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Three endemic forest bird species, masked shining parrot Prosopeia personata, giant forest honeyeater Gymnomyza viridis, and golden dove Chrysoenas luteovirens were surveyed using distance sampling from forest tracks at 4 sites on Viti Levu, Fiji. Repeat surveys were made at 1 site to better understand the factors affecting detectability. Seasonal changes in detectability reflected the number of calling birds and were almost certainly linked to breeding. The highest mean densities (41 masked shining parrot km^-2 (birds), 33 giant forest honeyeater km^-2 (calling birds) and 14 golden dove km^-2 (calling males) were found in low- to mid-altitude old-growth forest. Densities in degraded re-growth forest and mahogany plantations were about 30% and 50% lower, respectively. Densities in upland forest were very low for masked shining parrot (2.5 km^-2), but moderate for giant forest honeyeater (21 km^-2)and golden dove (8 km^-2). Provisional population estimates of 50,000 pairs of masked shining parrot, 70,000 pairs of GFH and 60,000 pairs of golden dove were made though attention is drawn to the limitations and uncertainties of these estimates. In common with many Pacific Islands, the endemic avifauna of Fiji is threatened by forest loss and degradation and a lack of protected areas. This study could assist in the design of effective protective areas as well as being a baseline for future surveys.