birds logged.   This species was seen on a daily basis between a day south of Norfolk Island and a couple of days south of Japan.

This species has a rarer pale morph which we only saw once south of the Equator despite seeing over 1,000 dark phase birds. Curiously, however, the pale birds were a lot commoner north of the Equator with over 70 seen, despite the species as a whole being seen on a less frequent basis than further south.  

Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri

Seven birds were seen shortly after leaving Auckland and a further nine were sighted the following day.

This species is extremely common however in the Hauraki Gulf in March and at least 1,000 birds were seen with the majority of these being in three rafts each of which contained at least 200 birds.

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris

A single bird was seen in the Sea of Japan. This record appears to be outside the normal range for this species.

Fluttering Shearwater   Puffinus gavia

Generally found relatively close inshore in March, with at least 500 seen in the Hauraki Gulf.

As the Spirit of Enderby only sailed from Auckland in the late afternoon, none were seen on the recce itself as we were approximately 40 nautical miles offshore by dawn the following day.

Audubon's Shearwater   Puffinus lherminieri

One bird was seen on the equivalent of the second day north of the Chuuk Islands.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus

Two birds were seen on consecutive days between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

New Zealand Storm-Petrel   Oceanites maorianus

At least three birds were seen well in the Hauraki Gulf. 

White-faced Storm-Petrel   Pelagodroma marina

A total of seven birds were seen between Auckland and Norfolk Island.

Matsudaira's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma matsudairae

First seen at almost exactly the same latitude as Saipan with up to 20 birds seen in total over the next few days.

The best views were 3+ birds which spent at least an hour in the ship's wake in the late afternoon 3 days after this species was first sighted.  

Common Diving-Petrel   Pelecanoides urinatrix

Two individuals were seen on the first full day at sea, with a further bird seen in the Hauraki Gulf.

Red-tailed Tropicbird   Phaethon rubricauda

Only seen on three days, with nine individuals seen on the first day north of Norfolk Island, a further two birds between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands and a final bird at latitudes equivalent to the second sea day between Chuuk and Saipan.

One of the most memorable sights on the southern half of the voyage was one bird which only flew when the bows of the ship were practically touching it. The extremely fine red tail plume was readily seen.

A bird in sub-adult plumage caused some confusion because although it was clearly a red-tailed tropicbird (eg no black in the upperwing) it had a white, rather than red, tail plume.   Although this plumage is not directly referred to in Harrison's Seabirds there is a photo in his photographic guide which appears to show a bird with this feature. (Recent observations at Christmas Island suggest major jizz differences in flight between these two species. Red-tailed shows rounded wings, often looks tail-less at any distance and has almost egret-like whirring flight. White-tailed is sleek, angular, long-tailed and bouyant in flight. JBG)

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus

This species was far more widespread than Red-tailed Tropicbird and averaged at least one bird each day between Norfolk Island and a couple of days north of Saipan.

Australian Gannet   Morus serrator

A dozen birds were seen shortly after leaving Auckland, with a further individual seen the following day.

This species breeds in the Hauraki Gulf and a small colony was viewed from our boat.

Masked Booby   Sula dactylatra

Encountered in small numbers (ie 1-3 birds) on a more-or-less daily basis between just north of Norfolk Island and a day north of the Solomon Islands.   The exception was the day spent cruising close inshore along the west coast of New Caledonia when 28 birds were recorded.

Red-footed Booby   Sula sula

The least frequently recorded of the three booby species with 11 birds noted between New Caledonia and the second day north of the Chuuk Islands, with white, intermediate and brown morph birds seen.

This species seems particularly willing to roost overnight on ships and we saw one bird doing this between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.   From the description given by the crew, it appeared that another bird, thought to also be this species, had spent the previous night on the ship.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster

The commonest of the three booby species with a total of 59 birds noted.   First seen as we cruised along the west coast of New Caledonia (31 birds) and then, in smaller numbers, on a more-or-less daily basis until several days north of Saipan.

Great Cormorant   Phalacrocorax carbo

A single bird seen in the Hauraki Gulf.

