List of birds of Papua New Guinea
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Papua New Guinea. The avifauna of Papua New Guinea include a total of 781 species, of which 76 are endemic, one has been introduced by humans and eighteen are rare or accidental. Twenty-eight species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Papua New Guinea.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Papua New Guinea
- (E) Endemic - a species that is native only to Papua New Guinea
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Papua New Guinea as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Cassowaries
Order: Struthioniformes Family: Casuariidae
The cassowaries are large flightless birds native to Australia and New Guinea.
- Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius
- Dwarf cassowary, Casuarius bennetti
- Northern cassowary, Casuarius unappendiculatus
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and two species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Australasian grebe, Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Antarctic giant petrel, Macronectes giganteus
- Tahiti petrel, Pseudobulweria rostrata
- Beck's petrel, Pseudobulweria becki
- Kermadec petrel, Pterodroma neglecta
- Gould's petrel, Pterodroma leucoptera
- Fairy prion, Pachyptila turtur
- Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas
- Flesh-footed shearwater, Ardenna carneipes
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Short-tailed shearwater, Ardenna tenuirostris
- Christmas shearwater, Puffinus nativitatis
- Little shearwater, Puffinus assimilis
- Tropical shearwater, Puffinus bailloni
- Heinroth's shearwater, Puffinus heinrothi
Storm petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- Wilson's storm petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- Black-bellied storm petrel, Fregetta tropica
- White-bellied storm petrel, Fregetta grallaria
- Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
- Matsudaira's storm petrel, Oceanodroma matsudairae
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.
- Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Abbott's booby, Sula abbotti
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
- Little black cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Pied cormorant, Phalacrocorax varius
- Little pied cormorant, Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin necks, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
- Oriental darter, Anhinga melanogaster
- Australasian darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Great frigatebird, Fregata minor
- Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
- Australian pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- Pacific heron, Ardea pacifica
- Great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana
- Eastern great egret, Ardea modesta
- Pied heron, Egretta picata
- Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
- White-faced heron, Egretta novaehollandiae
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Pacific reef heron, Egretta sacra
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Rufous night heron, Nycticorax caledonicus
- Forest bittern, Zonerodius heliosylus
- Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis
- Australian little bittern, Ixobrychus dubius
- Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- Sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus
- Australian ibis, Threskiornis molucca
- Straw-necked ibis, Threskiornis spinicollis
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- Royal spoonbill, Platalea regia
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and one species which occurs in Papua New Guinea.
- Black-necked stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Magpie goose, Anseranas semipalmata
- Spotted whistling duck, Dendrocygna guttata
- Plumed whistling duck, Dendrocygna eytoni
- Wandering whistling duck, Dendrocygna arcuata
- Black swan, Cygnus atratus
- Radjah shelduck, Tadorna radjah
- Green pygmy goose, Nettapus pulchellus
- Cotton pygmy goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
- Salvadori's teal, Salvadorina waigiuensis
- Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
- Sunda teal, Anas gibberifrons
- Gray teal, Anas gracilis
- Pacific black duck, Anas superciliosa
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata (A)
- White-eyed duck, Aythya australis
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Pacific baza, Aviceda subcristata
- Long-tailed honey buzzard, Henicopernis longicauda
- Black honey-buzzard, Henicopernis infuscatus (E)
- Bat hawk, Macheiramphus alcinus
- Black-shouldered kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Whistling kite, Haliastur sphenurus
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
- White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
- Eastern marsh harrier, Circus spilonotus
- Swamp harrier, Circus approximans
- Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos
- Chinese goshawk, Accipiter soloensis
- Variable goshawk, Accipiter hiogaster
- Gray goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae
- Brown goshawk, Accipiter fasciatus
- Black-mantled goshawk, Accipiter melanochlamys
- Pied goshawk, Accipiter albogularis
- Slaty-mantled goshawk, Accipiter luteoschistaceus (E)
- Gray-headed goshawk, Accipiter poliocephalus
- New Britain goshawk, Accipiter princeps (E)
- Collared sparrowhawk, Accipiter cirrocephalus
- New Britain sparrowhawk, Accipiter brachyurus (E)
- Meyer's goshawk, Accipiter meyerianus
- Chestnut-shouldered goshawk, Erythrotriorchis buergersi
- Doria's goshawk, Megatriorchis doriae
- Gray-faced buzzard, Butastur indicus
- New Guinea eagle, Harpyopsis novaeguineae
- Gurney's eagle, Aquila gurneyi
- Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax
- Little eagle, Aquila morphnoides
- Pygmy eagle, Hieraaetus weiskei
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Spotted kestrel, Falco moluccensis (A)
- Australian kestrel, Falco cenchroides
- Oriental hobby, Falco severus
- Australian hobby, Falco longipennis
- Brown falcon, Falco berigora
- Gray falcon, Falco hypoleucos (A)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Megapodes
Order: Galliformes Family: Megapodiidae
The Megapodiidae are stocky, medium-large chicken-like birds with small heads and large feet. All but the malleefowl occupy jungle habitats and most have brown or black colouring.
