Seram Island is a beautiful island in Eastern Indonesia that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species. Located in the heart of the Moluccas archipelago, Seram Island is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches.
The avian fauna found on this island is especially unique, owing to its location at the crossroads of different ecosystems, and thus the birds found here are unlike those found in other parts of Indonesia.
Many bird lovers flock to Seram Island to witness the famous bird species endemic to this region, making it a popular destination for ecotourism.
In this article, we will explore some of the fascinating bird species found on Seram Island and their significance in the realm of biodiversity conservation.
1. Blue-Eared Lory
The Blue-eared lory, also called the Ceram lory, is a beautiful and unique parrot found exclusively in Indonesia’s Seram Island. This species is the smallest Eos, measuring only 24 cm in length.
It has a stunning red body with contrasting blue cheeks, chin, and ear-coverts. Its abdomen and undertail coverts are a beautiful purple-blue shade, and its wings are streaked with black.
Juvenile individuals have an orange beak that turns into a bright orange color as they mature.
Due to habitat destruction and the pet trade, these birds face potential threats in the wild, making it essential to protect them from further harm.
The Blue-eared lory’s vibrant colors and petite size make it a popular species among bird enthusiasts, a beautiful creature that deserves our admiration and protection.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Eos |
| Species | E. semilarvata |
2. Purple-Naped Lory
The Purple-naped lory is a rare species of parrot found in the dense forests of Seram, Ambon, Haruku, and Saparua islands in Indonesia. These beautiful birds are considered endangered due to their capture for the cage-bird trade.
The main distinction of this parrot is its striking purple nape, hence the name. The Purple-naped lory was originally described by Carl Linnaeus, a renowned Swedish naturalist.
These forest dwellers are an important species in the ecosystem as they aid in seed dispersal and pollination.
Urgent measures are required to conserve this species, ensuring their survival for future generations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Lorius |
| Species | L. domicella |
3. Seram Friarbird
The Seram friarbird, also called the grey-necked friarbird or honeyeater, is a bird species found solely in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands. It thrives in subtropical or tropical mangroves and lowland forests with moist conditions.
As its name suggests, this bird feeds mainly on honey and nectar from flowering plants. Its grey neck distinguishes it from other friarbirds, while its cream-colored plumage provides a subtle beauty to its appearance.
Due to its limited range and habitat preferences, the Seram friarbird is categorized as a near-threatened species.
It serves as an important pollinator, an ecological role that ensures the continuity of plant species in its habitat.
With adequate conservation efforts, the Seram friarbird can continue to play its significant roles in the ecosystems of the Maluku Islands.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Genus | Philemon |
| Species | P. subcorniculatus |
4. Seram Mountain Pigeon
The Seram mountain pigeon is a unique species of bird found only on the island of Seram in Indonesia. This medium-sized pigeon is distinct from others due to its buff-pink face and breast, as well as its wine-pink underparts.
It is well adapted to life in hill forests and prefers to inhabit these areas. Previously thought to be a subspecies of the Buru mountain pigeon, the Seram mountain pigeon was recognized as a separate species based on its appearance.
Its coloring and features make it a fascinating bird to observe and study. The Seram mountain pigeon plays an important role in the ecosystem of Seram Island and has adapted to its environment in order to thrive.
Its unique traits and adaptations are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Gymnophaps |
| Species | G. stalkeri |
5. Seram Honeyeater
The Seram honeyeater bird is a unique species found only in Indonesia, particularly in the Southern Maluku Islands on the Seram Island. It belongs to the Meliphagidae family and inhabits the subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
This bird’s distinctive features make it stand out from other honeyeater species. While it appears smaller in size, its unique honeyeater beak and wings enable it to survive in its natural habitat.
The Seram honeyeater bird plays an essential role in pollination and maintaining the ecological balance, making it a vital part of the ecosystem.
As this bird faces threats of habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activity and climate change, measures must be taken to protect and preserve this unique and important species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Genus | Lichmera |
| Species | L. monticola |
6. Long-Crested Myna
The Long-crested myna is a type of starling found exclusively on Seram Island. It is known for its long, flashy crest atop its head. This bird species can be found in damp lowland forests, as well as moister, elevated mountain forests.
Its natural habitat provides it with a diverse range of food options, which include fruits, insects, and small reptiles. The Long-crested myna is a social bird that is not afraid to interact with humans.
Observers have noted that they can be quite comical, often hopping around on the ground and making various types of calls.