Japanese Cormorant   Phalacrocorax capillatus

Three were seen from the ship prior to disembarking at Pusan, South Korea.

Pied Cormorant   Phalacrocorax varius

Ten seen in the Hauraki Gulf.

Great Frigatebird Fregata minor

The first individual was seen as we cruised north from New Caledonia towards the Solomon Islands, with the last bird being seen more than 250 nautical miles from the nearest island, the day after crossing the Equator.

Lesser Frigatebird   Fregata ariel

Similar to Great Frigatebird, with the first bird seen near New Caledonia and the last bird being just north of the Solomon Islands.

Red-necked Phalarope   Phalaropus lobatus

Several large flocks, estimated to total at least 900 birds, were seen in the waters just south of mainland Japan with a good proportion of these being in full summer plumage. A few were then seen the following day in the Sea of Japan as we approached South Korea.

Pomarine Skua (Pomarine Jaeger) Stercorarius pomarinus

Seen in small numbers (ie typically up to 3 birds) on an almost daily basis between north of New Caledonia and the Sea of Japan.

Birds were typically seen either harassing groups of Sooty Terns or migrating in a northerly direction.   The summer plumage tail spoons were seen on a number of individuals.

Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger)   Stercorarius parasiticus

Except for the first couple of days after leaving Auckland (when a total of 24 birds were seen), this species was found on a less frequent basis than Pomarine Skua with the average being one bird every two or three days between New Caledonia and the Sea of Japan.

Long-tailed Skua (Long-tailed Jaeger) Stercorarius longicaudus

The least frequently seen of the three commoner skua species with only 12 birds logged.  Later in the trip some of these were in full summer plumage.

South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki

A single, intermediate morph, bird was seen as it crossed the bows of the ship at roughly the same latitude as Saipan.   The bird was in heavy moult and photos of it show, for example, the diagnostic nose band referred to in Harrison.

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus

Approximately 25 birds were seen as we sailed out from Auckland.

Black-tailed Gull  Larus crassirostris

At least 50 birds were seen as we sailed north through the Sea of Japan towards South Korea, with a number of birds around the ship the following morning prior to disembarking at Pusan.

Red-billed Gull (Silver Gull) Larus [novaehollandiae] scopulinus

At least 20 birds were seen as we sailed out of Auckland, with more than 50 on the in the Hauraki Gulf.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Six birds were seen prior to disembarking from the ship at Pusan, South Korea.

Crested Tern (Great crested Tern)   Sterna bergii

Two birds were seen on the first sea day north from New Caledonia.

Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana

At least 4 birds were seen close inshore during the recce visit to Weno Island, Chuuk.

White-fronted Tern   Sterna striata

At least 20 birds were seen as we sailed out of Auckland, with similar numbers also seen in the Hauraki Gulf.

Grey-backed Tern   Sterna lunata

Only seen on the second sea day north of the Solomon Islands, when two birds flew across the ship's bows.

Bridled Tern   Sterna anaethetus

A flock of 14 birds were seen three days north of the Solomon Islands with a few more when we were sailing north from Okinawa towards mainland Japan.

It is thought that some of the Sooty Tern dominated flocks (see below) also included Bridled Terns, however, some of these flocks were rather distant and as the ship was not stopping on the recce we were unable to divert to confirm this.

Sooty Tern   Sterna fuscata

The second most commonly encountered species during our time in the tropics with approximately 1,200 birds logged.   First seen on the first full day at sea after leaving Auckland and last encountered a few days north of Saipan.

As we cruised north, there was a distinct change in the feeding strategy of this species as the more southerly birds were in relatively small single species parties, however, in the seas between New Caledonia to north of the Solomon Islands, a number of large flocks were found where Sooty Tern was the predominant species, although other birds, eg Streaked and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, were also present.   As a result of the large number of birds which were feeding together, many of the flocks were being harassed by skuas.

Black Noddy Anous minutus

11 birds seen well the day north of the Solomon Islands.   Also seen far out at sea at latitudes equivalent to between Chuuk and Saipan.

