Endemics of Micronesia

Island Hopping in the Western Pacific

Islands we will visit on this trip: Chuuk, Kosrei, Palau and Rock Islands, Ponpei, Rota, Saipan & Tinian

Photos from L to R: Chuuk Monarch; Palau Ground Dove; Blue-faced Parrotfinch; Micronesian Megapode; Marianas Fruit-Dove. Photos © Jonathan Slifkin - Birding the Islands

Overview

The tiny remote islands (some 600 in total!) that comprise the Federated States of Micronesia together with the island nation of Palau, have long remained off of the majority of birders' radar - a combination of challenging logistics, the need for special permissions from local landowners to access many of the prime birding sites, and lack of research on exact species numbers and genetics perhaps contributing to only a handful of birders visiting. 

We are, however, delighted to announce that we are changing this trend, by offering our inaugural Endemics of Micronesia tour! Much in the same manner as we operate our Lesser Antilles and Greater Antilles trips, our Micronesia tour will target every endemic in the entire region.

Join us on an adventure-filled quest in search of the almost SIXTY endemics and over thirty endemic subspecies (several very likely to be split following ever-increasing research in the region) to be found in this - one of the most remote birding destinations on the entire planet!  

Our tour takes you on an unforgettable journey to islands many in the birding world (and indeed the majority of people in the general population) may be unfamiliar with.

On this remarkable tour, we travel through the Federated States of Micronesia - an independent country only since 1979 - and comprising the four states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. We also visit The Republic of Palau, which although also a country in the Oceania region of Micronesia, is an independent nation; and follow this up by exploring the tiny islands of the Northern Marianas - an Unincorporated Territory and Commonwealth of the USA. 

By virtue of visiting these remote lands characterized by pristine beaches, lush forests, unspoilt coral reefs and glistening turquoise seas, we will provide you with the very best opportunity for seeing every endemic and near-endemic in Micronesia. A birding trip quite unlike any other awaits…

Upcoming Tour Dates

2026

• April 7th - 24th: There are currently six places remaining on this tour. To register your interest, please contact us here.

2027

• June 4th - 21st: There are currently eight places remaining on this tour. To register your interest, please contact us here.

If you would like us to organise a private Endemics of Micronesia trip for you, or for you and a group of your birding friends, we offer this service through our ‘Build Your Own’ department. Please click here to complete and submit an enquiry form, and one of our Build Your Own team members will reply within 48hrs.  

Tour Price

Tour Price TBC - check back soon, or enquire here

Trip Overview

**Please note that the below overview is a sample itinerary, and due to regional flight and boat schedules, the exact route cannot be confirmed until approximately 6 months prior to the departure date of the tour.**

Islands of Yap State: Days 1 - 3

Easily the best place on the planet to see gargantuan Manta Rays year round (sometimes possible to be seen whilst snorkelling, if you’d like to give it a go during down time) and with unspoiled tranquil beaches dotted along a coastline boasting spectacular reefs and marine life, the inhabitants of Yap have long had a deep and meaningful connection to the ocean. This is a land that is just about as far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern day life as imaginable - where in some of the small remote villages on the island, men wear loin cloths and women grass-skirts, and where traditional and carefully coordinated dance is the median by which tales of lore and legend are passed down through the generations.

It is an island steeped in tradition and culture, with fascinating discoveries to be made around seemingly every corner - perhaps none more so than the presence of large stone-money discs (‘raay’) that once represented the only currency on the island!

We focus our birding at a couple of sites (one very close to our accommodation), which are reliable for such key targets as Yap Monarch, Micronesian Myzomela, and Micronesian Rufous Fantail, along with a species which will likely call for considerably more patience - namely, the Yap Cicadabird.  Also possible at these two locations are the near-threatened White-throated Ground Dove -  a striking little dove with a deeply noted song. 

