Tag: white-faced partridge

One of the endemic birds in East Java is the well-known Grey-breasted or White-faced Partridge (Arborophila orientalis). It can be found from Yang highlands eastwards to Ijen mountains.

We have a client from England for two days birding in mount Ijen with the only target being Grey-breasted Partridge.

As of March 2019, we have already observed this endemic in the same area.

We met the client at 05.00 am 26th August 2019 on his accommodation around Banyuwangi, then we drove to the location. At around 5.45 am, we arrived at the location then we stayed in the partridge feeding station which was built by a local guide.

We spent the whole day there, but unfortunately rainfall started at midday until dusk. Even the partridge did not shown, several birds come to the station such as:

1. Red Junglefowl
2. Javan Banded Pitta
3. Temminck’s Babbler
4. Lesser Shortwing
5. Javan Whistling Thrush
6. Indigo Flycatcher
7. Snowy-browed Flycatcher
8. White-flanked Sunbird
9. White-bellied Fantail
10. Crescent-chested Babbler
11. Sunda Cuckooshrike and above us there is a fruiting tree that attract
12. Wreathed Hornbill
13. Dark-backed Imperial-pigeon
14. Grey-cheeked Green-pigeon and,
15. Pink-headed Fruit-dove.

So, after dropping off the clients on his accommodation we agreed to go on the next day. Started at the same time as yesterday but arrived earlier at 5.30 am.

Sat and waited again in the station while we enjoyed breakfast, coffee and tea. The weather was better than yesterday.

At 8.20 am we heard the partridge in the distance, then we played the playback. Slow but sure, the sound of the partridge came closer to the station.

Then at 8.40 am we heard the partridge so loud to the left of the station and came closer. Finally, a pair of White-faced Partridge came into the station.

Enjoyed when it was foraging in front of us for about 5 minutes. That was a very proper view of this partridge that was requested by our client.

Satisfied with that, we decided to go outside from the station. The local guide told us that he knows the roosting site of Javan Frogmouth. Just 200 meters away from the station, we saw three Javan Frogmouths perched on the same horizontal branch.

Before midday we tried another station, but until 11.00 am the partridge did not shown. So, we decided to have lunch at a local restaurant and the two birding tours in mount Ijen, Banyuwangi, East Java ended.

Gallery:

Almost all endemic birds in Java island can be found in western part of this island. Birders will stay longer to swipe up on them in Gede Pangrango NP, Halimun Salak NP, around Carita and north-coast of Jakarta-West Java.

Even so, still left 2 species to catch up in eastern Java to complete all endemics. There are Grey-backed Myna Acridotheres tricolor and Grey-breasted Partridge Arborophila orientalis.

The myna is relatively easy to find. You can put effort in Baluran or Alas Purwo NP to find it.

The partridge is another exception.

You can hear it sounds loudly, but it is very difficult to see. So damn elusive species.

This species lives from Yang to Ijen mountains. Most birders came to Ijen, which is close to other main birding areas, so much data of this species is even heard-only or sight.

Yesterday (March 13, 2019) I visited Mt. Ijen took some pictures of the partridge.

Local guides at their successful made feeding site for this species that is also known as White-faced / Grey-breasted Hill / Horsfield’s Hill-partridge.

As his information, the birds show up about 3 times such as at around 06.00-07.00, 13.00-14.00, and 15.00-16.00.

Heavy rainfall in the morning until 11.30 then becomes shower rain.

We entered the site at 12.00.

While waiting for the rain to stop, we enjoyed our coffee.

At 13.30 the rain stopped for a while, so we tried to play the sound records.

15 minutes later, a medium sized-bulky bird (about 28 cm) climbed up to a big fallen tree in front of us.

Then followed by 5 other birds, it was a very clear view and just about 8 meters away from us was blocked by a camouflage tent.

A group of Grey-breasted Partridge foraging the meals which we have put before.

We’re just silent while clicking the shutter of the camera.

They spent 10 minutes foraged then disturbed by other birds, such as Javan Whistling-thrush, Horsfied’s Thrush, and Snowy-browed Flycatcher.

The final encounter that day was a single female almost eaten by Javan Mongoose at 16.30. It’s run away then we also pack our stuff, out from the hide and head back to home.

Now this elusive partridge is stable and easy to see, drop us a message if you want to encounter this mega target of East Java endemic.