Overall, the Long-crested myna is a unique and charming species that is worth keeping an eye out for when visiting Seram Island.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Basilornis |
| Species | B. corythaix |
7. Ashy Flowerpecker
The Ashy flowerpecker, also known as Dicaeum vulneratum, is a bird from the Dicaeidae family. Found only in Indonesia, specifically on the islands of Seram, Ambon, and other nearby areas in the Banda Arc.
It thrives in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and montane forests. It has a close relationship with other Dicaeum species.
This small and active bird is known for its distinctive ashy gray coloring on its head and body, with a white belly and red eyes.
Its beak is short and conical, used for feeding on fruits, insects, and nectar. The Ashy flowerpecker is an important bird that plays a role in the forest ecosystem, as it helps to pollinate and disperse seeds.
However, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation and human activities.
Therefore, conservation efforts are essential to protect this unique and remarkable bird.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicaeidae |
| Genus | Dicaeum |
| Species | D. vulneratum |
8. Grey-Collared Oriole
The Grey-collared Oriole, also known as the Seram Oriole, is a member of the Oriolidae family. This bird is only found on the island of Seram and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Its natural home is in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, where it feeds on insects and berries. The Grey-collared Oriole has a distinct grey collar, which gives it its name. Its bright yellow plumage makes it easy to spot in its natural habitat.
The Oriole has a beautiful and melodious song, which can be heard from trees in the forest. Despite being native to only one island, the Grey-collared Oriole is a much-loved bird by both birdwatchers and locals in Seram.
This bird is of conservation concern, and measures are currently being taken to preserve its habitat and population.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Oriolidae |
| Genus | Oriolus |
| Species | O. forsteni |
9. Streak-Breasted Fantail
The Streak-breasted fantail bird is a creature of Indonesia that is found exclusively on Seram Island. It belongs to the family of Rhipiduridae and thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
This bird is part of a larger group that includes the long-tailed fantail of the Tanimbar Islands and is therefore closely related to this species.
The Streak-breasted fantail bird is characterized by its distinct streaked breast and is known for its remarkable agility and swift movements.
It feeds on a diverse array of insects, including flies, beetles, and bugs. Despite the limited range of this species and its small population size, the Streak-breasted fantail bird remains an important component of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Genus | Rhipidura |
| Species | R. dedemi |
10. Drab Myzomela
The Drab myzomela, also known as the Seram myzomela, is a bird that belongs to the Meliphagidae family. It is found only in Indonesia’s islands, including Seram, Boano, and Ambon.
This bird prefers to inhabit subtropical or tropical lowland forests and thrives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The Drab myzomela’s natural habitats are ideal for its survival, where it can maintain its population.
Although this bird’s appearance is not striking, it has ecological value. Its behavior and contribution to the ecosystem are unique and important for the surrounding environment.
Therefore, it is necessary to protect the Drab myzomela and its habitat for its long-term conservation.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Genus | Myzomela |
| Species | M. blasii |
11. Lazuli Kingfisher
The Lazuli kingfisher, with its bright blue and white plumage, is a unique and striking species found only on a few islands in the south Moluccas. These birds can be found in lowland wooded areas, as well as cultivated areas and mangroves, often seen alone or in pairs.
Unlike other kingfishers, the Lazuli kingfisher has a pale blue underside, making it easy to identify among its peers. Their vocalizations are loud and lively, characterized by a series of “ker-chick” and “ki-ki-” sounds.
As a member of the Alcedinidae family, this bird is an expert in fishing, hunting for small creatures near water sources.
While they may be relatively unknown to the wider world, Lazuli kingfishers are a valuable and beautiful part of their local ecosystems.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Halcyoninae |
| Genus | Todiramphus |
| Species | T. lazuli |
12. Seram White-Eye
The Seram white-eye bird is a tiny passerine bird found in Indonesia. It mostly resides in open woodland areas on the island of Seram. This bird is an endemic resident breeder on the island.
It was once believed to be a subspecies of the black-fronted white-eye bird, but it has since been confirmed to be a separate species by Pamela C. Rasmussen and colleagues.
This research also confirmed the specific status of the black-fronted white-eye bird.
The Seram white-eye bird belongs to the white-eye family and is known for its small size.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. stalkeri |
13. Seram Golden Bulbul
The Seram golden bulbul is a species of songbird found exclusively in the Moluccas. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It was previously thought to be the same species as the northern and Buru golden bulbul.
Its scientific name is Hypsipetes affinis. The Seram golden bulbul belongs to the Pycnonotidae family. It was originally placed in the Criniger genus.
The bird’s striking appearance is due to its bright golden plumage. This bird’s diet consists of fruit and insects.
Its unique call is a pleasant chirping sound. Its habitat is currently threatened by deforestation. Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Seram golden bulbul’s population.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Hypsipetes |
| Species | H. affinis |