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Fiji - 10th to 27th June 2002,

Neil.Money@CASE.btinternet.com

BACKGROUND

Not only was this my wife Diana's and my first visit to Fiji, it was also our first visit to the Pacific Islands, although we have visited New Zealand.

The prime reason for the trip was birding, but we wished to give ourselves sufficient time to appreciate other aspects of Fiji life. On a trip of only three weeks, including travelling time to and from Fiji, we decided that we could do this best, and maximise the number of potential species to be seen, by concentrating on the three islands of Viti Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. We divided our time on Viti Levu equally between the east and the west, but did not included the northern forests, so we gave ourselves little chance of seeing Red-throated Lorikeet and Pink-billed Parrotfinch. However, as these species are now very rare and localised there is only a slim chance of seeing them on a single visit and given the logistics of getting to the best sites we decided the time could be better spent.

Also, we decided that we would give ourselves sufficient time at each location to search for birds in case a particular species proved difficult to find. It would have been possible to squeeze our itinerary into two weeks, but success would have been dependant on finding birds quickly and that cannot be guaranteed in rainforests.

Our strategy worked out satisfactorily and we found 19 Fiji endemics and an additional 10 Oceania endemics. I would recommend visiting the islands in the same order. By the time we reached Kadavu we had found most of the species we had expected to see with the exception of the Kadavu endemics. This meant that we were able to relax at little on Kadavu in preparation for the long journey home.

TIMING

June is the Fijian winter so it is cooler and less humid than at other times of the year. However, during our visit daytime temperatures were well in excess of 80F and we did experience some rain especially at higher elevations on Taveuni and on the Suva side of Viti Levu. June appears also to be at the start of the breeding season for many species though the pattern is confused and varies from species to species. Judging by other reports, June is a poor time for seabirds. There were few flowering plants.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

All flights, accommodation and car rental were booked through the Internet. We were not looking for budget accommodation and on all of the islands that we visited there was available a range of cheaper or more expensive accommodation.

We travelled by car from our home on the north coast of Scotland to Aberdeen, from where we flew to London Heathrow by BA to connect with their flight to Los Angeles. From LA we flew by Air Pacific (the Fiji international airline) under a QANTAS flight number to Nadi International Airport in Fiji.

It is a long journey and although we left LA on the Saturday evening we arrived in Fiji on Monday morning local time as we had crossed the International Date Line. On the return flight one arrives in LA before one has left Fiji!!

UK domestic flights and international flights were booked through Expedia.co.uk  - website: www.expedia.co.uk

Internal flights in Fiji were booked through either Air Fiji (www.airfiji.net) or Sun Air (www.fiji.to). To avoid tickets being lost or delayed in the post we arranged to pick them up at either Nadi or Nausori (Suva) airports. The service from both airlines was excellent, though people who do not like flying in small planes should note the planes we used were 15, 9 and 6 seaters.

On Viti Levu we rented a car through Avis (www.avis.com.fj) collecting it at Nadi airport and returning it to Nausori airport.

On Taveuni we used taxis arranged through the hotel. On Kadavu the hotel arranged a boat to take us to Vunisea and we arranged with a local truck driver to take us up to the rainforest for a very modest price. We walked back to Vunisea and took a lift from the resort boat which had crossed to collect new arrivals.

We spent the first few days on Viti Levu at the Anchorage Resort (www.tanoahotels.com) located about 15 minutes drive from the airport, about half way to Lautoka. This was comfortable, quiet and in easy reach of the main birding areas. On the night before leaving Fiji we stayed at the Tanoa International Hotel (www.tanoahotels.com), which, as its name indicates, is more international in style and a lot busier.

On the east of Viti Levu we stayed at the Raintree Lodge (www.raintreelodge.com) close to the Coli-i-Suva Forest Park. We highly recommend this lodge if one is staying on the east side of the island.

On Taveuni we stayed at the Garden Island Resort (www.aquatrek.com), which was very comfortable and with a good restaurant. They were able to arrange taxis, field trips and diving trips.

On Kadavu we stayed at Dive Kadavu at Matana Resort (www.divekadavu.com). This is accessed by a 15 minutes boat trip from the airport and is primarily geared to offering diving opportunities. However, as non-divers we were made very welcome and the proprietors did everything that they could to ensure that we found the Kadavu endemics. The food and hospitality was excellent and we highly recommend it as a base. Kadavu Shining Parrot, Kadavu Honeyeater and Kadavu Fantail were all found in the grounds or close by.