- Wattled brushturkey, Aepypodius arfakianus
- Black-billed brushturkey, Talegalla fuscirostris
- Brown-collared brushturkey, Talegalla jobiensis
- Melanesian scrubfowl, Megapodius eremita
- New Guinea scrubfowl, Megapodius affinis
- Orange-footed scrubfowl, Megapodius reinwardt
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and three species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Brown quail, Coturnix ypsilophora
- Blue-breasted quail, Coturnix chinensis
- Snow Mountain quail, Anurophasis monorthonyx
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".
- Brolga, Grus rubicunda
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Chestnut forest rail, Rallina rubra
- Forbes's rail, Rallina forbesi
- Mayr's rail, Rallina mayri
- Red-necked crake, Rallina tricolor
- Buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis
- New Britain rail, Gallirallus insignis (E)
- Barred rail, Gallirallus torquatus
- Lewin's rail, Rallus pectoralis
- Bare-eyed rail, Gymnocrex plumbeiventris
- Plain bush-hen, Amaurornis olivaceus
- Rufous-tailed bush-hen, Amaurornis moluccanus
- Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla
- Spotless crake, Porzana tabuensis
- White-browed crake, Porzana cinerea
- Chestnut rail, Eulabeornis castaneoventris
- New Guinea flightless rail, Megacrex inepta
- Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Dusky moorhen, Gallinula tenebrosa
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
Bustards
Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
- Australian bustard, Ardeotis australis
Buttonquails
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
- Red-backed buttonquail, Turnix maculosa
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The Jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.
- Comb-crested jacana, Irediparra gallinacea
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and one species which occurs in Papua New Guinea.
- Pied oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin straight bills.
- White-headed stilt, Himantopus leucocephalus
- Red-necked avocet, Recurvirostra novaehollandiae (A)
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Bush thick-knee, Burhinus grallarius
- Beach thick-knee, Burhinus magnirostris
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.
- Australian pratincole, Stiltia isabella
- Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
- Masked lapwing, Vanellus miles
- Red-kneed dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Red-capped plover, Charadrius ruficapillus (A)
- Lesser sandplover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii
- Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Dusky woodcock, Scolopax saturata
- Latham's snipe, Gallinago hardwickii
- Pintail snipe, Gallinago stenura (A)
- Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus (A)
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
- Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Little curlew, Numenius minutus
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Gray-tailed tattler, Heterosceles brevipes
- Wandering tattler, Heterosceles incanus
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis
- Little stint, Calidris minuta
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii (A)
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Tryngites subruficollis
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.
- Silver gull, Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis
- Greater crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Spectacled tern, Onychoprion lunatus (A)
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black noddy, Anous minutus
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
- White tern, Gygis alba
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Metallic pigeon, Columba vitiensis
- Yellow-legged pigeon, Columba pallidiceps
- Spotted dove, Streptopelia chinensis (A)
- Slender-billed cuckoo-dove, Macropygia amboinensis
- Black-billed cuckoo-dove, Macropygia nigrirostris
- Mackinlay's cuckoo-dove, Macropygia mackinlayi
- Great cuckoo-dove, Reinwardtoena reinwardtii
- Pied cuckoo-dove, Reinwardtoena browni (E)
- Emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Stephan's dove, Chalcophaps stephani
- New Guinea bronzewing, Henicophaps albifrons
- New Britain bronzewing, Henicophaps foersteri (E)
- Zebra dove, Geopelia striata
- Peaceful dove, Geopelia placida
- Bar-shouldered dove, Geopelia humeralis
- Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica
- Cinnamon ground dove, Gallicolumba rufigula
- White-bibbed ground dove, Gallicolumba jobiensis
- Bronze ground dove, Gallicolumba beccarii
- Thick-billed ground pigeon, Trugon terrestris
- Pheasant pigeon, Otidiphaps nobilis
- Western crowned pigeon, Goura cristata
- Southern crowned pigeon, Goura scheepmakeri
- Victoria crowned pigeon, Goura victoria
- Wompoo fruit dove, Ptilinopus magnificus
- Pink-spotted fruit dove, Ptilinopus perlatus
- Ornate fruit dove, Ptilinopus ornatus
- Orange-fronted fruit dove, Ptilinopus aurantiifrons
- Superb fruit dove, Ptilinopus superbus
- Rose-crowned fruit dove, Ptilinopus regina
- Coroneted fruit dove, Ptilinopus coronulatus
- Beautiful fruit dove, Ptilinopus pulchellus
- White-bibbed fruit dove, Ptilinopus rivoli
- Yellow-bibbed fruit dove, Ptilinopus solomonensis
- Claret-breasted fruit dove, Ptilinopus viridis
- Orange-bellied fruit dove, Ptilinopus iozonus
- Knob-billed fruit dove, Ptilinopus insolitus (E)
- Dwarf fruit dove, Ptilinopus nanus
- White-eyed imperial pigeon, Ducula perspicillata (A)
- Elegant imperial pigeon, Ducula concinna (A)
- Pacific imperial pigeon, Ducula pacifica
- Red-knobbed imperial pigeon, Ducula rubricera
- Purple-tailed imperial pigeon, Ducula rufigaster
- Finsch's imperial pigeon, Ducula finschii (E)
- Rufescent imperial pigeon, Ducula chalconota
- Island imperial pigeon, Ducula pistrinaria
- Pinon imperial pigeon, Ducula pinon
- Bismarck imperial pigeon, Ducula melanochroa (E)
- Collared imperial pigeon, Ducula mullerii
- Zoe's imperial pigeon, Ducula zoeae
- Pied imperial pigeon, Ducula bicolor
- Torresian imperial pigeon, Ducula spilorrhoa
- Papuan mountain pigeon, Gymnophaps albertisii
Cockatoos
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae
The cockatoos share many features with other parrots including the characteristic curved beak shape and a zygodactyl foot, with two forward toes and two backwards toes. They differ, however in a number of characteristics, including the often spectacular movable headcrest.
