Check List 15(6): 1119-1136, doi: 10.15560/15.6.1119
A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands
expand article infoCorey T. Callaghan§, Esau Kekeubata|, Jackson Waneagea|, Maasafi Alabai|, Tommy Esau|, David MacLaren, Richard E. Major§
‡ Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia§ Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia| Kwainaa’isi Cultural Centre, Atoifi, Solomon Islands¶ College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
Open Access
Abstract
We surveyed the birds of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands from 20 October to 2 November 2018. We conducted 66 point counts and recorded or observed 58 species of resident landbirds, including 23 of the 24 passerine species known from the island of Malaita and 15 waterbird species. We collected some form of samples (e.g., whole specimens and/or blood samples) from 61 individuals of 17 species, including representatives of the four species-level endemics: Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae (Mayr, 1931), Malaita Dwarf-Kingfisher Ceyx malaitae (Mayr, 1935), Malaita White-eye Zosterops stresemanni (Mayr, 1931), and Red-bellied Myzomela Myzomela malaitae (Mayr, 1931). We demonstrate the considerable potential for conservation of the Malaitan avifauna on traditional lands in the mountains of East Kwaio. The extensive knowledge of the local people was a key factor in the success of the expedition. To facilitate ongoing conservation efforts, we documented the local Kwaio names of the birds we encountered.
Keywords
Avifauna, Ceyx malaitae, eBird, endemic, Myzomela malaitae, Rhipidura malaitae, Zosterops stresemanni