INFORMATION SOURCES

FIELD GUIDES

A Guide to the Birds of Fiji & Western Polynesia Dick Watling illustrated by Chloe Talbot-Kelly, Environmental Consultants (Fiji) Ltd

The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific Pratt, Bruner & Berrett, Princetown University Press

The Watling has been published only recently and proved excellent in field and as a source of background information. Bruner et al was useful as it includes illustrations of more sub species than Watling, some of which are very variable, but we tended to use it as a secondary source. If the choice of only one book has to be made then I recommend the Watling.

SITE GUIDES AND TRIP REPORTS

Where to Watch Birds in Australasia & Oceania Nigel Wheatley, Helm

We referred to the following trip reports:

Fiji, 26^th August - 9^th September 2000 Tony Clarke www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/fiji/fiji1/FIJI%202000.htm

Fiji (6 Islands), July 4 - August 6, 1999 Barry Levine www.crosswinds.net/~birdtrips/Fiji99.html

Kadavu & Suva, Fiji, September 26-29, 1998 Peter Lonsdale www.crosswinds.net/~birdtrips/Kadavu98.html

Fiji March 1996 Susan Myers www.websurf.net.au/~susan/Fiji.htm

FIJI A birders Guide to the Fijian Islands Dave Sargeant published privately, based on a trip in August 1989

Tony Clarke's was the best of these and the most helpful.

TOUR GUIDES AND MAPS

Lonely Planet: Fiji Robert Jones & Leonardo Pinheiro, Lonely Plant Publications

Moon Handbooks: Fiji David Stanley, Avalon Travel

Fiji 1:625,000 Hema Maps Pty Ltd

The Fiji Visitors Bureau has an excellent website at www.bulafiji.com which should be referred early in planning a trip to the country.

For up to date advice on travelling to Fiji, British citizens should refer to the Fiji page on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk and for health advice to www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk. Non-British nationals will find the information on these pages relevant but will wish to follow the advice of their own governments and health authorities.

EXPECTATIONS

The avifauna of Fiji is relatively small with a recorded species list of about 150, including seasonal migrants vagrants and possibly extinct species. There are only 57 breeding land bird species. Thus, given the difficulty of access to remoter areas and islands, visiting birders should be realistic about the number of species that can be found during a 2/3 weeks visit. Depending on the time of the year and the itinerary, a total of between 50 and 60 species is realistic. We managed 59 plus one (Fan-tailed Cuckoo) which was heard but not seen.

SCHEDULE

10^th June

Arrived at Nadi at 5.00am after travelling for 35 hours. After completing the formalities we collected the rental car and headed for the Anchorage Beach Resort Hotel at Verdu Point to catch up on lost sleep. Mid/late afternoon walked through the hotel grounds and along the beach.

11^th June

In the morning drove up to the Nausori Highlands and beyond Nausori Village, but had difficulty in accessing the rainforest from the road. In the late afternoon visited Saweni Flats and Saweni Beach.

12^th June

Drove south on the Queens Road to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park and Kula Eco-Park at Korotoga.

13^th June

Breakfasted at a small cafe near the market in Lautoka and then drove up to the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park at Abaca. Walked up to the waterfall with Anna Bosé from the village as a guide. In the late afternoon visited Saweni Flats.

14^th June

Drove round the Queens Road to Suva and checked in to the Raintree Lodge at Colo-i-Suva. Mid/late afternoon walk along the main track in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

15^th June

A largely non-birding day during the normal tourist things in Suva and sorting out air tickets for later inter island flights. Late afternoon drive along Queen Elizabeth Drive to view the flats around Suva Point.

16^th June

In the morning visited Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and in the afternoon the Pipeline Road at Wailoko Village.

17^th June

In the morning took the car into Colo-i-Suva Forest Park to enable an early start at the furthest point and explored the forest around the lower pools. After obtaining permission from the Forest Office (which was readily given) we walk the Waterfall Track in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve. Late afternoon drive along Queen Elizabeth Drive to view the flats around Suva Point.

