Beyond Dragons: Discovering the Birdlife of Komodo National Park

While Komodo dragons are the main attraction, the skies above Komodo National Park hold their own wonders. For ornithology lovers, this region is home to dozens of stunning endemic and migratory bird species.

From the deck of Behike Cruise, you can often see the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle gliding over waves in search of prey. When we land on Komodo or Rinca islands, the distinctive sound of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo—a species unfortunately now critically endangered—is often heard from the tamarind trees. Additionally, the Orange-footed Scrubfowl, which builds large mound nests on the ground, is a unique sight during trekking.

Bringing binoculars is a must. The best time for birdwatching is at dawn on Padar Island or at sunset on Kalong Island, where you'll also witness thousands of flying foxes heading toward mainland Flores.