In season, nearby endemic Serianthes trees are home to nesting White-tailed Tropicbirds and preferred resting stops for delightful Fairy Terns. The limbs of these endemic trees can also be coveted foraging sites for both the endangered Yap White-eye and the near-threatened Plain White-eye.

Island of Kosrae State: Days 4 & 5

Tiny Kosrae State is the smallest and easternmost island in the Caroline Islands Archipelago. Perhaps, given its small size, it’s not surprising that the island is home to only two single-island endemics, but as those who’ve been with us in the Lesser Antilles are well aware - we leave no stone unturned in search of every endemic to be found in a region!

We’ll make for an isolated patch of forest, accessible by road, in which the beautiful and little known Kosrae Fruit-Dove is known to inhabit, and later turn our attention to the positively plumbeous-plumaged Kosrae White-eye. Another target will be the Micronesian Starling - a species possible on almost every island - but the subspecies here is endemic and usually easily seen.

We also pay a visit to a remarkable cave system, home to a healthy population of Caroline Islands Swiftlet.

Islands of Pohnpei State: Days 6 - 8

Many of these islands are gob-smackingly beautiful, and those in isolated Pohnpei State, also known as the Garden of Micronesia, are no exception, with lush tropical forest fuelled by nutrient rich soils blanketing islands fringed by brilliant and diverse barrier reefs.  

Checking into our boutique oceanfront hotel, there may be time before dusk to explore the surrounding mangroves that dominate the lagoon. This may provide the opportunity for a sighting of our first Pohnpei endemic - the striking and cinnamon-capped Pohnpei Kingfisher - and we’ll listen for its shrieky trilled call to hone in on its position   

With seven single-island endemics and various near-endemics of varying difficulties, Pohnpei requires a stay of multiple days in order to give ourselves the best chance of seeing them all.  

Venturing into a variety of habitats, we’ll seek out the near-threatened Pohnpei Lorikeet, whose deep maroon/burgundy plumage is somewhat unusual amongst members of the Psittaculidae family.

Sharing the lush forests of the island with the lorikeet are the endangered and difficult Pohnpei Cicadabird (the female of which may perhaps be more coveted by photographers), Pohnpei Fantail, Pohnpei Flycatcher and both endemic White-eyes (Pohnpei and Long-billed).

The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon has recovered remarkably well on this island, making the subspecies here far easier to see than on any other island on the tour. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Pohnpei Starling, which hasn’t been reliably sighted since 1995, but with so few birders making their way to these islands, who knows whether it may still be out there. Perhaps we can rediscover it! 

Assuming all endemics have been sighted, we take advantage of our time in Pohnpei State by visiting an idyllic and tranquil setting known locally as the Venice of the Pacific - the mythical ruins of Nan Madol - a well preserved archaeological site crisscrossed by a remarkable system of canals. 

Islands of Chuuk State: Days 9 - 11

Micronesia on the whole is a safe destination for birders, and on all of the other islands, residents are largely welcoming and very friendly. There are, however, some regions in Chuuk State that are the exception, and we must ensure we are granted special permissions by our local contacts prior to birding at some of the key sites necessary to see the endemics found on some of the 16 islands that make up Chuuk.  

Upon arrival in Chuuk State, we check into our beachside resort, offering spectacular sunset views over the reef-filled seas. During our time here, (after our morning birding, and before any late afternoon birding sessions commence) why not take advantage of down time, and the prime location of this resort, by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and setting out across one of the most naturally stunning peninsulas in all of Micronesia…

In terms of the birding, possible relatively close to our hotel, are the endemic subspecies of Micronesian Myzomela, along with the striking and quite plentiful Purple-capped Fruit-Dove. Considerably more time and effort will need to be reserved for the critically endangered Caroline Islands Ground Dove.

Other species we will focus on whilst at this primary birding site include Caroline Reed Warbler, Caroline Islands White-eye, and the lovely pastel-coloured Chuuk Flycatcher.  

