An Australian scientist has discovered a new species of Indonesian bird.

Ding Li Yong, a PhD student at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University (ANU), said the new species is called "Sulawesi Streaked Flycatcher" ((Muscicapa sodhii)) and can be found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

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The Sulawesi Streaked Flycatcher has heavily streaked underparts and short wings.

"The locals knew we were there for a biological expedition and so a hunter came to us with some dead birds. We obtained these specimens and one was this new species. We instantly knew that it couldn't be anything else," said Yong.

Flycatcher birds are permanent residents of the island. A new species emerged, however, and it's quite different in terms of body structure. The bird's song and genetics are also different, according to Yong.

Local villagers have seen the Sulawesi Streaked Flycatcher flying around their island since 1997. Yong and his international team are the first ones to confirm its existence.

Yong worked with different students from other universities worldwide, including Princeton University, Michigan State University, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and the Celebes Bird Club.

The National Geographic Society awarded an exploration grant to the international team to allow them to collect birds that remain undefined by science museums.

TagsIndonesian bird, Scientists Identify New Indonesian Bird Species, Sulawesi Streaked Flycatcher, Flycatcher, bird watching, animal discovery, National Geographic Society, wild animals, Indonesian island of Sulawesi, Indonesian island, Sulawesi, Birds