- Palm cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus
- Little corella, Cacatua sanguinea
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo, Cacatua galerita
- Blue-eyed cockatoo, Cacatua ophthalmica (E)
Parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
- Black lory, Chalcopsitta atra
- Brown lory, Chalcopsitta duivenbodei
- Yellow-streaked lory, Chalcopsitta sintillata
- Cardinal lory, Chalcopsitta cardinalis
- Dusky lory, Pseudeos fuscata
- Rainbow lorikeet, Trichoglossus haematodus
- Goldie's lorikeet, Psitteuteles goldiei
- Purple-bellied lory, Lorius hypoinochrous (E)
- Black-capped lory, Lorius lory
- White-naped lory, Lorius albidinuchus (E)
- Red-chinned lorikeet, Charmosyna rubrigularis (E)
- Striated lorikeet, Charmosyna multistriata
- Pygmy lorikeet, Charmosyna wilhelminae
- Red-fronted lorikeet, Charmosyna rubronotata
- Red-flanked lorikeet, Charmosyna placentis
- Fairy lorikeet, Charmosyna pulchella
- Josephine's lorikeet, Charmosyna josefinae
- Papuan lorikeet, Charmosyna papou
- Plum-faced lorikeet, Oreopsittacus arfaki
- Yellow-billed lorikeet, Neopsittacus musschenbroekii
- Orange-billed lorikeet, Neopsittacus pullicauda
- Pesquet's parrot, Psittrichas fulgidus (E)
- Yellow-capped pygmy parrot, Micropsitta keiensis
- Buff-faced pygmy parrot, Micropsitta pusio
- Red-breasted pygmy parrot, Micropsitta bruijnii
- Meek's pygmy parrot, Micropsitta meeki (E)
- Finsch's pygmy parrot, Micropsitta finschii
- Orange-breasted fig parrot, Cyclopsitta gulielmitertii
- Double-eyed fig parrot, Cyclopsitta diophthalma
- Large fig parrot, Psittaculirostris desmarestii
- Edwards's fig parrot, Psittaculirostris edwardsii
- Painted tiger parrot, Psittacella picta
- Brehm's tiger parrot, Psittacella brehmii
- Modest tiger parrot, Psittacella modesta
- Madarasz's tiger parrot, Psittacella madaraszi
- Red-cheeked parrot, Geoffroyus geoffroyi
- Blue-collared parrot, Geoffroyus simplex
- Singing parrot, Geoffroyus heteroclitus
- Great-billed parrot, Tanygnathus megalorynchos
- Eclectus parrot, Eclectus roratus
- Papuan king parrot, Alisterus chloropterus
- Red-winged parrot, Aprosmictus erythropterus
- Papuan hanging parrot, Loriculus aurantiifrons
- Green-fronted hanging parrot, Loriculus tener (E)
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
- Pallid cuckoo, Cuculus pallidus
- Brush cuckoo, Cacomantis variolosus
- Chestnut-breasted cuckoo, Cacomantis castaneiventris
- Fan-tailed cuckoo, Cacomantis flabelliformis
- Black-eared cuckoo, Chrysococcyx osculans
- Horsfield's bronze cuckoo, Chrysococcyx basalis
- Shining bronze cuckoo, Chrysococcyx lucidus
- Rufous-throated bronze cuckoo, Chrysococcyx ruficollis
- White-eared bronze cuckoo, Chrysococcyx meyeri
- Little bronze cuckoo, Chrysococcyx minutillus
- Long-billed cuckoo, Rhamphomantis megarhynchus
- White-crowned koel, Caliechthrus leucolophus
- Dwarf koel, Microdynamis parva
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
- Australian koel, Eudynamys cyanocephala
- Long-tailed koel, Eudynamys taitensis
- Channel-billed cuckoo, Scythrops novaehollandiae
- Violaceous coucal, Centropus violaceus (E)
- Greater black coucal, Centropus menbeki
- Pied coucal, Centropus ateralbus (E)
- Pheasant coucal, Centropus phasianinus
- Lesser black coucal, Centropus bernsteini
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Greater sooty owl, Tyto tenebricosa
- Lesser sooty owl, Tyto multipunctata
- Australian masked owl, Tyto novaehollandiae
- Golden masked owl, Tyto aurantia (E)
- Manus owl, Tyto manusi (E)
- Australasian grass owl, Tyto longimembris
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Rufous owl, Ninox rufa
- Barking owl, Ninox connivens
- Jungle hawk owl, Ninox theomacha
- Manus hawk owl, Ninox meeki (E)
- Bismarck hawk owl, Ninox variegata (E)
- New Britain hawk owl, Ninox odiosa (E)
- Papuan hawk owl, Uroglaux dimorpha
Owlet-nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Aegothelidae
The owlet-nightjars are small nocturnal birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are insectivores which hunt mostly in the air. Their soft plumage is a mixture of browns and paler shades.