A few birds were also noted during the recce visit to Chuuk.

Brown Noddy   Anous stolidus

First seen in the seas around the Solomon Islands and then infrequently until south of Saipan.

During the recce to the north islands on the Odyssey itinerary in April and May 2005, this species was relatively common on most of the islands visited and was, for example, seen well at the seabird breeding colony on Rota.

Grey Ternlet (Grey Noddy)   Procelsterna albivitta

35 seen at a small breeding colony in the Hauraki Gulf.

White Tern   Gygis alba

Only seen infrequently whilst in the Southern hemisphere, with six birds just south of Norfolk Island and five birds then seen over the first two days north of the Solomon Islands.

Between the Equator and latitudes equivalent to Saipan, this species was seen on an almost daily basis.

Good numbers were, however, seen on the recce visits to the northern islands with breeding birds noted on both Chuuk and Saipan.

Rhinoceros Auklet   Cerorhinca monocerata

At least 10 birds were seen in the Sea of Japan on the sea day prior to arriving at Pusan, South Korea.

Other birds seen whilst at sea

Striated Heron   Butorides striatus

A single bird flew over the ship as we travelled north from Okinawa towards mainland Japan.

Cattle Egret   Bubulcus ibis

A single summer-plumaged bird was seen flying over the sea north of Okinawa (Japan).

Crested Goshawk   Accipiter trivirgatus 

Just prior to dusk, one landed on one of the masts on the top deck of the ship as we travelled north from Okinawa towards mainland Japan.   It roosted there overnight, departing north-east shortly after dawn the following morning.

As well as being an interesting at-sea record, this also appears to be outside the speciesâ?? normal range as it is not typically found further north than Taiwan.

Black Kite   Milvus migrans

Two birds were seen from the ship prior to disembarking at Pusan, South Korea.

Bar-tailed Godwit   Limosa lapponica

A flock of 13 birds were seen flying in a northerly direction passed the ship on the sea day north of Norfolk Island.

At this stage, we were over 500 nautical miles north of New Zealand and it seemed likely that these birds were flying directly from New Zealand to at least New Caledonia, on their migration to their northern breeding grounds.

Sacred Kingfisher   Todirhamphus sanctus

Seeing a Sacred Kingfisher land on the ship whilst cruising through the Coral Sea (ie around the Solomon Islands) was definitely one of the more unexpected sightings of the recce !!  When the bird was found, we were 60+ nautical miles from the nearest island.

Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica

A total of 72 birds were seen whilst at sea over the three days between passing Okinawa and the evening prior to arriving at Pusan, South Korea.

Pacific Swallow   Hirundo tahitica

Three birds were seen relatively close to Okinawa, Japan.

Welcome Swallow   Hirundo neoxena

One bird was seen flying around the ship at least 60 nautical miles offshore during the first full day at sea after leaving Auckland.

Grey-backed Thrush   Turdus hortulorum

Two birds flew close passed the boat during a violent storm as we travelled north from Okinawa towards mainland Japan.

Comments on certain seabird species not seen on the 2005 recce

Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus

The route taken on the latter stages of the recce was considerably to the west of the one we are planning to take on the Odyssey in 2007 and, as a result, we were only in waters where this species is rarely encountered and then only for a relatively short time.

As we are hoping to get close to Torishima, the main breeding island for this species in 2007, and intend to then specifically chum for albatrosses, we are hopeful that this should lead to us finding this species.

Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis

The route taken by the ship on the recce did not pass through waters where this species is generally found.   The more easterly course we have planned for the Odyssey will hopefully mean that we will find this species.

Phoenix Petrel Pterodroma alba

This species is generally found further east than the route taken on the recce voyage in 2005. Our best chance for this species will probably be between Norfolk Island New Caledonia.

Bonin Petrel   Pterodroma hypoleuca

The same situation as for the two albatrosses referred to above, ie our route in 2005 meant that the chances of finding this species were low and on the Odyssey itself we are hoping to find this bird as we approach Japan.

Herald Petrel   Pterodroma arminjoniana

It was a genuine surprise that this species was not seen on the recce.  With more observers on board in 2007, we will hope for better luck.

Pycroft's Petrel   Pterodroma pycrofti

This bird is only likely to be seen in the Hauraki Gulf, where it is a rare breeder, and as we passed through these waters overnight on the recce, realistically there was very little chance of finding it.

Given that it is very similar in appearance to Cook's Petrel, the best chances of identifying this bird are when several cookii-type petrels are sat together on the sea and if any large flocks are found on the Odyssey, we will certainly check these for Pycroft's petrel.   On our Hauraki Gulf pelagic in March 2005, however, only 25 or so Cook's Petrels were found which compares with the 1,000+ birds which were seen when we found one Pycroftâ??s Petrel there in November 2003.

White-throated Storm-petrel   Nesofregetta fuliginosa

To maximise our chances of seeing this species on the Odyssey we are planning to chum for it near to New Caledonia.

Heinroth's Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi

The course taken in 2005 was west of where this species is most frequently encountered and, unfortunately, passed through the waters where we stood the best chance of finding it during the hours of darkness.   The route we are intending to take in 2007 should, however, increase our chances of finding this little known species and we plan to be there in daylight.

Tristramâ??s Storm-Petrel   Oceanodroma tristrami

Our route in 2005 was to the west of where this species is generally found.   As with the North Pacific albatrosses, we anticipate that our more easterly routing on the Odyssey should greatly improve our chances of finding this species.

Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel   Oceanodroma monorhis

This species was one we had certainly hoped to find in 2005 which did not oblige us.   Our more easterly course on the Odyssey should, however, increase our chances of finding it. We also planning to chum for petrels between Torishima and Japan and this will be one of the species we will be targeting.

Cetaceans

Bryde's Whale   Balaenoptera edeni

A single blow, believed to have come from this species, was seen on our pelagic in the Hauraki Gulf.   This area is well known for Bryde's whale.

Sperm Whale   Physeter macrocephalus

Four animals were seen (2 groups of two) on the edge of a deep sea trench (9,100m) on the west coast of Bougainville (ie first sea day after the Solomon Islands).  

Gray’s beaked Whale Mesoplodon grayi

A small pod of about four animals was seen early in the morning of the first full day at sea after leaving Auckland.

Cuvier's beaked Whale Mesoplodon cavirostris

Three animals swam passed the ship giving extremely close views as we sailed north between Okinawa and mainland Japan.

Beaked whale sp.   Mesoplodon sp.

Beaked whales can be notoriously difficult to identify and in addition to the Gray's and Cuvier's beaked whales referred to above, other beaked whales were seen between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands (one animal) and on the second sea day north of the Solomons.   On the second occasion, 2 animals made a short series of breaches directly in front of the ship within 1/2 hour of each other.

Unfortunately, none of these individuals were seen well enough for their identities to be confirmed, although a pronounced, apparently all dark, beak was noted on one of the breaching whales.   Based on what was seen, it is thought that this animal was a Blainville's beaked Whale.

Short-finned Pilot Whale   Globicephala macrorhynchus

A pod containing at least 10 short-finned pilot whales was seen logging (ie resting and floating motionless) on the first day north of Norfolk Island.

Long-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala melas

At least twenty five animals were seen well on our pelagic into the Hauraki Gulf.

Orca (Killer Whale)   Orcinus orca

Two animals (thought to probably be a female and well developed calf) were seen on the third sea day north of the Solomon Islands.

False Killer Whale Pseudorca crassidens

This species was seen on two occasions with the first sighting being two animals on the second day between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. A pod thought to contain between 10-20 individuals was then seen on the third sea day north of the Solomon Islands.

Striped Dolphin   Stenella coeruleoalba

A pod thought to number at least 100 individuals was seen on the first full sea day north of Auckland.

Pan-tropical Spotted Dolphin   Stenella attenuata

This species was seen on two occasions at latitudes equivalent to between Chuuk and Saipan,

Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris

At least 50 animals were seen along the west coast of Bougainville during a morning in which we saw three species of cetaceans. A couple of animals were seen to give the high spinning leaps which gives this species part of its English name.

Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncates

Approximately ten animals gave great views as they bow-rode on our pelagic in the Hauraki Gulf.

Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus

Three animals were seen a few miles offshore from an archipelago of small islets (the Baleai islands) approximately 500 nautical miles due west of Chuuk.

Fraser's Dolphin   Lagenodelphis hosei

A small pod of at least five animals were seen along the west coast of Bougainville.   These came exceptionally close, apparently to bow-ride, before changing their minds and heading off directly away from the ship.

Systematic list of land birds seen on Chuuk and the North Mariana Islands April 2005

Rufous Night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus

A single bird was seen on Weno Island, Chuuk at one of the birding sites we intend to visit in 2007.

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

Several birds were seen on Saipan including a number which were flushed from very dry habitat.

Caroline Islands Ground-dove Gallicolumba kubaryi

Endemic to the Caroline Islands

This species is far more elusive than the ground-dove on Saipan and was only seen twice on Weno Island, Chuuk.

White-throated Ground-dove   Gallicolumba xanthonura

Endemic to the Mariana Islands (Guam to Saipan) and Yap Island, Micronesia

This species was found on 3 separate visits to one of the sites we will be visiting in the northern part of Saipan in 2007.   During the recce, the maximum number of birds seen at this location on any one day was five (2 May 2005).

Small numbers were also seen elsewhere on the island, although these were only in flight.

Despite its name, this species was not observed on the ground with all non-flying birds being perched in the tops of trees.

Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus porphyraceus

Endemic to islands in the south-west Pacific

This species was seen well on the recce at two sites we intend to visit on Weno Island, Chuuk and was also regularly heard calling.

Mariana Fruit-dove   Ptilinopus roseicapilla

Endemic to the Mariana Islands

In April and May 2005, this was the commonest calling pigeon on Saipan.   On the recce, small numbers were seen at a number of the sites we will be visiting on the Odyssey, with other birds seen flying over whilst travelling around the island.

Despite its colours (eg orange belly), this species can be surprisingly difficult to locate when perched and we will check any fruiting trees we find to maximise our chances of seeing it well.A single bird was also seen during the recce visit to Tinian.

Philippine Turtle-dove   Streptopelia bitorquata

The most commonly seen dove on Saipan, with the best views being along quiet roadside verges.

Mariana Swiftlet Aerodramus bartschi

Endemic to the Mariana Islands

This species is relatively localised and easiest to find on high ground on Saipan.   During our recce visit to the island, good numbers (approximately 20 birds on 24 April 2005 and 10+ on 1 May) were seen at one of the sites we will be visiting in 2007.

Small numbers were also seen at two other locations on Saipan.

Caroline Islands Swiftlet   Aerodramus inquietus

Endemic to the Caroline Islands, Micronesia

A common bird which was seen in good numbers on the recce visit to Chuuk.

Collared Kingfisher [Mangrove Kingfisher ] Todirhamphus chloris

A common bird on both Rota and Saipan with different races occurring on the two islands.

Nightingale Reed-warbler   Acrocephalus luscinia

Endemic to 3 islands in the Marianas (Saipan, Aguiguan and Alamagan extinct on Guam)

This species was reasonably vocal during the recce visits to Saipan in April and May 2005 and two birds were seen well at one of the sites we are planning to visit in 2007. Birds were also heard at two other places we intend to go to on Saipan.

This is a large Acrocephalus warbler (c17 cm in length) which has an extremely long, almost disproportionately sized, bill.

As with the Caroline Islands reed warbler, this species is found in a range of habitats and will use prominent positions in large trees as song posts.

Caroline Island Reed-warbler   Acrocephalus syrinx

Endemic to the Caroline Islands, Micronesia

During the recce visit to Chuuk, this species was seen at several places with between 1-3 birds seen on each visit to the birding sites we will be concentrating on in 2007.

Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons

During the recce, this species was not uncommon in wooded habitat on Saipan, however, it is likely to be badly effected if tree snakes become established there (see notes below on Golden White-eye).

Chuuk Monarch [Truk Monarch]   Metabolus rugensis

Endemic to Chuuk

Although recent reports had suggested that this endangered species might have been extirpated from Weno island, the main island in Chuuk (Birdlife International), at least two adult males were found there during the recce visit in April 2005.

Wildwings will be reporting this information to Birdlife International and we intend to visit this locality again in 2007.

Tinian Monarch Monarcha takatsukasae

Endemic to Tinian in the North Mariana Islands

This species is treated as vulnerable by Birdlife International (due to its restricted world range), however, during the recce at least 12 birds were seen.

Oceanic Flycatcher   Myiagra oceanica

Endemic to Chuuk

This species belongs to the same family as a number of the flycatchers in Australia and, during the recce, was found to be not uncommon at two of the birding sites we will be visiting on Weno Island, Chuuk.  

Bridled White-eye   Zosterops conspicillatus

Endemic to the Mariana Islands

This species was extremely common in suitable habitat on Saipan, however, as with the Golden white-eye (see below), this situation could change rapidly if brown tree snakes become established on the island.

Rota white-eye   Zosterops [conspicillatus] rotensis

Endemic to Rota (treated as a race of Bridled white-eye by some authorities)

This species is treated as critically endangered by Birdlife International and now has a very restricted range on Rota.   During the recce, we were given special permission to visit a private reserve where there is a small population of this extremely rare bird and 10+ individuals were seen.

We are currently in negotiations with the reserve owner and are extremely hopefully that permission will be granted for us to visit this location in 2007.

This bird looks distinctly different from the Bridled White-eyes on Saipan with, for example, a far brighter yellow breast and belly.   Recent DNA work has, apparently, also suggested that it should be regarded as distinct from the white-eyes on Saipan.

Caroline Islands White-eye

Endemic to the Caroline Islands, Micronesia

Although this species was seen well on Chuuk and can be found at two sites we are planning to visit on Weno Island, it is a lot less common than either of the white-eyes on Saipan with about 10 birds seen on the recce.

Faichuk White-eye [Truk White-eye]   Rukia ruki

Endemic to 4 small islands in the Chuuk archipelago

This species is listed by Birdlife International as critically endangered with an estimated world range of approximately 1km².

During the recce, a trip was made to one of these islands (Tol South) and 6 birds were found between 1,300 feet and the top of the island.

Due to the time that would be needed to reach this location, unfortunately, it will almost certainly not be possible to offer a trip to Tol as part of the normal activities of the expedition.

Golden White-eye Cleptornis marchei

Endemic to 2 islands in the Marianas (Saipan and Aguiguan)

With tree snakes having recently arrived on Saipan, Birdlife International treat this spectacular species as critically endangered , as it is anticipated that the population could collapse rapidly if the snakes become established.

At the time of our recce, however, it was still common in wooded habitat with at least 10 birds found at two of the locations we intend visiting on the Odyssey in 2007.

Micronesian Myzomela (Micronesian Honeyeater) Myzomela rubratra

Endemic to Micronesia and the Mariana Islands

This species can be found on the islands we will be visiting between Chuuk and Saipan and is reasonably common at some of the birding sites we are planning to visit.

Black Drongo   Dicrurus macrocercus

This species was introduced on Rota and is now extremely common.

Micronesian Starling Aplonis opaca

Endemic to Micronesia and the Mariana Islands

During our recce, this species was found to be not uncommon on Chuuk and Saipan, although it was more often seen in flight.

Blue-faced Parrotfinch Erythrura trichroa

Although this species has a fairly wide world range, it can be relatively difficult to find, however, a couple of birds were seen at both of the sites we are planning to visit on Weno Island, Chuuk.

Mariana Crow Corvus kubaryi

Endemic to Rota and Guam

This crow is treated as endangered by Birdlife International with recent estimates suggesting that its world population may be only 220 birds.  

During the recce visit to Rota in April 2005, a party of three birds were seen.