Birding Trip in North Sulawesi with A Canadian Birdwatcher

A trip Report by Charles Roring during 1 week birding trip in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Temboan Hill, Lake Tondano, Lake Linow, Mount Mahawu, Sonder's Mount Lengkoan Forest, Tincep's Rice Rield, Kengkang Waterfall and the outskirts of Manado city

From 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, I organized tour and guided Fred Hareau, a Canadian birdwatcher, on a birding trip across the Province of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. 

We went to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Naun River, Lake Tondano, Lake Linow, Rurukan village, Mount Mahawu of Tomohon, Sonder's forest and rice field as well as Tincep's waterfall. 

Birding in North Sulawesi

Tangkoko Forest and Temboan Hill (31 December 2025 - 1 January 2026)

In Tangkoko's forest, we saw Rusty-backed Trush, Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Babbler, Ruddy Kingfisher, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Black-billed Koel, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Maroon-chinned, Finch-billed Myna, White-necked Myna, Chinese Sparrowhawk, White-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Maroon-chinned Fruit-dove, Isabelline Bush-hen, Black-billed Koel, and etc. For mammals, we saw Sulawesi Bear Cuscus and Celebes-crested Macaque.

Celebes-crested Macaque

Naun River (2 January 2026)

We also did a trip by motorized boat to Naun River to find Great-billed Kingfisher. Along the sea cliffs, beach and river area, we also saw a lot of shore birds including Blue Rock Thrush, Pied Imperial Pigeon, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, Little Egret, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sand Piper, Terek Sandpiper, Nankeen Night Heron, Medium Egret, Great-tailed Tattler, Terek Sandpiper, Pied Stilt and etc. 

We did night birding walks during our stay in Tangkoko. We saw Ochre-bellied Boobok, Speckled Boobook, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Northern Boobok, and Sulawesi Nightjar.

Lake Tondano (3 January 2026)

After spending 3 nights in Tangkoko, on January 3, 2026, we continued our trip to Lake Tondano where we watched Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Dusky Moorhen, Oriental Reed Warbler, White-browed Crake, Barred Rail, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, Javan Pond Heron and Cattle Egret. 

During our night birding activity in Tomohon, we saw Sulawesi-masked Owl. 

Tomohon and Mount Mahawu (4 to 5 January 2026)

On 4 January 2026, we took a morning birding trip in Rurukan village to see Sulawesi Pitta. After that we continued our trip to Mount Mahawu to watch Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Warbling White-eye, and Black-crowned White-eye.

We also visited the volcanic Lake Linow near Lahendong village. There, we watched Sunda Teal, (perhaps) Whiskered Tern (in winter plumage), Sunda Teal, Collared Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Australasian Swamphen, Barn Swallow, Javan Pond Heron, and etc.

Sonder (6 January 2026)

During our birding trip in Sonder's forest from 5 to 6 January 2026 from Mount Lengkoan to Tincep's rice field and Kengkang Waterfall, we experienced a lot of rain. However, we were able to watch Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Mountain Tailorbird, Hair-crested Drongo, Sulawesi Myzomela, Black-faced Munia, Barred Rail, Collared Kingfisher, Pied Stilt, Javan Pond Heron, Zebra Dove, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle,  Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Black-naped Oriole, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon. 

Manado city (7 January 2026)

To do our last morning birding walk, we left Tomohon town at 05:48 for the outskirts of Manado city. We saw Yellow-billed Malkoha, Javan Myna, Brown-throated Sunbird, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Crow, and three birds of Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora). We were quite surprised to see these birds because they were not a native bird of Sulawesi. Perhaps they escaped from cages that belonged to someone in Manado city. There was a raptor soaring high in the sky. We could not see it well because the weather was cloudy. Perhaps, it was Spotted Harrier. 

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Also read:

• Birdwatching in Sonder

Birding in Minahasa Highland: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts

Nestled in the heart of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Minahasa Highland offers a rich tapestry of ecosystems—from misty volcanic peaks to lush rice paddies—making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. This region boasts a remarkable diversity of endemic and migratory species, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. Key birding hotspots include: Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's farm forests, Mount Lengkoan, the surrounding rice fields, and the tranquil Kengkang Waterfall.

Mount Mahawu: A Volcanic Birding Haven

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Mount Mahawu, an active volcano near Tomohon, is renowned for its highland forests and panoramic views. Birdwatchers here can encounter species such as the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (Actenoides princeps), Sulawesi Pitta (Erythropitta celebensis), Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), and Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus). The dense canopy also shelters the elusive Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla), known for its distinctive "whoop-a whoop" call. 

Warbling White-eye

Lake Linow: Wetland Wonders

Lake Linow, a volcanic crater lake near Tomohon, is a haven for waterfowl. Birdwatchers can observe species like the Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, and the White-breasted Waterhen. The surrounding wetlands also attract migratory birds, offering a dynamic birding experience.

