Birdlife of the South-west Pacific Islands – 2023
These photographs were taken during a field trip to several islands in the South-west Pacific in 2023 — a region known for its isolation and remarkable avifauna. While the number of bird species is relatively limited due to the geographical isolation of these islands, the diversity in form, behavior, and especially plumage is striking.
Pigeons and doves were the main focus of this journey. These birds take on an extraordinary role here — both ecologically and visually. Some of the most colorful and unique species of columbids on Earth can be found in these islands, and they were a key reason for planning this trip.
Orange Dove
Cloven-feathered Dove
Whistling Dove
Golden Dove
Many-colored Fruit Dove
Many-colored Fruit Dove
Whistling Dove
Golden Dove
Cloven-feathered Dove
Vanikoro Flycatcher
Fiji Goshawk
Collared Lory
Yellow-throated Fiji Whistler
Kikau
Pacific Kingfisher
Fiji Woodswallow
Fiji Parrotfinch
Sacred Kingfisher
New Caledoninan Parakeet
Red-throated Parrotfinch
New Caledoninan Streaked Fantail
New Caledonian Myzomela
Ouvea Parakeet
Ouvea Parakeet
Small Lifou White-eye
Goliath Imperial Pigeon
Kagu
Kagu
Cardinal Myzomela
New Caledonian Crow
White-bellied Goshawk
Grey-eared Honeyeter
Vanuatu Kingfisher
Buff-bellied Monarch
Slaty Monarch
Taveuni Silktail
Sulphur-breasted Myzomela
Fiji Parrotfinch