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Colo-I-Suva Forest Park is a delight and is only a five minute walk away. The early morning observer may well be the first
to greet the unafraid Scarlet Robin and be scolded by the Spotted Fantail. The sounds of civilization fade as the bush
deepens, and soon the twitter of the mixed flocks of Golden whistlers, Blue-Crested Broadbills, Slaty Flycatchers and
Spotted Fantails take over, punctuated occasionally by the raucous screech of the Sulphur-Breasted Musk Parrot or the
Resounding “woof” of a barking Pigeon.
Fiji white-eyes, Vanikoro Broadbills, Orange-Breasted Honeyeaters, Lesser Shrikebills, and other small birds make their
way noisily through the bush. Only the experienced twitcher will catch the glimpse of the shy Fiji Warbler in the
undergrowth but all can hear their melodious duet. Golden doves too, are more often heard than seen as their abrupt
"ÿap" is delivered with the skill of a professional ventriloquist.
Visitors from north America will find their American "Robin" has a relative in the Fiji bush, the island thrush. There
are several races of island thrush found in Fiji, all of which vary greatly in the plumage.
The Bird known as "Robin" in Fiji is an unrelated insect eater whose bright red breast will surprise New Zealanders who
are used to seeing only Grey or Black Robins of the same family. The Golden Dove, Sulphur-Breasted Musk Parrot, Orange -
Breasted Honeyeaters, Fijian Collared Lory and Blue-Crested Broadbill, all found in the park, will impress
Australians, accustomed to brightly coloured birds.
Watch out too for the Fiji Goshawk, a bird found nowhere in the world except Fiji, gliding high above.
Check with reception whether we have a bird guide in stock. It could be a worthwhile purchase.
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