Bird-watching

Visitors to Kadavu will notice the multitude of birds inhabiting the skies, the shores and the rainforest. At dawn and dusk the islands resound with their calls, whistles and chirps. Avid bird-watchers may be able to spot the four endemic species found nowhere else in Fiji or the wider world:

1. Kadavu Shining Parrot, on which Tourism Kadavu’s logo is based,  sometimes called the Crimson Shining Parrot, or the Kadavu Musk Parrot (Prosopeia splendens);
2. Kadavu Honeyeater (Xanthotis provocator);
3. Kadavu Fantail (Rhipidura personata);
4. Whistling Dove (Chrysoenas layardi).

Hundreds of other species adorn Kadavu’s tropical forests and gardens including the Fiji Goshawk, the Pacific Harrier, the Banded Rail, the Friendly Ground-Dove, the Barking Pigeon, the Many-Coloured Fruit Dove, the Collared Lory, the Fiji Bush-Warbler and the Polynesian Starling.

The sea-birds of the island group are equally abundant. Frigate-birds, shearwaters, petrels, boobies, terns and several species of herons including the rare white-faced heron can be spotted, along with several species of ducks.  Uninhabited Yabu Island north of Ono Island is known locally as ‘Birdland’ for the numerous species of sea-birds that nest here.

The carnivorous Indian mongoose was introduced to mainland Fiji around 1885 with the intention of reducing the rat population. Tragically the mongoose proved more interested in killing off ground-nesting birds, lizards and frogs. Many species have disappeared or are on the brink of extinction on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.  Fortunately, the mongoose has not made it to Kadavu. The only threat to ground-nesting birds here is the feral cat.

Tourism Kadavu’s members can assist visitors access the best bird-watching locations. For more information ask your preferred accommodation or activity operator.