Photographer: Ignacio Yufera   Destination: Indonesia

Boasting over 1,600 bird species of which almost 400 are endemic, Indonesia is quite simply an essential destination for the serious birder! Of course, with over 17,500 Indonesian islands one needs to be selective in terms of where best to bird, and it’s for this reason that we have specifically selected some of the most important and endemic-rich islands in which to seek out the nation’s most exceptional species. Foremost of these is the island of Sulawesi (the world’s 11th largest island and situated just to the east of Borneo), which hosts more endemic birds than any other similar-sized area on Earth – including the stunning Purple-bearded Bee-eater! This forest-edge species is inexplicably restricted to this one island alone and is always a major tour highlight – and for obvious reasons.

Other top targets on our Sulawesi and Halmahera – Wallacean Endemics tour (Halmahera being a smaller island to the east of Sulawesi) include the magnificent Standardwing (one of the most unusual birds-of-paradise!), Ivory-breasted Pitta, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, Maleo, Geomalia, the monotypic Hylocitrea, Knobbed & Sulawesi Hornbill, Satanic Nightjar, Scaly-breasted and Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher (amongst 12 species of possible kingfishers!), Purple-winged Roller and the stunning Fiery-browed Starling!

Another Indonesian option is our Lesser Sunda Endemics tour, which can be linked with both the Sulawesi & Halmahera tour and our Bali extension for a more fully comprehensive exploration of the Indonesian diversity. This avian adventure visits the islands of Sumba, Timor, Flores and Komodo, and targets over 60 of the region’s most sought-after endemics. These include Sumba Hornbill, the beautiful Red-naped Fruit Dove, Elegant Pitta, Bare-throated Whistler, Flores Scops Owl, Glittering Kingfisher, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Black-banded Flycatcher, Orange-sided Thrush, Timor Sparrow, and even the amazing 10ft Komodo Dragon!

We also offer a short extension to fabulous Bali, home to the last remaining wild Bali Starlings plus a range of specials shared only with nearby Java, including Javan Banded Pitta and Green Junglefowl. Furthermore, this tour provides great mammal viewing as well as world-class snorkeling opportunities in the surrounding pristine waters, and can rightfully be considered a true birding holiday!

To find out more about these various Indonesian tour options click on the below links, or contact our office at info@rockjumperbirding.com

• Sulawesi & Halmahera – Wallacean Endemics I (9 – 26 Aug 2014, +- US$4,630 per person sharing (depending on exchange rate) – only 2 spaces available)
• Bali Birding Extension I (26 Aug – 1 Sep 2014, US$2,075 per person sharing)
• Lesser Sunda Endemics I (1 – 18 Sep, US$4,975 per person sharing)
• Bali Birding Extension II (27 Sep – 3 Oct 2014, US$2,075 per person sharing – only 1 space available)
• Lesser Sunda Endemics II (3 – 20 Oct, US$4,975 per person sharing – only 3 spaces available)