Survey of the montane avifauna of Fergusson Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

We conducted an ornithological survey of the Kilkerran massif on Fergusson Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Our records of Torrent Flycatcher Monachella muelleriana represent the first confirmation of the family Petroicidae in the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago. Additionally, Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, Red-collared Myzomela Myzomela rosenbergii longirostris and Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus were all additions to the avifauna of Fergusson Island. We also report the first visual record of Papuan Mountain Pigeon Gymnophaps albertisii. In total, we recorded 70 species. Notably, we did not observe Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon Otidiphaps insularis, a Fergusson Island endemic, and express concern as to the vulnerability of this virtually unknown species to extinction.