Birding in Fiji

Fiji, compared to other South Pacific nations such as New Guinea, lacks a diversity of avian life but there are enough interesting and sometimes spectacular looking birds to attract visitors from throughout the world.

In all, there are about 80 species of terrestrial and freshwater birds of which about 10 have been introduced.


They are distributed throughout the islands but those interested in sampling an array bird should consider visiting three islands: Viti Levu (which has 56 of the 81 known species found in the group), Kadavu, and the Garden Island of Taveuni.


In general, the larger islands tend to be more ecologically intact and the bigger birds—notably the parrots and pigeons—are easily seen.


Full story here: http://fijiguide.com/page/bird-watching

Pacific Birds - is the website of Dick Watling, Pacific naturalist, author and environment consultant

Pacific Birds is the website of Dick Watling, Pacific naturalist, author and environment consultant.

Pacific Birds provides details on and ordering information for Dick Watling’s and other publications on the birds and wildlife of Fiji and neighbouring countries of Samoa,American Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Wallis & Futuna.

Pacific Birds provides the latest checklists for Pacific Island countries.

Pacific Birds provides trip reports and interesting observations of the region.

Pacific Birds provides links to other Pacific bird websites, conservation groups and consultancy services.

Pacific Birds - Dick Watling's Website

Sculptures of life-sized species - NatureFiji-MareqetiViti

ANNE O'Brien presented NatureFiji-MareqetiViti with several life-sized models of Fijis endangered species made from 100 per cent recycled materials before her departure to Scotland.

Ms OBrien, who was attached with Nature Fiji since August last year, is part of an animal sanctuary in Britain called Anniemals.

She creates realistic, life-sized sculptures and puppets of creatures using recycled fabrics from various sources. She sculptured 20 life-sized models of Fijian birds, bats, sharks, turtles and insects using masi (tapa), blankets and old clothes.

This is a unique combination, models of Fijian animals made out of 100 per cent recycled Fijian materials, said NatureFiji-MareqetiVitis conservation co-ordinator Nunia Thomas.

These models are a special gift and we are very grateful to Anne for volunteering to do this for us.

She has done her research, and we are very impressed with what she has created.

Ms OBrien offered to create the models for NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in early 2012 when she heard that they were receiving requests from schools and the general public for demonstrations with children but were unable to do so because there were no readily available models of Fijian species in Fiji.

It is very difficult to find authentic Fijian toys and animal models in Fijis shops even in tourist shops.

Most of the animal models we find are foreign animals that have the words Bula Fiji on them.

This is a sad reality considering the fact that we get many tourists who are interested in Fijis wildlife.

Our main objective from the very start has always been to engage Fijis children in active conservation action.

These models are our stepping stone towards that dream, said Ms Thomas.

Sculptures of life-sized species