Birds of Keki

The Fire-maned Bowerbird is the most sought-after bird at Keki Lodge. It regularly visits the fig tree in the garden around the huts. You can enjoy a lazy afternoon around the lodge, waiting for it to arrive. Most birdwatching visitors to Keki are rewarded with good views of it. This species has a tiny distribution, being confined to the Adelbert mountains, at altitudes from Keki Lodge and above. Virtually all of the eBird records of the Fire-maned Bowerbirds are from Keki, which is the only place where birders can easily access its habitat.

The Banded Yellow Robin is another specialty that is found here. It is widespread across New Guinea but is very localized. It is seen far more-often at Keki Lodge than any other birdwatching destination.

Lucky birdwatchers may also glimpse a pair of Dimorphic Jewel Babblers, quietly crossing the forest floor. This exquisite avian gem has a narrow distribution, confined to forests inland from the north coast of PNG.

The Obscure Berrypecker, has been recorded twice at Keki lodge. This is one of New Guinea’s most elusive and little-known birds. There are some great photos of it posted on eBird, which were taken at Keki in 2023.

If you learn the distinctive calls of the Rusty Mouse Warbler and the Sooty Thicket Fantail, you will recognize them singing loudly around the lodge, early in the morning.

Keep an eye out for the New Guinea Harpy Eagle, which is regularly recorded along the road near the lodge.

Flocks of Edward’s Fig Parrot can be found in remnant forest patches on the lower and middle reaches of the road, from the coast up to Keki lodge. This is another localized New Guinea endemic, which can be very difficult to find anywhere else.

You also have a good chance of finding Palm Cockatoos along the road, or at the lodge.

The bizarre-looking Vulturine Parrot is regularly seen at Keki. Eclectus parrots and Blyth’s Hornbills are common birds here.

Lesser Bird-of-Paradise and Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise are both very-common in the forest around the lodge. Moyang can build you a temporary hide at a display-site for the Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise. There, you will have unforgettable views of the male, demonstrating all of his glory, from just a few meters away. Remember to bring your insect repellent with you to the hide, to keep the mosquitos at bay. Avoid sitting directly on the forest floor, where the repellent resistant chiggers will be sure to find you. They can leave you itching for months! It may be worth bringing some plastic sheeting to sit on in the hide, to prevent this.

Keki Lodge has 148 species listed on eBird. The list includes a great selection of New Guinea’s endemics. The eBird hotspot name for Keki Lodge is Salemben Guest House (Keki).

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L8405588/bird-list?hs_sortBy=taxon_order&hs_o=asc