Nature Sounds

When one thinks of the few remaining places in the world still deserving of a reputation for exotic and obscure birdlife, New Guinea should come to mind. With a geographic bird list of close to 750 species that seems tame by Neotropical standards, the island boasts a 44% rate of endemism, a remarkable total that only Australia and the Philippines can approach.

And what birds! Extreme colour, sound, and behaviour seem to be the norm instead of the exception, and visiting this island should be near the top of the list for every birder intent on experiencing this pinnacle of avian diversity and form. There have been very few sound productions of any kind for New Guinea in the past, and this one brings 99 species to life, including 11 birds-of-paradise, two satinbirds (formerly birds-of-paradise), and numerous kingfishers, fantails, and Australasian robins. Lesser Melampitta, Painted Quail-thrush, Red-bellied Pitta, and Lesser Ground Robin represent some of the skulkers heard on the compilation.