- Feline owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles insignis
- Spangled owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles tatei (E)
- Wallace's owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles wallacii
- Archbold's owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles archboldi
- Mountain owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles albertisi
- Barred owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles bennettii
- Australian owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles cristatus
Frogmouths
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 12 species worldwide and two species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Marbled frogmouth, Podargus ocellatus
- Papuan frogmouth, Podargus papuensis
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Spotted nightjar, Eurostopodus argus
- White-throated nightjar, Eurostopodus mystacalis
- Papuan nightjar, Eurostopodus papuensis
- Archbold's nightjar, Eurostopodus archboldi
- Gray nightjar, Caprimulgus indicus (A)
- Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Glossy swiftlet, Collocalia esculenta
- Mountain swiftlet, Aerodramus hirundinaceus
- White-rumped swiftlet, Aerodramus spodiopygius
- Bare-legged swiftlet, Aerodramus nuditarsus
- Mayr's swiftlet, Aerodramus orientalis
- Uniform swiftlet, Aerodramus vanikorensis
- Papuan swiftlet, Aerodramus papuensis
- Papuan needletail, Mearnsia novaeguineae
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Fork-tailed swift, Apus pacificus
Treeswifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Hemiprocnidae
The treeswifts, also called crested swifts, are closely related to the true swifts. They differ from the other swifts in that they have crests, long forked tails and softer plumage.
- Moustached treeswift, Hemiprocne mystacea
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
- Azure kingfisher, Alcedo azurea
- Bismarck kingfisher, Alcedo websteri (E)
- Little kingfisher, Alcedo pusilla
- Papuan dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx solitarius
- Manus dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx dispar
- New Ireland dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx mulcatus
- New Britain dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx sacerdotis
- Blue-winged kookaburra, Dacelo leachii
- Spangled kookaburra, Dacelo tyro
- Rufous-bellied kookaburra, Dacelo gaudichaud
- Shovel-billed kookaburra, Clytoceyx rex
- Blue-black kingfisher, Todirhamphus nigrocyaneus
- Forest kingfisher, Todirhamphus macleayii
- New Britain kingfisher, Todirhamphus albonotatus (E)
- Collared kingfisher, Todirhamphus chloris
- Torresian kingfisher, Todirhamphus sordidus
- Islet kingfisher, Todirhamphus colonus
- Beach kingfisher, Todirhamphus saurophaga
- Sacred kingfisher, Todirhamphus sanctus
- Hook-billed kingfisher, Melidora macrorrhina
- Yellow-billed kingfisher, Syma torotoro
- Mountain kingfisher, Syma megarhyncha
- Little paradise kingfisher, Tanysiptera hydrocharis
- Common paradise kingfisher, Tanysiptera galatea
- Red-breasted paradise kingfisher, Tanysiptera nympha
- Brown-headed paradise kingfisher, Tanysiptera danae (E)
- Buff-breasted paradise kingfisher, Tanysiptera sylvia
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.
- Blue-tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus
- Rainbow bee-eater, Merops ornatus
Typical rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured.
- Blyth's hornbill, Aceros plicatus
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.
- Hooded pitta, Pitta sordida
- Superb pitta, Pitta superba (E)
- Red-bellied pitta, Pitta erythrogaster
- Noisy pitta, Pitta versicolor
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.
- Singing bushlark, Mirafra cantillans
- Australasian bushlark, Mirafra javanica
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Pacific swallow, Hirundo tahitica
- Welcome swallow, Hirundo neoxena
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Striated swallow, Cecropis striolata
- Tree martin, Petrochelidon nigricans
- Fairy martin, Petrochelidon ariel
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Oriental pipit, Anthus rufulus (A)
- Australasian pipit, Anthus novaeseelandiae
- Alpine pipit, Anthus gutturalis
Cettiid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
The Cettiidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds. This is the only newly discovered species in Papua New Guinea.
- Odedi, Cettia haddeni - newly found species
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.
- Black-faced cuckooshrike, Coracina novaehollandiae
- Stout-billed cuckooshrike, Coracina caeruleogrisea
- Yellow-eyed cuckooshrike, Coracina lineata
- Boyer's cuckooshrike, Coracina boyeri
- White-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina papuensis
- Hooded cuckooshrike, Coracina longicauda
- Cicadabird, Coracina tenuirostris
- Sulawesi cicadabird, Coracina morio
- Black-shouldered cicadabird, Coracina incerta
- Grey-headed cuckooshrike, Coracina schisticeps
- New Guinea cuckooshrike, Coracina melas
- Black-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina montana
- Golden cuckooshrike, Campochaera sloetii
- White-winged triller, Lalage tricolor
- Varied triller, Lalage leucomela
- Black-browed triller, Lalage atrovirens
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
- Sooty-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus aurigaster (A)
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Scaly thrush, Zoothera dauma
- Olive-tailed thrush, Zoothera lunulata
- Russet-tailed thrush, Zoothera heinei
- New Britain thrush, Zoothera talaseae
- Island thrush, Turdus poliocephalus
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
- Gray's warbler, Locustella fasciolata
- Tawny grassbird, Megalurus timoriensis
- Little grassbird, Megalurus gramineus
- Fly River grassbird, Megalurus albolimbatus
- Bismarck thicketbird, Megalurulus grosvenori (E)
- Rusty thicketbird, Megalurulus rubiginosus (E)
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis
- Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus
- Australian reed warbler, Acrocephalus australis
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis (A)
- Mountain warbler, Phylloscopus trivirgatus
- Island leaf warbler, Phylloscopus poliocephalus
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Gray-spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa griseisticta
- Siberian rubythroat, Luscinia calliope
- Pied bushchat, Saxicola caprata
Fantails
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders.
- Northern fantail, Rhipidura rufiventris
- Willie-wagtail, Rhipidura leucophrys
- Friendly fantail, Rhipidura albolimbata
- Chestnut-bellied fantail, Rhipidura hyperythra
- Sooty thicket-fantail, Rhipidura threnothorax
- Black thicket-fantail, Rhipidura maculipectus
- White-bellied thicket-fantail, Rhipidura leucothorax
- Black fantail, Rhipidura atra
- Mangrove fantail, Rhipidura phasiana
- Gray fantail, Rhipidura fuliginosa
- Dimorphic fantail, Rhipidura brachyrhyncha
- Rufous-backed fantail, Rhipidura rufidorsa
- Matthias fantail, Rhipidura matthiae (E)
- Bismarck fantail, Rhipidura dahli (E)
- Manus fantail, Rhipidura semirubra (E)
- Rufous fantail, Rhipidura rufifrons
- Arafura fantail, Rhipidura dryas
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.
- Black monarch, Monarcha axillaris
- Rufous monarch, Monarcha rubiensis
- Island monarch, Monarcha cinerascens
- Black-winged monarch, Monarcha frater
- Black-faced monarch, Monarcha melanopsis
- Spot-winged monarch, Monarcha guttulus
- Spectacled monarch, Monarcha trivirgatus
- Hooded monarch, Monarcha manadensis
- Manus monarch, Monarcha infelix (E)
- White-breasted monarch, Monarcha menckei (E)
- Black-tailed monarch, Monarcha verticalis (E)
- Golden monarch, Monarcha chrysomela
- Frilled monarch, Arses telescopthalmus
- Rufous-collared monarch, Arses insularis
- Leaden flycatcher, Myiagra rubecula
- Broad-billed flycatcher, Myiagra ruficollis
- Satin flycatcher, Myiagra cyanoleuca
- Restless flycatcher, Myiagra inquieta
- Shining flycatcher, Myiagra alecto
- Dull flycatcher, Myiagra hebetior (E)
- Black-breasted boatbill, Machaerirhynchus nigripectus
- Yellow-breasted boatbill, Machaerirhynchus flaviventer
Australasian robins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Petroicidae
Most species of Petroicidae have a stocky build with a large rounded head, a short straight bill and rounded wingtips. They occupy a wide range of wooded habitats, from subalpine to tropical rainforest, and mangrove swamp to semi-arid scrubland. All are primarily insectivores, although a few supplement their diet with seeds.
- Greater ground robin, Amalocichla sclateriana
- Lesser ground robin, Amalocichla incerta
- Torrent flycatcher, Monachella muelleriana
- Jacky-winter, Microeca fascinans
- Lemon-bellied flycatcher, Microeca flavigaster
- Yellow-legged flycatcher, Microeca griseoceps
- Olive flyrobin, Microeca flavovirescens
- Canary flycatcher, Microeca papuana
- Garnet robin, Eugerygone rubra
- Alpine robin, Petroica bivittata
- White-faced robin, Tregellasia leucops
- Mangrove robin, Eopsaltria pulverulenta
- Black-chinned robin, Poecilodryas brachyura
- Black-sided robin, Poecilodryas hypoleuca
- Olive-yellow robin, Poecilodryas placens
- Black-throated robin, Poecilodryas albonotata
- White-winged robin, Peneothello sigillatus
- White-rumped robin, Peneothello bimaculatus
- Blue-grey robin, Peneothello cyanus
- Gray-headed robin, Heteromyias albispecularis
- Green-backed robin, Pachycephalopsis hattamensis
- White-eyed robin, Pachycephalopsis poliosoma
- Papuan scrub robin, Drymodes beccarii
Whistlers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pachycephalidae
The family Pachycephalidae includes the whistlers, shrike-thrushes, shrike-tits, pitohuis and crested bellbird.
- Mottled whistler, Rhagologus leucostigma
- Dwarf whistler, Pachycare flavogrisea
- Rufous-naped whistler, Aleadryas rufinucha
- Rusty whistler, Pachycephala hyperythra
- Brown-backed whistler, Pachycephala modesta (E)
- Gray-headed whistler, Pachycephala griseiceps
- Bismarck whistler, Pachycephala citreogaster (E)
- Oriole whistler, Pachycephala orioloides
- Sclater's whistler, Pachycephala soror
- Lorentz's whistler, Pachycephala lorentzi
- Black-tailed whistler, Pachycephala melanura
- Regent whistler, Pachycephala schlegelii
- Golden-backed whistler, Pachycephala aurea
- Black-headed whistler, Pachycephala monacha
- White-bellied whistler, Pachycephala leucogastra
- Rufous whistler, Pachycephala rufiventris
- Rufous shrike-thrush, Colluricincla megarhyncha
- Grey shrike-thrush, Colluricincla harmonica
- White-bellied pitohui, Pseudorectes incertus
- Rusty pitohui, Pseudorectes ferrugineus
- Black pitohui, Melanorectes nigrescens
Oreoicidae
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oreoicidae
- Crested pitohui, Ornorectes cristatus
Wattled ploughbill
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eulacestomidae
- Wattled ploughbill, Eulacestoma nigropectus
Pseudo-babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pomatostomidae
The pseudo-babblers are small to medium-sized birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea. They are ground-feeding omnivores and highly social. There are 5 species and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- New Guinea babbler, Pomatostomus isidorei
- Grey-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis
Logrunners and chowchilla
Order: Passeriformes Family: Orthonychidae
The Orthonychidae is a family of birds with a single genus, Orthonyx, which comprises two types of passerine birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea, the logrunners and the chowchilla. Both use stiffened tails to brace themselves when feeding. There are 3 species and 1 species which occurs in Papua New Guinea.