White-browed Crake were walking through rice plants

Sonder's Farm Forests & Rice Fields: Avian Abundance

The fertile farmlands of Sonder, including the villages of Talikuran and Tincep, are teeming with birdlife. In the farm forests, birders can spot the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus), Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos temminckii), and the Pale Blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella). The adjacent rice fields host species like the Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla), Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), and the Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus), and the shy White-browed Crake.

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Mount Lengkoan: Highland Forests and Endemics

Mount Lengkoan, located near Sonder, offers a blend of montane and lowland forest habitats. Birdwatchers can encounter the Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus), Sulawesi Myzomela, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nehrkorni), and the Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis virescens). The transitional zone between lower and higher elevation forests is particularly rich in endemic species (birding-tour.blogspot.com).

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Tincep's Waterfall: A Serene Birding Spot

Tincep's Waterfall, located near Subdistrict town of Sonder, provides a tranquil setting for birdwatching. The surrounding forested areas are home to species like the Sulawesi-crested Myna (Basilornis celebensis), Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis), and the Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea). The combination of water and forest habitats makes it an ideal location for diverse bird species (birding-tour.blogspot.com).

Planning Your Birding Adventure

For those interested in exploring Minahasa Highland's avian treasures, several local guides and tour operators offer specialized birding tours. These tours typically span 7 days and include visits to key birding sites such as Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, and Sonder's farmlands. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak migratory seasons.

Birding Photography Tips
To capture the rich avian diversity of Minahasa Highland, consider the following tips:

• Binoculars: Essential for spotting distant birds.
• Camera Gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (600 mm or more) is ideal.
• Clothing: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
• Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime birding times.
• Local Knowledge: Engage with local guides who are familiar with the best birding spots and times.

Minahasa Highland stands as a testament to Indonesia's rich avian biodiversity. Whether you're an avid birder or a casual nature enthusiast, the region offers unparalleled opportunities to witness and photograph some of the world's most unique bird species. Embarking on a birding journey here promises not only sightings of rare species but also an immersion into the heart of Sulawesi's natural beauty.

Where is Minahasa and How to get there?

Minahasa is a region in the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It can be reached by car from Manado city. 

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Land route between Manado city and Sonder

Visitors need to fly from their countries to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar. After that, they could continue their flight to Manado city. Airlines such as Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and SuperAirjet provide regular daily flights between big cities in Indonesia and Manado city. There are also international direct flights between Singapore and Manado city that is served by Scoot Air; and between Guangzhou and Manado city served by China Southern Airline. 

Flight routes to Manado city from Singapore; and other major cities in Indonesia.

Accommodation

Visitors who want to take multiple day tour can stay in homestays in Subdistrict Sonder or in hotels, and inns in Tomohon town.

Book your tour

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado City
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing

Minahasa highland is a beautiful destination for visitors who are nature lover. They can explore the region to see its beautiful volcano, lake, forest and farmland. While walking across the highland, visitors could do birdwatching, and butterflywatching. 

A lot of species of birds could be watched in higher elevation forest of Mount Mahawu. They include Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, and etc. 

Birdwatching in Mount Mahawu

Going down the slope of Mount Mahawu, visitors could stop at the traditional market where local vendors sell vegetables, fruits, dog meat, snake meat, pork, forest rat meat and etc. This traditional market is also called Extreme Market.

After hiking and seeing the crater of Mount Mahawu as well as seeing the landscape of Minahasa, visitors could continue their trip to Lake Linow. It is a volcanic lake that still emits hot steam into the air. The lake is the habitat of various species of water birds such as White-breasted Waterhen, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Barred Rail, Collared Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret and etc. 

Lake Linow

After exploring Tomohon and its surrounding volcano and lake, visitors could continue their trip to Subdisctrict Sonder. Taking a walk down the slopes will allow visitors to see various agricultural crops which local farmers grow, enjoy birdwatching and butterflywatching as well as seeing local villagers in their daily activities. Birds that could be watched along the roadside include: Bay Coucal, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eye), Black-naped Oriole, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Woodpecker, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Zebra Dove, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, and etc.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

For butterflies, visitors could see Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Celebes-banded Swallowtail, Menado Yellow Tiger butterfly, Meyer's Jay, Blue Bottle butterfly and Lime Swallowtail. 

Blanchard's Wood Nymph butterfly

Birdwatchers are always interested in birds that live in the mountains because the endemism is high. The higher elvevation forest and farmland of Subdistrict Sonder is the habitat of interesting species such as Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Crimson Sunbird and etc. There are also predator like Black Kite, Sulawesi Scops Owl and Sulawesi Masked Owl. 

If you are interested in visiting Minahasa highland and are looking for a guide to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland