Back at Tanah Batu Putih
But back to dawn at Tanah Batu Putih, where the next great bird identifies itself with a wolf whistle: the ivory-breasted Pitta. Pitas are notoriously difficult to see but, with patience and stealth, you should be successful with this one. If you use tape-playback, seeing this splendid pitta, with its black head, cool white underparts and bright red vent, should not be difficult. If necessary, Anu will expertly whistle one into view for you!
During a 3-4 day visit the prospect of finding Nicobar Pigeon will draw you back to this fascinating hillside, but the favoured birding areas are along the logging track, across the road from Anu’s home, or along the road, where the greater openness makes it easier to spot Halmahera’s other specialities. In the early morning or late afternoon. White Cockatoo, Chattering Lory and Blyth’s Hornbill fly noisily overhead, and you will be rewarded with views of Blue-capped Fruit-dove, White-naped Monarch, Paradise Crow, Halmahera Cuckoo-shrike and Rufous-bellied Triller, to mention just a few of the endemics. Midday is the time to raptor-watch for Gurney’s Eagle, backed by a magnificent panorama looking west to Ternate and Tidore, from a highpoint 2 km up the main road.
Source: Birding Indonesia. Periplus Publishing. Singapore