- New Guinea logrunner, Orthonyx novaeguineae
Whipbirds and quail-thrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclosomatidae
The Cinclosomatidae is a family containing whipbirds, wedgebills and quail-thrushes. There are 15 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Painted quail-thrush, Cinclosoma ajax
- Spotted jewel-babbler, Ptilorrhoa leucosticta
- Blue jewel-babbler, Ptilorrhoa caerulescens
- Chestnut-backed jewel-babbler, Ptilorrhoa castanonota
- Blue-capped ifrita, Ifrita kowaldi
Fairy-wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Maluridae
Maluridae is a family of small, insectivorous passerine birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea. They are socially monogamous and sexually promiscuous, meaning that although they form pairs between one male and one female, each partner will mate with other individuals and even assist in raising the young from such pairings. There are 25 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Orange-crowned fairy-wren, Clytomyias insignis
- Wallace's fairy-wren, Sipodotus wallacii
- Broad-billed fairy-wren, Malurus grayi
- White-shouldered fairy-wren, Malurus alboscapulatus
- Emperor fairy-wren, Malurus cyanocephalus
Thornbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acanthizidae
Thornbills are small passerine birds, similar in habits to the tits. There are 65 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Rusty mouse-warbler, Crateroscelis murina
- Bicoloured mouse-warbler, Crateroscelis nigrorufa
- Mountain mouse-warbler, Crateroscelis robusta
- Beccari's scrubwren, Sericornis beccarii
- Perplexing scrubwren, Sericornis virgatus
- Large scrubwren, Sericornis nouhuysi
- Buff-faced scrubwren, Sericornis perspicillatus
- Papuan scrubwren, Sericornis papuensis
- Grey-green scrubwren, Sericornis arfakianus
- Pale-billed scrubwren, Sericornis spilodera
- Papuan thornbill, Acanthiza murina
- Mountain gerygone, Gerygone cinerea
- Green-backed gerygone, Gerygone chloronotus
- Fairy gerygone, Gerygone palpebrosa
- White-throated gerygone, Gerygone olivacea
- Yellow-bellied gerygone, Gerygone chrysogaster
- Large-billed gerygone, Gerygone magnirostris
- Golden-bellied gerygone, Gerygone sulphurea
- Brown-breasted gerygone, Gerygone ruficollis
- Mangrove gerygone, Gerygone levigaster
Sittellas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Neosittidae
The sittellas are a family of small passerine birds found only in Australasia. They resemble treecreepers, but have soft tails. There are 2 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Black sittella, Neositta miranda
- Varied sittella, Neositta chrysoptera
Australasian treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Climacteridae
The Climacteridae are medium-small, mostly brown-coloured birds with patterning on their underparts. They are endemic to Australia and New Guinea. There are 7 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Papua New Guinea.
- Papuan treecreeper, Cormobates placens
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Black sunbird, Leptocoma sericea
- Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
Berrypeckers and longbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Melanocharitidae
The Melanocharitidae are medium-sized birds which feed on fruit and some insects and other invertebrates. They have drab plumage in greys, browns or black and white. The berrypeckers resemble stout short-billed honeyeaters, and the longbills are like drab sunbirds. There are 10 species, all of which are restricted to New Guinea.
- Obscure berrypecker, Melanocharis arfakiana
- Black berrypecker, Melanocharis nigra
- Lemon-breasted berrypecker, Melanocharis longicauda
- Fan-tailed berrypecker, Melanocharis versteri
- Streaked berrypecker, Melanocharis striativentris
- Spotted berrypecker, Melanocharis crassirostris
- Yellow-bellied longbill, Toxorhamphus novaeguineae
- Slaty-chinned longbill, Toxorhamphus poliopterus
- Dwarf honeyeater, Toxorhamphus iliolophus
- Pygmy honeyeater, Toxorhamphus pygmaeum
Tit berrypecker and crested berrypecker
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paramythiidae
Paramythiidae is a very small bird family restricted to the mountain forests of New Guinea. The two species are colourful medium-sized birds which feed on fruit and some insects.
- Tit berrypecker, Oreocharis arfaki
- Crested berrypecker, Paramythia montium
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues. There are 44 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Olive-crowned flowerpecker, Dicaeum pectorale
- Red-capped flowerpecker, Dicaeum geelvinkianum
- Louisiade flowerpecker, Dicaeum nitidum (E)
- Red-banded flowerpecker, Dicaeum eximium (E)
- Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye. There are 96 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Black-fronted white-eye, Zosterops minor
- White-throated white-eye, Zosterops meeki (E)
- Black-headed white-eye, Zosterops hypoxanthus (E)
- Capped white-eye, Zosterops fuscicapillus
- New Guinea white-eye, Zosterops novaeguineae
- Louisiade white-eye, Zosterops griseotinctus (E)
Honeyeaters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Meliphagidae
The honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of small to medium-sized birds most common in Australia and New Guinea. They are nectar feeders and closely resemble other nectar-feeding passerines.
- Olive straightbill, Timeliopsis fulvigula
- Tawny straightbill, Timeliopsis griseigula
- Long-billed honeyeater, Melilestes megarhynchus
- Green-backed honeyeater, Glycichaera fallax
- Brown honeyeater, Lichmera indistincta
- Silver-eared honeyeater, Lichmera alboauricularis
- White-chinned myzomela, Myzomela albigula (E)
- Red-throated myzomela, Myzomela eques
- Ashy myzomela, Myzomela cineracea (E)
- Dusky myzomela, Myzomela obscura
- Red myzomela, Myzomela cruentata
- Black myzomela, Myzomela nigrita
- New Ireland myzomela, Myzomela pulchella (E)
- Red-headed myzomela, Myzomela erythrocephala
- Mountain myzomela, Myzomela adolphinae
- Scarlet-bibbed myzomela, Myzomela sclateri (E)
- Ebony myzomela, Myzomela pammelaena (E)
- Black-bellied myzomela, Myzomela erythromelas (E)
- Red-collared myzomela, Myzomela rosenbergii
- Forest honeyeater, Meliphaga montana
- Spot-breasted meliphaga, Meliphaga mimikae
- Mountain meliphaga, Meliphaga orientalis
- Scrub honeyeater, Meliphaga albonotata
- Puff-backed honeyeater, Meliphaga aruensis
- Mimic honeyeater, Meliphaga analoga
- Tagula honeyeater, Meliphaga vicina (E)
- Graceful honeyeater, Meliphaga gracilis
- Elegant honeyeater, Meliphaga cinereifrons (E)
- Yellow-gaped honeyeater, Meliphaga flavirictus
- Black-throated honeyeater, Lichenostomus subfrenatus
- Obscure honeyeater, Lichenostomus obscurus
- Varied honeyeater, Lichenostomus versicolor
- Yellow-tinted honeyeater, Lichenostomus flavescens
- Tawny-breasted honeyeater, Xanthotis flaviventer
- Spotted honeyeater, Xanthotis polygramma
- White-throated honeyeater, Melithreptus albogularis
- Plain honeyeater, Pycnopygius ixoides
- Marbled honeyeater, Pycnopygius cinereus
- Streak-headed honeyeater, Pycnopygius stictocephalus
- Meyer's friarbird, Philemon meyeri
- Little friarbird, Philemon citreogularis
- Helmeted friarbird, Philemon buceroides
- White-naped friarbird, Philemon albitorques (E)
- New Britain friarbird, Philemon cockerelli (E)
- New Ireland friarbird, Philemon eichhorni (E)
- Noisy friarbird, Philemon corniculatus
- Leaden honeyeater, Ptiloprora plumbea
- Olive-streaked honeyeater, Ptiloprora meekiana
- Mayr's honeyeater, Ptiloprora mayri
- Rufous-backed honeyeater, Ptiloprora guisei (E)
- Black-backed honeyeater, Ptiloprora perstriata
- Sooty melidectes, Melidectes fuscus
- Bismarck melidectes, Melidectes whitemanensis (E)
- Long-bearded melidectes, Melidectes princeps
- Cinnamon-browed melidectes, Melidectes ochromelas
- Belford's melidectes, Melidectes belfordi
- Yellow-browed melidectes, Melidectes rufocrissalis
- Huon melidectes, Melidectes foersteri (E)
- Ornate melidectes, Melidectes torquatus
- Smoky honeyeater, Melipotes fumigatus
- Spangled honeyeater, Melipotes ater (E)
- Wattled smoky honeyeater, Melipotes carolae - newly found, the 64th species
- Brown-backed honeyeater, Ramsayornis modestus
- Rufous-banded honeyeater, Conopophila albogularis
- Blue-faced honeyeater, Entomyzon cyanotis
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.
- Brown oriole, Oriolus szalayi
- Olive-backed oriole, Oriolus sagittatus
- Green oriole, Oriolus flavocinctus
- Green figbird, Sphecotheres viridis
- Hooded pitohui, Pitohui dichrous
- Variable pitohui, Pitohui kirhocephalus
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
- Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Papuan drongo, Chaetorhynchus papuensis
- Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
- Ribbon-tailed drongo, Dicrurus megarhynchus (E)
- Spangled drongo, Dicrurus bracteatus
Mudnest builders
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallinidae
Grallinidae was a presumed family of passerine birds containing four species which have since been found to be unrelated. Two of the four are still classified together, and these two species occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca
- Torrent-lark, Grallina bruijni
Woodswallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. There are 11 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Great woodswallow, Artamus maximus
- White-breasted woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus
- Bismarck woodswallow, Artamus insignis (E)
- Black-faced woodswallow, Artamus cinereus
Bellmagpies and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cracticidae
The cracticids: currawongs, bellmagpies and butcherbirds, are similar to the other corvids. They have large, straight bills and mostly black, white or grey plumage. All are omnivorous to some degree. There are 12 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Mountain peltops, Peltops montanus
- Lowland peltops, Peltops blainvillii
- Black-backed butcherbird, Cracticus mentalis
- Hooded butcherbird, Cracticus cassicus
- Tagula butcherbird, Cracticus louisiadensis (E)
- Black butcherbird, Cracticus quoyi
- Australian magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen
Birds-of-paradise
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paradisaeidae
The birds-of-paradise are best known for the striking plumage possessed by the males of most species, in particular highly elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the tail, wings or head. These plumes are used in courtship displays to attract females. There are 44 species worldwide and 35 species in Papua New Guinea.
