Biak Island in Indonesia is a haven for bird enthusiasts as it boasts of an impressive avian diversity. With its lush rainforests, mangrove swamps, and coastal wetlands, the island provides the perfect habitat for a range of bird species.
Biak is especially known for its bird endemics such as the Biak scrubfowl, Biak paradise-kingfisher, Biak black flycatcher, and Biak monarch, to name a few. Some of these species are found nowhere else in the world, making Biak an important destination for bird watching and conservation efforts.
The island's unique birdlife is a testament to the significance of preserving natural habitats and protecting biodiversity.
1. Biak Monarch
The Biak monarch, also known as the Biak monarch flycatcher, is a bird species found exclusively in Biak Island, Indonesia.
This bird belongs to the Monarchidae family and prefers the subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests.
Sadly, the Biak monarch is facing a significant threat from habitat loss due to forest clearing for agricultural purposes and logging.
As a result, the total population of this bird is estimated to be around 2,500 to 9,999. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this unique species and prevent its extinction.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Symposiachrus |
| Species | S. brehmii |
2. Geelvink pygmy parrot
The Geelvink pygmy parrot is a tiny parrot species from Western New Guinea. Its name is derived from a Dutch ship and family called Geelvinck. The bird has a brown head with a blue crown and light blue ear covert.
The breast is yellow, while the body is green. This small parrot can be found in two locations; Numfor and Biak islands in Western New Guinea. There are two subspecies of the Geelvink pygmy parrot; the nominate species on Numfor and M.
g. misoriensis on Biak island. These birds are a natural wonder and worthy of appreciation.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Micropsitta |
| Species | M. geelvinkiana |
3. Biak white-eye
The Biak white-eye bird, a member of the Zosteropidae family, makes its home in the lowland forests of the Biak and Supiori islands in Indonesia. This small tropical bird is threatened by habitat loss, which has become a significant issue for many species across the globe.
Despite its size, the Biak white-eye is a notable and important part of its ecosystem. Its unique features and behaviors add diversity to the local wildlife, and it contributes to the natural balance of its environment. Protecting the Biak white-eye bird is crucial for its continued survival and for the future of the forests it calls home.
It is up to us to take action to preserve its habitat and the many species that rely on it.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. mysorensis |
4. Biak coucal
The Biak coucal bird is a cuckoo species that can only be found in West Papua, Indonesia. This unique bird species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Despite its beauty and distinctiveness, the Biak coucal bird is sadly threatened by habitat loss. Its natural home is the forest, and as forests become smaller due to deforestation and other human activities, the Biak coucal bird's survival is put in jeopardy.
This is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed, as the extinction of the Biak coucal bird would be a loss not only to Indonesia but to the world.
It is important to raise awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the habitats of endangered species like the Biak coucal bird.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. chalybeus |
5. Biak black flycatcher
The Biak black flycatcher is an endemic species of bird found in Biak, Indonesia. It is a member of the Monarchidae family and commonly known as the Biak flycatcher.
This bird thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests. Unfortunately, it is facing challenges due to habitat loss in its natural habitat.
The Biak black flycatcher has also been referred to as Biak Myiagra, black flycatcher, and black Myiagra flycatcher. Its appearance includes a black body, white undertail coverts, and gray wings.
It feeds on insects and is known for its flycatching abilities. Despite its small size, this bird plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in its ecosystem. The potential extinction of this species would be detrimental to the biodiversity of our planet.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Myiagra |
| Species | M. atra |
6. Biak scrubfowl
The Biak scrubfowl, also known as Megapodius geelvinkianus, is a bird that can only be found on certain islands in West Papua, Indonesia. This species is a part of the Megapodiidae family and is approximately 36 cm in length.
Their feathers are primarily dark grey, with a slight crest and a reddish or bluish face. The bird’s legs range in color from red to dark grey.
As their name suggests, Biak scrubfowls are known to scratch in the dirt and use vegetation to make nesting mounds that can be over a meter high.
Once the eggs are laid, they use the heat generated by decomposition to incubate the eggs. This unique behavior allows them to survive in low oxygen environments found in volcanic ash fields.
The Biak scrubfowl is an interesting bird that has adapted to its environment in a fascinating way.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Megapodiidae |
| Genus | Megapodius |
| Species | M. geelvinkianus |
7. Biak leaf warbler
The Biak leaf warbler is a fascinating bird found only on the Indonesian island of Biak. This species belongs to the Phylloscopidae family and is classified as an Old World warbler.
What makes the Biak leaf warbler unique is its appearance and behavior. It is a small bird with a distinctive olive green and yellow plumage, making it easy to spot.
Moreover, it is known for its habit of flitting around in the upper canopy of trees, rarely coming down to ground level.
The Biak leaf warbler mainly feeds on small invertebrates and insects, which it pecks at with precision from among the leaves.
This species has not been extensively studied, and little is known about its breeding habits or migration patterns.
Despite its elusiveness and lack of research, the Biak leaf warbler is a valuable contribution to the avian diversity of Indonesia.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Genus | Phylloscopus |
| Species | P. misoriensis |
8. Black-browed triller
The Black-browed triller is a bird species belonging to the Campephagidae family. It inhabits northern New Guinea and prefers subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests for dwelling.
The Biak triller was once known to be a subspecies of this bird. The Black-browed triller is known for its distinctive dark brow and is native to the region's diverse ecosystem.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Campephagidae |
| Genus | Lalage |
| Species | L. atrovirens |
