Melodies of Indonesia: Discover the Songbirds of the Archipelago!

Did you know that bird songs are a form of therapy for emotional well-being? Their melodic trills create a sense of peace, help reduce stress, and improve mood. This is especially beneficial in noisy cities—a natural way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Indonesia is home to an incredible variety of bird species, many of which we may have never heard of. With over 1,700 species found here, each bird seems to play its own unique role in this endless natural symphony. Together, flocks of birds, exotic forests, mangrove swamps, and majestic mountains form the perfect backdrop for witnessing and listening to this avian spectacle.

Each species of decorative bird has its own distinctive voice, colors, and behavior, setting one apart from the next. Many bird enthusiasts seek out unique species known for their melodious and distinctive songs, often showcased in bird competitions. So, what species of songbirds can be found in Indonesia, and what makes them special?

The Cendrawasih Bird – also known as the Bird of Paradise – earned its nickname due to its stunning, brightly colored feathers, especially in males. These vibrant feathers make it a coveted target for hunters. These birds reside in the dense forests of eastern Indonesia, Papua, and eastern Australia. Their courtship dances are particularly mesmerizing: male Cendrawasih birds perform intricate, flamboyant ritual movements, spreading their tails and showcasing their vibrant plumage to attract females. They even rehearse their dances, cleaning their beaks and preparing for the encounter with their “chosen one.”

In Indonesian culture, the Cendrawasih bird is a symbol of beauty, nobility, and eternal life. Its imagery is often featured in ornaments, clothing, and traditional art.

Unfortunately, due to threats from poaching and habitat loss, the population of these birds is declining. They are protected under Indonesian law, which prohibits hunting and trade of these birds, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 100 million rupiah.

The Kacer bird is a popular songbird in Indonesia, admired for its melodic voice and unique ability to mimic other sounds while engaging in playful dances. It is also known for its amusing behavior, which sets it apart from other passerine species.

Javanese people call this behavior “mbagong,” a reaction to fear or stress where the bird fluffs up its feathers, holds its body upright, pushes its head forward, lowers its tail, and emits unpleasant sounds. This behavior, especially during bird competitions, indicates that the bird has “lost.” Interestingly, this trait adds to the bird’s charm.

There are two main types: the Kacer Poci (Sumatra) and the Kacer Jawa, both of which are ideal for competitions. They are usually priced between 300,000 and 1.5 million rupiah.

The Anis Merah, or Red Anis, holds a special place in Indonesia. It is known as the “queen of singers” for its powerful voice. One of its unique traits is “teler” or “swaying,” a rhythmic movement the bird performs while singing, as though it is deeply immersed in the music. This motion captivates audiences at songbird competitions.

The Anis Merah features bright orange-reddish plumage on its chest and belly. This bird is quite sensitive and easily frightened. Male Anis Merah are more vibrant in appearance, song, and personality compared to females. Prices for this bird range from 550,000 to 1.7 million rupiah.

This bird is found across Kalimantan and Bali, with a unique species, the Julang Irian, living in Eastern Indonesia, Papua, and Maluku. They also inhabit nearby countries, including New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago.

The Golden Hornbill is characterized by its buzzing, hoarse grunt-like sounds. Its most distinctive feature is its dense beak, which weighs up to 13% of its body mass. This beak is used in fights and can produce a sound resembling loud laughter, audible up to a kilometer away. The flapping of its wings also creates a loud noise, though this diminishes when the feathers are wet.

Golden Hornbills are highly intolerant of captivity and require large, well-preserved forests. Local poachers hunt them, and their population is expected to decline by 30–49% within the next three generations. As a result, there are efforts to classify them as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Golden Hornbills feed on fruits, nutmeg, and matoa, as well as crabs, insects, and lizards.

The Jalak Bali, also known as the Bali Myna, is a rare endemic bird from Bali, renowned for its snow-white feathers, elegant crest, and bright blue ring around its eyes. It is considered a symbol of Bali’s natural beauty and is protected due to its critically endangered status, caused by poaching and habitat loss.

This bird is found only in the West Bali National Park, where conservation efforts focus on breeding programs to sustain its population. Measuring about 25 cm in length, the bird is easily recognized by its striking white plumage and dark blue eyelids.