- Loria's bird-of-paradise, Cnemophilus loriae
- Crested bird-of-paradise, Cnemophilus macgregorii
- Yellow-breasted bird-of-paradise, Loboparadisea sericea
- Macgregor's bird-of-paradise, Macgregoria pulchra
- Glossy-mantled manucode, Manucodia atra
- Jobi manucode, Manucodia jobiensis
- Crinkle-collared manucode, Manucodia chalybata
- Curl-crested manucode, Manucodia comrii (E)
- Trumpet manucode, Manucodia keraudrenii
- Short-tailed paradigalla, Paradigalla brevicauda
- Splendid astrapia, Astrapia splendidissima
- Ribbon-tailed astrapia, Astrapia mayeri (E)
- Princess Stephanie's astrapia, Astrapia stephaniae (E)
- Huon astrapia, Astrapia rothschildi (E)
- Carola's parotia, Parotia carolae
- Lawes's parotia, Parotia lawesii (E)
- Wahnes's parotia, Parotia wahnesi (E)
- King-of-Saxony bird-of-paradise, Pteridophora alberti
- Magnificent riflebird, Ptiloris magnificus
- Superb bird-of-paradise, Lophorina superba
- Black sicklebill, Epimachus fastuosus
- Brown sicklebill, Epimachus meyeri
- Black-billed sicklebill, Epimachus albertisi
- Pale-billed sicklebill, Epimachus bruijnii
- Magnificent bird-of-paradise, Cicinnurus magnificus
- King bird-of-paradise, Cicinnurus regius
- Twelve-wired bird-of-paradise, Seleucidis melanoleuca
- Lesser bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea minor
- Greater bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea apoda
- Raggiana bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea raggiana
- Goldie's bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea decora (E)
- Emperor bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea guilielmi (E)
- Blue bird-of-paradise, Paradisaea rudolphi (E)
- Lesser melampitta, Melampitta lugubris
- Greater melampitta, Melampitta gigantea
Bowerbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptilonorhynchidae
The bowerbirds are small to medium-sized passerine birds. The males notably build a bower to attract a mate. Depending on the species, the bower ranges from a circle of cleared earth with a small pile of twigs in the center to a complex and highly decorated structure of sticks and leaves.
- Ochre-breasted catbird, Ailuroedus stonii
- Tan-capped catbird, Ailuroedus geislerorum
- Black-capped catbird, Ailuroedus melanocephalus
- Huon catbird, Ailuroedus astigmaticus
- Northern catbird, Ailuroedus jobiensis
- Black-eared catbird, Ailuroedus melanotis
- Archbold's bowerbird, Archboldia papuensis
- Sanford's bowerbird, Archboldia sanfordi (E)
- Macgregor's bowerbird, Amblyornis macgregoriae
- Streaked bowerbird, Amblyornis subalaris (E)
- Flame bowerbird, Sericulus aureus
- Fire-maned bowerbird, Sericulus bakeri (E)
- Yellow-breasted bowerbird, Chlamydera lauterbachi
- Fawn-breasted bowerbird, Chlamydera cerviniventris
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Gray crow, Corvus tristis
- Torresian crow, Corvus orru
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Metallic starling, Aplonis metallica
- Yellow-eyed starling, Aplonis mystacea
- Singing starling, Aplonis cantoroides
- Atoll starling, Aplonis feadensis
- Yellow-faced myna, Mino dumontii
- Golden myna, Mino anais
- Long-tailed myna, Mino kreffti
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- Mountain firetail, Oreostruthus fuliginosus
- Crimson finch, Neochmia phaeton
- Blue-faced parrotfinch, Erythrura trichroa
- Papuan parrotfinch, Erythrura papuana
- Streak-headed munia, Lonchura tristissima
- Grand munia, Lonchura grandis
- Grey-crowned munia, Lonchura nevermanni
- Hooded munia, Lonchura spectabilis
- Grey-headed munia, Lonchura caniceps
- Mottled munia, Lonchura hunsteini (E)
- New Ireland munia, Lonchura forbesi (E)
- New Hanover munia, Lonchura nigerrima (E)
- Chestnut-breasted munia, Lonchura castaneothorax
- Black munia, Lonchura stygia
- Snow Mountain munia, Lonchura montana
- Alpine munia, Lonchura monticola (E)
- Bismarck munia, Lonchura melaena
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Papua New Guinea.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus (A)
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Papua New Guinea". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
- New Guinea Birds