On the Wing
DISCOVERING COMO LAUCALA ISLAND'S AVIAN RESIDENTS
Activities 2 minute read
COMO Laucala Island is a private island paradise in Fiji with 3,500 acres dominated by tropical rainforest. It’s home to an incredible array of species, but perhaps the most exciting are the birds — several of them found only in Fiji and the local cluster of islands. We’ve investigated the best birdwatching on COMO Laucala Island, as well as some of the species you might spot.
Most of COMO Laucala Island’s birds are at peak activity shortly after sunrise and in the late afternoon — a few hours before sunset — when they’re foraging for food. These are the optimal times for birdwatching. But while you’re likely to see some species darting around outside your room, the best way to catch sight of a rare species is by hiking the island’s forest with a guide.
There are three hikes on marked paths which provide ample opportunity for birdwatching. The Summit Hike is an advanced trail, which loops up steeply towards the highest point on the island. It takes around two hours, and the deeper you get into the interior, the louder the birdsong becomes. The walk passes through some of the island’s most ancient forest, with a chance to spot some of the rarest birds. For a shorter experience, the Tower Hike is an intermediate, one-hour walk with westward views over the island and surrounding sea. There’s an abundance of native trees — including mahogany, sandalwood and cinnamon — which provide habitat for some of the island’s more sociable birds such as the metallic pigeon. Our Round-the-Island hike is a four-hour coastal route which follows the seashore. It’s the path to take if you want to see the interplay between seabirds and jungle dwellers, with brown booby, Pacific black duck and bristle-thighed curlews hunting in the coastal channel.
Whichever hike you choose to take, you can expect your guide to regale you not only with the birds’ species and habits, but with the folklore surrounding them. You’ll come away not only having seen the plumage of birds found nowhere else in the world, but also with an understanding of why they’re so special in Fijian culture.
Here, we list some of the species you might catch sight of around COMO Laucala Island:
Collared lory
The collared lory (Phigys solitarius) is endemic to Fiji and easily recognisable, with a striking red head and chest contrasting with green wings and back. They’re attracted to the nectar of flowering trees, especially the Fiji fan palm and hibiscus, but they also feed on a variety of soft fruits including mango and breadfruit.
Fiji parrotfinch
The Fiji parrotfinch (Erythrura pealii) is a small, brightly coloured bird with vivid green plumage and a red head. It feeds primarily on grass and fruit seeds, and plays an essential role in COMO Laucala Island’s ecological balance by helping with seed dispersal.
Fiji Goshawk
The Fiji Goshawk (Accipiter rufitorques) is another endemic bird species. It’s a medium-sized raptor, with distinctive grey and white plumage. The Fiji Goshawk is an adept hunter, preying on smaller birds and insects including the collared lory and Fiji parrotfinch.
Orange fruit dove
The endemic orange fruit dove (Ptilinopus victor) is one of COMO Laucala Island’s most enigmatic birds. It’s an incredibly special sighting, found only in the forests of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa, Qamea and COMO Laucala Island. The orange fruit dove mainly eats small fruits and berries and is instantly recognisable by its startling plumage — a flame-bright orange with a greenish head.
CREDIT: J. MILLET
Pacific black duck
The Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa) is often seen near COMO Laucala Island’s fresh water sources. It thrives in wetland habitats and can often be spotted dabbling in the shallows. Its presence indicates a rich aquatic ecosystem.
Metallic pigeon
The metallic pigeon (Columba vitiensis) is heard across the island, issuing soft, cooing calls. It feeds on fruits and seeds and while this species is less eye-catching than some of COMO Laucala Island’s other residents, it’s easily spotted with its distinctive white throat and the shimmering bars across its feathers.
Brown booby
The brown booby (Sula leucogaster) is a large seabird frequently seen along the coastline. It has brown and white plumage and a striking blue face. They live on small pelagic fish, and it’s always exciting to see them dive after their prey.
For more information on COMO Laucala Island’s birds, or to arrange a guided hike, speak to your Tau.