18^th June

Visited the Pipeline Road at first light. After a late breakfast checked out of the hotel and headed for Nausori Airport to return the rental car and check in for the flight to Taveuni. By the time we had made the flight and checked in to the Garden Island Resort there was little light left except to explore the small gardens and look for sea birds.

19^th June

Our original intention was to bird the Qeleni Road area as mentioned in Dick Watling's book and in Tony Clarke's trip report. However, both the taxi driver and the driver at the hotel said that the road had deteriorated and was not suitable for vehicles. This left us with the need to make a snap decision so we opted for the Lavena Coastal Walk.

20^th June

The day spent on the Vidawa Forest Hike guided by Isaki from the village of Vidawa. Rewarded with superb views of male Orange Dove and a very confiding adult Silktail. I highly recommend this hike, not only for the birds but also to benefit from Isaki's wealth of knowledge about Fiji culture and wildlife in general.

21^st June

Early morning start to be at the gate on the road to Des Voeux Peak by first light with a guide arranged by the hotel. A walk of only two hours so we did not reach the top but still found most of the main species including Silktail and Orange Dove. Late afternoon drive around Taveuni Estate.

22^nd June

Little time for birding. Flew from Taveuni to Nausori Airport, Viti Levu where we had a two hour wait before the flight to Kadavu. Walked around the grounds and adjacent area of the Matana Beach Resort.

23^rd June

Early morning walk in the vicinity of the hotel and then walked up to the forest above the hotel.

24^th June

Hired a boat in the village to take us back to Vunisea and then paid a truck drive F$10 to drive us up to the rain forest to the west of the town. Spent a couple of hours birding from the road, as we could not find access into the forest. We then walked back down to the airport and got a lift back to Matana on the resort boat that had come over to meet people arriving on the Suva flight.

25^th June

A relaxed day. Walked up to the forest behind Matana Beach Resort in the morning and spent the afternoon on the beach.

26^th June

A morning spent lounging and packing before taking the six-seater Sun Air flight to Nadi where we checked into the Tanoa International Hotel.

27^th June

After over two weeks spent thrashing around the rainforest I was starting to develop what American friends call "warbler neck", and I was much in need of a seabird fix. Before I left for Fiji an e-mail message from Dick Watling had underlined his comments in his book about the paucity of seabirding opportunities. Most of the day boat trips on offer from the Nadi area where based on short boat trips aimed at dropping people on "resort" islands where they could spend the day doing beach activities. Following Tony Clarke's example I opted for the Seaspray Sailing Adventure. This involved taking the catamaran service from Denauri to Mana Island and there transferring to Seaspray for a journey out to Yanuya and Monuriki islands. This maximised the time at sea and at least took me to the outer islands of the Manacuas.  In the event the birding was not as good as on Tony Clarke's trip in September 2000, the highlight being two Bridled Terns, but it was a very enjoyable and a good use of the final day in Fiji.

NOMENCLATURE

For recording I use the Bird Area/Bird Base database produced by Santa Barbara Software and based on Clements. The differences in English names between Clements and Watling and Pratt, Bruner & Berrett are listed below.

SPECIES ENDEMIC TO FIJI

Of the 26 species endemic to Fiji we believed that our itinerary gave us a reasonable chance of seeing 19 species and this we achieved. The other seven species were discounted as being unlikely for the following reasons:

Fiji Petrel: Gua only and extremely rare - six records since 1985
Bar-winged Rail: Last unconfirmed sighting 1973 - presumed extinct
Red-throated Lorikeet: Very rare and localised
Rotuma Myzomela: Rotuma only
Versicoloured Monarch: Ogealevu and Ogeadriki only
Long-legged Warbler: Last record 1973
Pink-billed Parrotfinch: Now extremely rare and localised

While we are by means experts in finding the Fiji endemics the following comments, based on our own limited experience, may help other birders visiting the Islands.

FIJI GOSHAWK
Common and not difficult to see in a range of habitats.

ORANGE DOVE
Seen only in primary rainforest. The birds will sit still, so the key is to hear the call and then to search carefully trees in the vicinity. Isaki, the guide the Vidawa Forest Hike, located our first bird and this trip is probably the surest way of seeing this species.

GOLDEN DOVE
Seen on both visits to the Pipeline Road. Initially located in flight on both occasions.

VELVET DOVE
A bird difficult to find. Knowledge of the calls will greatly assist finding this species.

PEALE'S IMPERIAL-PIGEON
Easily seen in forests. Often sits on exposed branches.

KADAVU SHINING-PARROT
Not difficult to see on Kadavu.

MASKED SHINING-PARROT
Not difficult to see on Viti Levu.

COLLARD LORY
Noisy and active - not difficult to see.

ORANGE-BREASTED MYZOMELA
Common and not difficult to see in open canopy, including gardens.

KADAVU HONEYEATER
Noisy and active - not difficult to see.

GIANT HONEYEATER
Not difficult to see along the Pipeline Road where it foraged in small but very noisy parties.

KADAVU FANTAIL
Seen only in the forest above Matana Beach where it foraged at low/medium height.

SLATY MONARCH
Common in primary/secondary forest where it forages in parties and is easily located by its rasping call.

BLUE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER
A bird difficult to find. Seen only in primary forest.

SILKTAIL
It is essential to get under the forest canopy to see this bird. The best bet is to take the guided Vidawa Forest Hike.

FIJI WOODSWALLOW
Common on overhead wires in west Viti Levu.

LAYARD'S WHITE-EYE
Unlike the Silvereye seen only in forests. Should not be difficult to see as it forages in noisy parties often mixed with Silvereyes.

FIJI BUSH-WARBLER
European birders familiar with Cetti's Warbler will not be surprised that this close relative is more often heard giving its loud song from dense vegetation than it is seen. Commonly heard in forests but luck and determination will be required to get good views.

FIJI PARROTFINCH
Common in small parties foraging in grassland habitats and gardens, but easily overlooked.

SPECIES RECORDED

FE designates Fiji endemics
RE designates regional endemics - species endemic to the Oceania region other than Fiji endemics.
IS designates introduced species

1    GREAT FRIGATEBIRD              Fregata minor palmerstoni
TAVEUNI
1 male and 1 possible immature from Garden Island Resort 19^th.

2    LESSER FRIGATEBIRD  Fregata ariel ariel
VITI LEVU
5 Seaspray cruise on 27^th.
TAVEUNI
20+ (including one party of 10) from Garden Island Resort and 2 over Matei 19^th; 6 from Garden Island Resort on 21^st and 4 on 22^nd.
KADAVU
2 off Matana Beach 23^rd.

3    RED-FOOTED BOOBY      Sula sula
KADAVU
1 off Matana Beach 23^rd.

4    BROWN BOOBY              Sula leucogaster plotus
VITI LEVU
1 Suva Point 15th & 17^th; 11 Seaspray cruise on 27^th.
TAVEUNI
30+ from Garden Island Resort 18^th & 19^th, 5 on 20^th, 10 on 21^st and 3 on 22^nd.
KADAVU
4 off Matana Beach 23^rd.

5    PACIFIC BLACK DUCK    Anas superciliosa
VITI LEVU
30+ Saweni Flats 11^th & 1 on 13^th; 10 on small pond near hotel 12^th & 14^th.

6    WHITE-FACED HERON     Egretta novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
VITI LEVU
3 Saweni Flats 11^th & 2 on 13^th.

7    PACIFIC REEF-EGRET     Egretta sacra sacra
VITI LEVU
Common round the coast with a maximum of 13 at Suva Point on the 17^th. 9 Denauru on 27^th; 7 Seaspray cruise on 27^th. All grey morph except for 3 white morph birds.
TAVEUNI
2 Garden Island Resort 18^th, 1 on 19^th and 2 on 21^st; 3 near Matei 19^th; 1 Lavena 19^th. All grey morph. 1 white morph Garden Island Resort 20^th.
KADAVU
2 Vunisea 24^th.

8    SWAMP HARRIER Circus approximans
VITI LEVU
Common throughout with up to 5 seen in any one day; 1 Mana Island 27^th.
KADAVU
2 Vunisea Forest 24^th; 1 Matana Beach 25^th.

9    FIJI GOSHAWK (FE)        Accipiter rufitorques
VITI LEVU
1 Nausori Highlands 11^th; 1 near Sigatoka 12^th; 1 Abaco Road 13^th; 1 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park 14^th; 1 near Nausori 15^th; 1 Raintree Lodge 17^th.
TAVEUNI
1 Vidawa 19^th & 20^th; 3 Taveuni Estate 21^st.
KADAVU
1 Matana Forest 23^rd; 1 Vunisea Forest 24^th; 1 Vunisea 25^th.

10   BUFF-BANDED RAIL        Gallirallus philippensis sethsmithi
TAVEUNI
1 Taveuni Estate 21^st.
KADAVU
1 Vunisea 24^th.

11   WANDERING TATTLER    Heteroscelus incanus
VITI LEVU
1 Saweni Flats 11^th & 13^th; 1 Suva Point 17^th.
TAVEUNI
1  near Matei 19^th.

12   RUDDY TURNSTONE       Arenaria interpres
VITI LEVU
10 Saweni Flats 11^th; 5 Suva Point 15^th & 7 on 17^th.

13   PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER      Pluvialis fulva
VITI LEVU
6 Suva Point 15^th & 12 on 17^th.

14   GREAT CRESTED-TERN   Sterna bergii cristata
VITI LEVU
Common in small numbers round the coast and on Seaspray cruise with a maximum of 40 at Suva Point on 17^th.
TAVEUNI
1 Garden Island Resort 19^th to 20^th, 2 on 21^st and 1 on 22^nd; 6 near Matei 19^th.
KADAVU
2 off Matana Beach 23^rd & 24^th.

15   BLACK-NAPED TERN       Sterna sumatrana
VITI LEVU
1 Seaspray cruise on 27^th
TAVEUNI
1 Garden Island Resort 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd.
16   BRIDLED TERN       Sterna anaethetus
VITI LEVU
2 Seaspray cruise on 27^th

17   FERAL/ROCK DOVE (IS)  Columba livia
VITI LEVU
Present in Suva, Lautoka and larger settlements
TAVEUNI
Small numbers in Somosomo and larger villages

18   METALLIC PIGEON         Columba vitiensis vitiensis
VITI LEVU
1 Tanoa International Hotel 27^th.
TAVEUNI
1 Des Voeux Peak 21^st.

19   SPOTTED DOVE     Streptopelia chinensis
VITI LEVU
Common in lowland areas
TAVEUNI
1/3 in villages and the Garden Island Resort

20   SHY GROUND-DOVE (RE)         Gallicolumba stairi
KADAVU
1 Matana Beach 23^rd.

21   ORANGE DOVE (FE)        Ptilinopus victor victor
TAVEUNI
Excellent views of 4 males and 8 others heard on Vidawa Forest Hike 20^th; 1 male and 5 females Des Voeux Peak 21^st.

22   GOLDEN DOVE (FE)         Ptilinopus luteovirens
VITI LEVU
1 male near Raintree Lodge 15^th; single males Pipeline Road 16^th & 18^th.

23   VELVET DOVE (FE) Ptilinopus layardi
KADAVU
1 male Vunisea Forest 24^th.

24   PACIFIC IMPERIAL-PIGEON     Ducula pacifica
TAVEUNI
1 seen and 2 others heard Vidawa Forest Hike 20^th;

25   PEALE'S IMPERIAL-PIGEON (FE)       Ducula latrans
VITI LEVU
Common in forest areas
TAVEUNI
Common in forest areas
KADAVU
5 Matana Forest 23^rd and 3 on 25^th; 6 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

26   RED SHINING-PARROT (RE)     Prosopeia tabuensis taviunensis
TAVEUNI
4 seen and 10 others heard Vidawa Forest Hike 20^th; 6 Des Voeux Peak 21^st; 8 Taveuni Estate 21^st.

27   KADAVU SHINING-PARROT (FE)        Prosopeia splendens
KADAVU
5 Matana Beach and Forest 23^rd & 3 on 25^th; 12 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

28   MASKED SHINING-PARROT (FE)       Prosopeia personata
VITI LEVU
Common in forest areas,

29   COLLARED LORY (FE)     Phigys solitarius
VITI LEVU
In the west single birds seen in Nausori Highlands on 11^th and at Abaco on 13^th.. More common in the east particular in forest areas.
TAVEUNI
6 Garden Island Resort 18^th to 23^rd. Common in east coast forests and on Des Voeux Peak.
KADAVU
3 Vunisea 24^th; 6 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

30   WHITE-RUMPED SWIFTLET (RE)       Aerodramus spodiopygius assimilis
VITI LEVI
Common throughout the island.
TAVEUNI
Common over east coast forests and over Taveuni Estate but smaller numbers elsewhere.
KADAVU
20 over Matana Forest 23^rd and 10 on 25^th; 10 over Vunisea Forest 24^th.