Perhaps the roughest island in Chuuk State is Tol, where accessing any land whatsoever calls for some intense negotiation and banter, and where there is still the possibility of receiving some verbal abuse from locals. However, a visit here is crucial to have any chance for the unique, range restricted, and critically endangered Teardrop White-eye, and the extremely rare endemic subspecies of Micronesian Imperial Pigeon. Even though we will likely have seen Micronesian Imperial Pigeon prior to our arrival in Chuuk, given the very high likelihood for future splits following further research in this region, we are dedicated to trying to track down as many endemic subspecies as possible during our tour.   

Another island that we will visit within Chuuk Sate is Tonoas, where the birding relative to Tol is positively sedate, as we stroll along flat easily negotiable paths for a memorable encounter with one of the most stunning species in Micronesia - the splendid Chuuk Monarch. 

It is important to note that both the Tol trip and Tonoas trip are day-trips, and therefore, anyone wishing to omit the potential difficulties of Tol, may do so, and instead opt to spend the day at the resort on the main island. 

Republic of Palau: Days 12 - 15

Touching down in Palau, renowned as the most biodiverse and endemic-rich of all of the islands in the region, we make for our accommodation - conveniently situated in a central location allowing for ease of access to both birding sites and restaurants, as well as a short drive to and from the airport.

With almost twenty single-island endemics, along with ten near-endemics and endemic subspecies to be found on this island, we allocate multiple days on this large and relatively more developed of the islands on the tour.

The majority of the birds are not overly difficult to find, however, we will need to concentrate our searches in a few different areas - including taking a boat trip south to the striking “Rock Islands” located off of Koror, where we have our only chance for the seemingly steroid-infused Giant White-eye, beautifully patterned, endangered and shy Palau Ground Dove and Caroline Islands White-eye. We will also target two likely splits - the extremely rare (possibly less than 30 individuals) White-breasted Swallow, and the far more common Micronesian Megapode. There is even the possibility whilst here of witnessing Tropical Shearwaters returning to their nests at dusk.

Back on the main island, two of the more challenging species promise to be the Palau Scops-Owl, and Palau Nightjar. However, we have identified a couple of very reliable sites frequented by both of these nocturnal specialists - thereby dramatically improving our odds of close and truly memorable encounters. Early morning starts will be needed for the best opportunities for sightings of both the endemic subspecies of Blue-faced Parrotfinch and Palau Bush-warbler.

Many other species are either more populous, cooperative, or wide-ranging and should prove significantly easier to see here. These include the splendid Palau Fruit-Dove, Morningbird, Dusky White-eye, plentiful Palau Cicadabird, tiny Palau Kingfisher, Palau Fantail, softly-toned Palau Flycatcher; and darting across the skies above - the Palau Swiftlet.

The birding on Palau and the Rock Islands promises to be some of the best and most rewarding (in terms of numbers of endemics) of the entire trip, and we add to the already impressive tally of targets by also seeking out the endemic subspecies of Nicobar Pigeon (another probable split), Nankeen Night Heron, Collared Kingfisher, Buff-banded Rail and Australasian Swamphen. 

We will likely swell these numbers still further with incidental sightings of others that frequent some of the prime habitats we visit. These include: Pacific Golden Plover, Gray-tailed Tattler, Black Noddy, Whiskered Tern, White Tern, Great Crested Tern, Pacific Reef-Heron, and Little Pied Cormorant.

The Northern Marianas (Saipan, Tinian & Rota): Days 16 - 18

The tiny islands of the Northern Marianas represent a US Commonwealth in the heart of the Pacific and are neighboured by the far more internationally renowned Guam - a US Territory we will need to fly into prior to embarking on our travels to the Marianas. 

Thankfully, from a birding perspective, and perhaps paradoxically, the three islands that are most accessible due to development and popularity with tourists, are the three (of the 14 Marianas) that are home to the single-island endemics we crave!

Saipan

The largest and most populous island (although populous is a relative term when one considers the total population on the island is under 50,000!) is home to the largest number of endemics in the Northern Marianas, and some like the Golden White-eye are absolutely stunning! Using our lodging as a base, we’ll make our way to prime habitats (the entire island can be driven around in under an hour so time spent getting to site will be minimal) to see this and other crucial targets.

Mariana Swiftlet should be straightforward to see whilst feeding over large expanses of both cleared and forested habitat, and the Mariana Fruit-Dove’s tendency to frequent select forested habitat means we can narrow our search to the most likely sites. The wonderfully weird Micronesian Megapode is well worth the price of admission to Saipan, and Mariana Kingfisher is far easier here than on the other Marianas we visit, as indeed is the Micronesian Myzomela and the Bridled White-eye. Saipan Reed Warbler rounds off our targets on what promises to be a bird-rich island stay.

Tinian

Widely known for species below water (hence the relatively large number of diving enthusiasts who explore its numerous shipwrecks and reefs) rather than above it, and with a lone single-island endemic (the Tinian Monarch) the tiny island of Tinian calls for the least amount of time spent in the Marianas. We will, though, take advantage of the small island size and generally scrubby low lying habitats to try to pick up the endemic subspecies of Micronesian Starling, along with any Marianas specialities that eluded us on Saipan. 

As with so many of these tiny Micronesian Islands, they existed in relative international obscurity up until the Second World War, when they were thrust into the spotlight, bearing witness to some intense battles between Japanese and American soldiers. During your  birding and down time on Tinian, as well as on several of the other islands, you will see for yourselves the remnants of those fervent mid-20th Century battles, with pill boxes, cannon bunkers, and other relics of war littering portions of the otherwise largely unspoilt landscapes. Tinian itself played a hugely significant role in WWII, with the two planes carrying the atomic bombs bound for the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki launched from the Tinian runway.  

Rota

We are sure to receive a warm welcome on Rota - lovingly referred to as “the world’s friendliest island”. This land of coconut crabs and sweet potatoes is quiet and peaceful, and home to the single-island endemic Rota White-eye, together with an endemic subspecies of Mariana Kingfisher and endemic subspecies of Micronesian Rufous Fantail. 

However, perhaps the key reason for our visiting is the opportunity to see the last surviving wild population of Mariana Crow on the planet (following this species extirpation on Guam thanks to the introduction of Brown Tree Snake); along with the opportunity to see Guam Rail - also now extinct on Guam following predation by the same reptile. The crow is the subject of a frantic conservation effort, involving an intense captive breeding program and the releasing of successfully hatched fledglings to join the paltry number of wild survivors. The primary cause of the decimation of both of these species on Guam was predation by the introduced Brown Tree Snake, while a declining population on Rota is attributed to feral cats and possibly rats. A portion of your total tour price has been set aside as a donation to the efforts of the conservationists on the front line of this gargantuan effort to save both of these species from oblivion.  

Pricing

2026

Tour Price: TBC

Included in Price: All scheduled and stated flights between islands and internal boat charges between islands; local taxes; airport departure taxes; all accommodations; pre-arranged food; bottled water with meals and on birding outings; transport to and from destinations on all islands; park admission fees; local guide fees; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your international flights; any regional flights after the tour has finished - should you wish to return home from a different island to that on which the tour finishes; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or regional flights; travel insurance; gratuities; VAT; laundering services; drinks.

Tour Info

Number of Endemics (including Endemic Subspecies) and near-endemics likely to be seen on tour: 90 +

Group Size: Maximum of 8 clients plus the Birding the Islands Tour Leader (plus additional guide if the group is at the maximum number of participants)

Terrain and Pace: Birding on the whole is not challenging. We cover a diverse range of terrain on this trip. Trails are primarily well maintained and relatively level. Any ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way. Walking poles are recommended if you would usually use these for walking off-road.

Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.