The Blue Crowned Pigeon is an endemic bird from Papua. It is a large bird with gray-blue plumage and a lace-like feathered crest on its head, giving it an elegant appearance. Its feathers are a grayish-blue color, and its eyes are dark. This pigeon is known for its calm demeanor and originates from the forests of Papua.

Due to hunting for its stunning looks, the Blue Crowned Pigeon is now considered a vulnerable species, requiring protective measures to conserve its population.

The Javan Hawk-Eagle is a rare bird of prey found only on the island of Java, Indonesia, and is a symbol of the nation. This bird attracts attention with its majestic appearance, particularly the distinctive crest on its head, which makes it resemble a miniature eagle.

With dark brown plumage and powerful talons, the Javan Hawk-Eagle is an adept hunter, preying on small animals in forested areas. It is a national symbol of Indonesia and is featured on the country’s emblem. However, due to habitat loss and poaching, this species is critically endangered, and active conservation efforts are underway to protect it.

As the name suggests, the White Cockatoo has a white crest and feathers. These birds are primarily found in the northern Moluccan Islands. They are known for their ability to perform tricks and mimic speech. Their highly social nature makes them affectionate and obsessed with spending time with people they like.

A member of the cockatoo family, this bird is highly intelligent and capable of imitating human speech and various sounds. The extent of their mimicry depends on training and frequent interaction.

In addition to mimicking words, White Cockatoos are playful and emotionally attached to humans. They can learn simple phrases, respond to commands, and even express emotions through sounds and movements, such as fanning their impressive crest. These cockatoos are known for their lifelong loyalty to a single mate.

The Aceh Flycatcher is a rare bird that inhabits the forests of Aceh Province on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is admired for its beauty and uniqueness, as it can only be found in specific locations.

This bird has delicate blue plumage with bright accents on its head and wings, making it especially noticeable in dense tropical or secondary lowland forests. Beyond its striking appearance, the Sikatan Aceh is renowned for its melodious singing, making it a prized subject for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Despite its beauty, the Aceh Flycatcher remains understudied. Its rarity highlights the need to conserve Sumatra’s forests, which face threats from deforestation and habitat loss. As a result, this bird is also under protection.

The White-rumped Shama is a popular songbird in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Many of these birds are found on the island of Sumatra, with some populations on Java and Kalimantan.

It is celebrated for its strong, melodious voice and ability to mimic various sounds, making it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. The Murai Batu has bright, striking plumage: a glossy black-blue head and chest contrast with its orange-brown belly, and it boasts a long, elegant tail that can reach up to 30 cm.

This active and energetic bird often raises its tail and displays its superiority during performances, captivating audiences with its presence.

The Rinjani Scops Owl is a rare endemic bird found only on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. It is named after Mount Rinjani, where it is most commonly seen. This owl is characterized by its small size, expressive eyes, and distinctive “ear” tufts of feathers.

Its call is a unique, soft, and melodic sound that sets it apart from other owl species. The Celepuk Rinjani plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of insects and small animals. However, due to its limited habitat range and threats from habitat loss, this bird requires protection.

The Maleo is a unique bird found only on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It stands out for its unusual reproductive behavior and distinctive appearance: black-and-white plumage, pinkish skin around the eyes, and a bright yellow-orange crest on its head.

Measuring up to 55 cm in length, the Maleo has a fascinating method of laying eggs. Instead of incubating them, the bird buries its eggs in hot sand or soil, where they are incubated by the heat of the earth or sunlight. Maleo eggs are exceptionally large, five times the size of chicken eggs, and the chicks hatch fully prepared for independent life.

The Maleo is a rare species, and its eggs are a target for poachers. Conservation efforts are being made to protect both the birds and their unique nesting behavior.

It is impossible to list all the bird species that inhabit Indonesia. Many more birds captivate with their beauty and uniqueness, such as the Black-throated Sunbird, Lion Eagle, Grey Lorikeet, Weaver Bird, Hummingbird, and many others.

Indonesian birds are not just the jewels of the tropical forests but also symbols of the country’s rich biodiversity. Preserving their populations requires efforts from both local authorities and the international community, ensuring these incredible creatures continue to inspire and delight future generations.

Sources: kumparan.com.