Papua New Guinea: New Britain Extension
New Britain is an interesting geological hotspot that holds many bird species endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, contributing significantly to the avian diversity of the New Guinea region. We will have an excellent chance to see 26 endemic species (including New Britain’s fourteen endemic bird species and the additional twelve bird species endemic to both New Britain and New Ireland).
More Details About this Trip:
As we explore the rainforests and rivers and other habits in this stunning tropical island between the Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Seas, we will add about fifty-plus trip birds (most of them life birds for nearly everyone on the tour). Besides the endemics bird species, we will pick up a nice selection of other Bismarck and New Guinea specialties.
After a short plane ride from Port Moresby, we will enjoy the nicest accommodations and the easiest logistics of the tour. Accommodations are four-star plus and a luxurious resort, which caters to both scuba divers and bird-watchers. All birding is within one hour of the resort.
Pricing: $2,690 US Dollars or 2,150 GBP for 5 Days and 4 Nights. Extensions available.
Group Size: Most tours are viable at 4 to 8 participants (priced at 7 participants).
Upcoming Dates:
July/August, 2024
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Birds
Black Honey Buzzard, Grey (New Britain) Sparrowhawk, New Britain Friarbird, White-mantled (New Britain) Kingfisher, White-mantled (New Britain) Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Violet Coucal, Pied Coucal, Spangled (New Britain) Boobook, Rufous Boobook, Black-tailed Monarch, Ashy Myzomela, Splendid (New Britain) Myzomela, Bismarck Black Myzomela, Sclater’s (Scarlet-bibbed) Myzomela, Red-banded (Bismarck) Flowerpecker, White-backed (Bismarck) Wood-Swallow, Bismarck Fantail, Velvet Flycatcher, Sooty (Buff-bellied) Munia, Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon, Black Imperial Pigeon, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Finsch’s (Growling) Imperial Pigeon, Island (Floury) Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-legged Pigeon, Pied Cuckoo-Dove, MacKinlay's (Spot-breasted) Cuckoo-Dove, Purple Ground Dove, Bronze Ground Dove, Knob-billed Fruit Dove, Nicobar Pigeon, Long-tailed Myna, Purple-bellied Lory, Blue-eyed Cockatoo, Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, Singing Parrot, Green-fronted Hanging Parrot, Melanesian Megapode, King (Blue-breasted) Quail, White-rumped Swiftlet, Island Monarch, Golden Whistler, Greater Frigatebird, Lesser Frigatebird, Heinroth’s Shearwater, Black Noddy, Swift Tern, Roseate Tern, Bridled Tern, Far Eastern Curlew and Grey-tailed Tattler.
Mammals
Variable Flying Fox, Great Flying Fox, Bismarck Giant Rat
Habitats and
Special Sites
The coastal fringes are flat and bordered by superb coral reefs. Most of the island is covered with tropical rainforest, lowland rainforest from sea level to 1000m, and montane rainforest at elevations above 1000m. Lowland rainforest below 100m is being rapidly lost to oil palm plantations and although pristine areas of wilderness remain and the populations of endemics are secure, their long-term status is less certain. Forests are interrupted by open grasslands and several large rivers. Both dormant and active volcanoes.
Other Attractions
Diving, snorkeling, tribal culture, colonial and WW2 history
