Birdwatching in Indonesia

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world’s largest island country and a prime holiday destination. Most people associate Indonesia with the tourist island of Bali or the Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park. However, the country is also a great destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it is home to a wide range of unique and beautiful bird species. Indonesia boasts more than 1,700 bird species (nearly 17% of the world’s birds). This is the second-highest number in the world, only second to Colombia. Combining a birdwatching expedition with a private yacht charter will give you a unique perspective on the breathtaking nature of Indonesia and its treasures.

Why go on a birding tour in Indonesia?

As birders, you have plenty of reasons to come to Indonesia for your birdwatching expedition.

Rich avifauna: Indonesia is home to more than 1,700 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The country’s diverse habitats, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves, provide a range of environments for bird species to thrive.
Unique bird species: Indonesia is home to many endemic bird species, meaning that they only exist here. These include the Bali myna, the Sulawesi hornbill, and the birds of paradise.
Beautiful scenery: many of Indonesia’s birdwatching destinations are located in beautiful natural settings, such as Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park, providing birdwatchers with a chance to experience the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Cultural experience: Indonesia is a culturally rich country, and birdwatching tours and charters often provide opportunities to learn more about the local culture and traditions. Besides birdwatching, you visit local villages and cultural sites.

Local Guide in Raja Ampat

How many bird species are there in Indonesia?

As mentioned before, Indonesia is home to more than 1700 bird species. The country’s unique geography, which includes thousands of islands spanning two oceans, has created a wide variety of habitats for birds to thrive, from tropical rainforests and grasslands to coral reefs and coastal areas. Of the 1,700 bird species found in Indonesia, around 600 – 700 are endemic (depending on the source of information). Endemic means that these species can only be observed here. What are some of the birds you can encounter on your trip? We collected a small list of birds and places where you can find them.

Fun and Adventure for the entire Family

Best spots to bird watch in Indonesia

There are many destinations throughout Indonesia that provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, depending on your preferences and the specific species you are hoping to spot. We also highly recommend getting a local birdwatching guide on board with you to get the most out of your trip and to ensure you are visiting birding spots responsibly. Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park are spectacular places to spot some of the species that are endemic to Indonesia.

Birding in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an excellent destination for birdwatching in Indonesia, especially for lovers of bird of paradise species. This region, located in West Papua, is usually known for its stunning dive sites and marine biodiversity, but it is also home to a range of unique bird species such as the Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, red bird-of-paradise, and Palm Cockatoos. In addition, you will encounter several endemic bird species found only in this region, such as the Raja Ampat pitohui and the Waigeo brush-turkey.

Apart from the birds, Raja Ampat also offers stunning natural landscapes. On your charter you can explore the rainforest, mangroves, and coastal areas to spot different species of birds. Raja Ampat is a conservation area, and it is important to respect the local environment and wildlife while enjoying the beautiful bird species and the wonders this region has to offer.

Beautiful Wayag Island

Palm Cockatoo

The Palm Cockatoo, also known as the Goliath Cockatoo, is a large bird native to the lowland rainforests of Raja Ampat and the Aru Islands in eastern Indonesia. Palm Cockatoos are the largest species of cockatoos, with males reaching up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length and weighing up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg), while females are slightly smaller.

Palm Cockatoos have distinctive black plumage and a large crest of feathers on their heads. They have a bright red patch of skin on their cheeks that becomes more prominent during courtship displays. Furthermore, the bird is known for its unique drumming behaviour, which it uses to communicate with other birds and mark their territory. They use a stick or seed pod to beat against the trunks of trees, creating a loud, distinctive sound. If you never heard it before, you will be surprised how loud it can be.

Palm Cockatoo spotted

Red Bird of Paradise

The Red Bird of Paradise, also known as Paradisaea rubra, is a species of bird belonging to the family Paradisaeidae. It is a medium-sized bird that is found primarily in lowland rainforests and forest edges, usually near rivers or other bodies of water of the Indonesian islands of Waigeo and Batanta in West Papua. These birds are sure a highlight when exploring Raja Amapt on a charter and can be easily spotted from a boat. We also recommend jumping on a Kayak to get a closer look at them.

The Red Bird of Paradise is known for its elaborate courtship display, which involves the male bird puffing up its chest, spreading its wings, and performing a series of acrobatic movements. The male bird also makes a series of unique sounds during this show. The female is typically less active during the courtship display, but watches the male’s performance closely.

Wilson’s Bird of Paradise sighting in Raja Ampat

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

Another interesting Bird of Paradise is the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. It is a smaller species of bird of paradise, and can also be found on the Islands of Waigeo and Batanta in Raja Ampat. The male Wilson’s Bird of Paradise is known for its stunning appearance and look. It has bright blue and green plumage on its head, neck, and back, with a black breast and tail. There are two elongated feathers on its tail, which are curved upwards, and a colorful fan of feathers on its chest. The female, on the other hand, is much less colorful. Raja Ampat truly is a paradise for birds and people who love to encounter these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. There might be a correlation between the place and the name of the bird.

Birdwatching Komodo and Rinca Island

Birdwatching in Komodo National Park, particularly on Komodo and Rinca Islands, is a unique experience as the islands have a range of habitats that are home to a variety of bird species. Some of the bird species that can be seen on Komodo Island and Rinca Island include the yellow-crested cockatoo, the green junglefowl, and the collared kingfisher. There are also some endemic species to the region, such as the Flores crow and the Flores monarch. In case you are looking for something bigger to marvel at, the Komodo Dragons are also endemic to Komodo and Rinca Island.

Komodo National Park on a private yacht charter

Yellow-crested Cockatoo

The Yellow-crested Cockatoo is a medium-sized parrot belonging to the family Cacatuidae, which also includes other cockatoos and the corellas. This species can found in Indonesia and East Timor, especially on Komodo Island. They are known for their striking appearance and their intelligent and social nature.

The Yellow-crested Cockatoo is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 30-35 cm in length. They have a distinctive bright yellow crest on their head, which gives them their name. Their plumage is predominantly white, with some yellow and pale orange on the underparts and around the eyes. They have a pretty powerful beak, and watching them open nuts and seeds is quite impressive.

Yellow-Crested Cockatoo in full Beauty

Green Junglefowl

Next on our list is the Green Junglefowl. This species is endemic to Indonesia and can be found in Komodo National Park. The Green Junglefowl has a distinctive appearance, with a bright green metallic plumage on its body and a bright red wattle on its head. The male has a black cape of feathers around its neck, and the female has a more subdued appearance with a brownish-green plumage.

Collared Kingfisher

Last on our list of birds in Komodo is the Collared Kingfisher.This species of bird that can be encountered in different places, including mangroves, forests, and even local gardens. The bird is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Komodo National Park. The Collared Kingfisher is a smaller bird, with an average length of 27-28 cm and a wingspan of approximately 45 cm. Both,the male and female have a similar appearance, with a blue-green back, wings, and tail. They have a white collar around their neck which gives them their name.

Collared Kingfisher in Komodo

Best time to go birdwatching in Indonesia

So, after all the information, you probably ask yourself what is the best time for birdwatching in Indonesia. Exploring the various regions and habitat of bird species on a boat can be generally done all year. However, the best season to sail Raja Ampat is between October and April as the sea is more calm and conditions are better, especially for hiking and land excursions. The best season to visit Komodo is between April to November. Planning a birdwatching expedition also comes down to your preferences and favoured species. Cruising the Indonesian Islands on a yacht allows for tailor-made itineraries and provides much more freedom.