This part of the Pacific is truly a wish list for many people, including birders, and one of my must-do things is birdwatching in Fiji Islands. I know it’s not an easy place to get to, but I believe that things will be amazing once you visit this place. Also, it would be recommended you bring your spouse to do birding here, and you know why.
Birdwatching in Fiji Islands
While there is not much information available on birding in Fiji, I researched to find out that the Fiji Tourism Board has openly promoted birding as one of the things to do in Fiji; hence, this is a bonus for birders.
Who does not want to visit the South Pacific? Especially if you are coming here for birding, this would be one of the bucket-list birdwatching destinations in the world. But again, different birders will have different opinions.
According to Fiji Tourism, birdwatching can be both a relaxing and an exhilarating experience for those visiting here. The South Pacific archipelago is home to abundant avian wildlife, and many species of birds are endemic to Fiji. Ok, that sold me. So, where do I sign up?
It is also said that Fiji’s birds include hawks, herons, parrots, doves, finches and the ultra-rare peregrine falcon. There are three main birdwatching locations found around Fiji which are;
Taveuni Island Birdwatching
This island is known as Fiji’s ‘Garden Isle’, and it is no surprise that heaps of birdlife fly free in the wild. There’s even a dedicated bird sanctuary on the Island comprising 98 hectares of pristine rainforest habitat. Taveuni’s unique biodiversity features dense bushlands, freshwater streams, healthy seas and elevated wetlands, making the region a hot spot for bird watching.
Birds of Taveuni Island include:
- Crowned Flycatcher
- Orange Dove
- Parrot Finch
- Red Shining Parrot
- Silktail
- Turtle Dove
Birdwatching at Savusavu
Savusavu is a beautiful town in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove. The town is located on the south coast of Vanua Levu Island, and there are birdwatching tours in Savusavu, also known as Fiji’s Hidden Paradise.
Birds of Savusavu include;
- Barking Pigeon
- Black-faced Shrikebill
- Fiji Bush Woodswallow
- Golden Whistler
- Orange Dove
Birdwatching at Kadavu Island
Kadavu Island is located in a remote part of the Fiji Islands, and its unspoiled natural environment makes this island a prime birdwatching destination. There are also four unique birds entirely endemic to this beautiful island, which you can find in the list below. Kadavu is an international birdwatching hot spot because it boasts a vast range of sea and shoreline birdlife.
Birds of Kadavu Island include;
- Barn Owl
- Blue Crested Broadbill
- Fan-tailed Cuckoo
- Fiji Goshawk
- Kadavu Fantail (Endemic)
- Kadavu Honeyeater (Endemic)
- Kadavu Shining (Musk) Parrot (Endemic)
- Polynesian Triller
- Whistling Dove (Endemic)
Where is Fiji Island Again?
If you are looking at this, you most likely have plans or want to put this birding destination in the back of your head. Who knows, maybe even bringing your spouse for a romantic getaway combined with a birding adventure? After all, it will be a win-win for both.
The Fiji Islands are located in the South Pacific and closer to Australia and New Zealand. The best way to fly here is via Australia as several airlines ply this route, namely Qantas, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. There are no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. Therefore, you must connect in Singapore via Fiji Airways or Singapore Airlines.
Conclusion
We all want to experience unique birding destinations, and birdwatching in Fiji Islands is one of the places that is not that hard to access. With today’s flight connectivity, there are many airlines to choose from.
For me, Fiji is one of the places I have been dreaming of visiting, and to do birding in Fiji would be a dream come true. As a retired scuba diver, I will also put back on my diving gear to dive here while birding.