31   COLLARED KINGFISHER Todirhamphus chloris
VITI LEVU
Todirhamphus chloris vitiensis
Common in a wide range of habitats including forest
TAVEUNI
Todirhamphus chloris vitiensis
Common in a wide range of habitats including forest. Maximum together 6 near Vidawa on 18^th.
KADAVU
Todirhamphus chloris exima
2 Vunisea 24^th.

32   ORANGE-BREASTED MYZOMELA (FE)        Myzomela jugularis
VITI LEVU
Common in all arboreal habitats.
TAVEUNI
Seen in suitable habitat but less common than in Viti Levu.
KADAVU
Common in Matana Beach and Forest and Vunisea Forest

33   WATTLED HONEYEATER (RE)   Foulehaio carunculata
VITI LEVU
Foulehaio carunculata procerior
Common in wooded areas, extending into hotel gardens
TAVEUNI
Foulehaio carunculata taviunensis
Common in western forests and on Des Voeux Peak

34   KADAVU HONEYEATER (FE)     Xanthotis provocator
KADAVU
5 Matana Beach 22^nd, 2 on 24^th & 25^th; 15+ Matana Beach and Forest 23^rd; 4 Vunisea Forest 24^th; 3 Matana Forest 25^th.

35   GIANT HONEYEATER (FE)         Gymnomyza viridis
VITI LEVU
Gymnomyza viridis brunneirostris
1 Abaco 13^th; 10+ Pipeline Road 16^th & 18^th; 1 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park 16^th; 1 Raintree Lodge 17^th; 2 Waterfall Track 17^th.
TAVEUNI
Gymnomyza viridis viridis
4 Vidawa Forest Hike 20^th; 2 Des Voeux Peak 21^st. Birds on Taveuni very much quieter than those on Viti Levu.

36   SCARLET ROBIN    Petroica multicolor
VITI LEVU
Petroica multicolor kleinschmidti
1 Abaco 13^th; 2 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park 14^th.
TAVEUNI
Petroica multicolor taveunensis
3 Des Voeux Peak 21^st.
KADAVU
Petroica multicolor becki
4 Matana Forest 23^rd & 1 on 25^th.

37   GOLDEN WHISTLER        Pachycephala pectoralis
VITI LEVU
Pachycephala pectoralis graeffi
Fairly common in forests but heard more often than seen.
TAVEUNI
Pachycephala pectoralis torquata
Fairly common in forests but as in Viti Levu heard more often than seen.
KADAVU
Pachycephala pectoralis kandavensis
3 Matana Forest 23^rd & 2 on 25^th; 2 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

38   STREAKED FANTAIL (RE)         Rhipidura spilodera
VITI LEVU
Rhipidura spilodera layardi
Common in forest areas
TAVEUNI
Rhipidura spilodera rufilatralis
Common in forest areas but not as confined to the sub canopy as Viti Levu with some birds foraging in the substage thus making them easier to see.

39   KADAVU FANTAIL (FE)    Rhipidura personata
KADAVU
1 Matana Forest 23^rd & 2 on 25^th.

40   SLATY MONARCH (FE)    Mayrornis lessoni lessoni
VITI LEVU
Common in forests
TAVEUNI
Seen daily in forests but appeared less common than in Viti Levu
KADAVU
10 Matana Forest 23^rd & 3 on 25^th; 4 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

41   FIJI SHRIKEBILL (RE)      Clytorhynchus vitiensis
VITI LEVU
Clytorhynchus vitiensis vitiensis
1 Colo-i-Suva Forest Park 16^th; 1 Waterfall Track 17^th.
TAVEUNI
Clytorhynchus vitiensis layardi
1 Lavena Coastal Walk 19^th.
KADAVU
Clytorhynchus vitiensis compressirostris
1 Matana Forest 23^rd & 25^th.

42   BLACK-THROATED SHRIKEBILL (RE)         Clytorhynchus nigrogularis nigrogularis
VITI LEVU
1 male Pipeline Road 16^th.
KADAVU
1 female Matana Forest 25^th. Very heavy black bill and larger than Kadavu Honeyeater seen close by.

43   VANIKORO FLYCATCHER (RE) Myiagra vanikorensis
VITI LEVU
Myiagra vanikorensis rufiventris
Common and often confiding species
TAVEUNI
Myiagra vanikorensis rufiventris
Seen daily in small numbers.
KADAVU
Myiagra vanikorensis kandavensis
10+ Matana Beach and Forest 23^rd; 2 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

44   BLUE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (FE)   Myiagra azureocapilla
VITI LEVU
Myiagra azureocapilla whitneyi
1 male Waterfall Track 17^th.
TAVEUNI
Myiagra azureocapilla azureapilla
1 male Des Voeux Peak 21^st.

45   SILKTAIL (FE)        Lamprolia victoriae victoriae
TAVEUNI
3 (1 adult 2 immatures) Vidawa Forest Hike 20^th; 2 immatures Des Voeux Peak 21^st.

46   FIJI WOODSWALLOW (FE)      Artamus mentalis
VITI LEVU
Common in all lowland areas but scarcer in forests.
TAVEUNI
1 near Vidawa 20^th; 1 Vidawa Forest 20^th; 1 near  Matei 22^nd.

47   POLYNESIAN TRILLER (RE)      Lalage maculosa
VITI LEVU
Lalage maculosa pumila
Common in a wide range of habitats from the hotel gardens to highland forests.
TAVEUNI
Lalage maculosa woodi
4 Vidawa Forest 20^th; 2 Des Voeux Peak 21^st; 1 Garden Island Resort 22^nd.
KADAVU
Lalage maculosa soror
2 Matana Forest 23^rd; 6 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

48   AUSTRALASIAN MAGPIE (IS)   Gymnorhina tibicen
TAVEUNI
2 Bouma 20^th; 2 Taveuni Estate 21^st.

49   ISLAND THRUSH    Turdus poliocephalus
TAVEUNI
Turdus poliocephalus tempesti
5 Des Voeux Peak 21^st.
KADAVU
Turdus poliocephalus ruficeps
1 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

50   POLYNESIAN STARLING (RE)   Aplonis tabuensis vitienis
TAVEUNI
2 Taveuni Estate 21^st; 2 Garden Island Resort 22^nd.
KADAVU
1 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

51   COMMON MYNA (IS)        Acridotheres tristis
VITI LEVU
Abundant in all lowland areas
TAVEUNI
Common in lowland areas

52   JUNGLE MYNA (IS)          Acridotheres fuscus
VITI LEVU
Common but easily overlooked in mixed flocks with Common Myna. Seen at higher altitudes than that species.
TAVEUNI
Common in lowland areas.

53   PACIFIC SWALLOW        Hirundo tahitica subfusca
VITI LEVU
Common with maximum flock of 30 at small pond near Anchorage Beach Hotel.
TAVEUNI
1 or 2 seen daily.
KADAVU
2 Matana Beach 23^rd & 24^th; 2 Vunisea airport 24^th; 1 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

54   RED-VENTED BULBUL (IS)        Pycnonotus cafer
VITI LEVU
Common in a wide range of habitats.

55   SILVER-EYE  Zosterops lateralis flaviceps
VITI LEVU
Fairly common in wooded habitats, not restricted to forests
KADAVU
4 Matana Forest 23^rd; 10 Vunisea Forest 24^th.

56   LAYARD'S WHITE-EYE (FE)       Zosterops explorator
VITI LEVU
Restricted to forest habitats where it was fairly common.
TAVEUNI
5 Vidawa Forest 20^th.
KADAVU
3 Matana Forest 23^rd; 20+ Vunisea Forest 24^th.

57   FIJI BUSH-WARBLER (FE)        Cettia ruficapilla
VITI LEVU
Cettia ruficapilla badiceps
Commonly heard in forest but difficult to see. Excellent views obtained of one bird in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.
TAVEUNI
Cettia ruficapilla funebris
Heard in all forest areas but only fleeting views obtained.
KADAVU
Cettia ruficapilla ruficapilla
Good views of two birds in Matana Forest 23^rd & 2 singing 25^th.

58   RED AVADAVAT (IS)        Amandava amandava
VITI LEVU
Small numbers seen in grassland habitats.
KADAVU
3 near Matana Beach 23^rd.

59   FIJI PARROTFINCH (FE)  Erythrura pealii
VITI LEVU
Small numbers seen in grassland habitats.

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