12 Exotic Birds Endemic to The Philippines
Published by The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds. With more than 600 bird species to choose from including several species of hornbills, colorful fruit doves, rare parrots and fascinating eagles and owls — its really fun to explore and learn more about these beautiful and unique birds. Here is a list of 12 exotic birds endemic to this “bird-paradise” country.
Each country has its own unique variety of birds native to its geographical location. The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds, too. It is believed that 185 of these species can be found only in the Philippines. Sad to say, these birds are faced with the threat of eventual extinction, because of deforestation and human threat. Let me introduce you to some of the Philippines’ exotic birds:
The Handsome Sunbird
The Handsome Sunbird (Aethopyga bella) is found only in the Philippines. It is one of the smallest sunbirds in the Philippines. Handsome songbirds inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist mountain habitat. They maybe seen singly or in pairs frequenting flowering and fruiting trees. About 254 mm total length, they feed on nectar as well as small insects.
The Spotted Wood Kingfisher
The Spotted Wood Kingfisher (Actenoides lindsayi) is endemic to the Philippines widespread in Lizon, Panay, Negros, Marinduque and Catanduanes. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, perches motionless in dark recesses. It measures around 254 mm long. The Spotted Wood Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern.
The Palawan Leafbird
The Yellow-throated Leafbird (Chloropsis palawanensis) is a small bird endemic to the Palawan and the Calamian Group in the Philippines. It commonly inhabits forest, forest edge, and scrub. With a distinctive green color, it measures to about 15.8 – 17.2 cm long. It has pointed slender bill, yellow throat, broad wings and long dull blue tail. Feeds on fruits and seeds. The Yellow-throated Leafbird is classified as Least Concern.
The Luzon Bleeding-heart
The Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica) known for the splash of vivid red color at the heart of their white breasts, is a ground dove endemic to the central and southern parts of Luzon, and Polillo Islands, in the Philippines. This species is found in lowland forest (below 1,400 m). Generally slate grey in color, it measures about 25 cm long and weighs about 150-200 g. It has round body, black bill, a short tail and long red legs. It feeds primarily on seeds, fallen berries, grubs, insects, and worms. The species is threatened by habitat loss, and rampant hunting. The Luzon Bleeding-heart is classified as Near Threatened.
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On July 27, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Good job, nice image
On July 27, 2012 at 3:18 pm
The leafbird is gorgeous, thank you for sharing this very important and interesting article.
On July 27, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Well written – thank you. And thank you for your support.
On July 27, 2012 at 10:55 pm
excellent writeup with beautiful pictures. I only know the name of birds for those common types, wow, so many types of birds, first time I heard “handsome” for birds. The 2 cockatoo, they just had an argument? Hehe.
On July 27, 2012 at 11:53 pm
Hey, Karen I can’t post a comment on your Picable post.
On July 28, 2012 at 1:05 am
Thanks for this lovely pic of birds.
On July 28, 2012 at 1:40 am
Excellent share. Beautiful pics.
On July 28, 2012 at 1:45 am
Really, so beautiful. Marvellous creations of nature!
On July 28, 2012 at 7:14 am
Good job, nice images.
On July 28, 2012 at 11:02 am
Beautiful creatures! I love to bird watch. They are just so charming.
On July 28, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Salamat for trying to comment on my picable posts.
On July 29, 2012 at 4:00 pm
The fruit dove has bright, appealing colors.
On July 29, 2012 at 11:23 pm
As always a beautifully done educational article. I have missed see you work here as much as I use to.
On July 30, 2012 at 12:52 am
nice share. thanks:)
On July 30, 2012 at 5:06 am
Wow, birds! Awesome share, papaleng.
On July 30, 2012 at 8:06 am
Beautiful photos as usual. Very very nice share as usual. Love birds they are so free!
On July 31, 2012 at 7:59 am
Amazing. Thank you.
On August 8, 2012 at 9:37 am
Lovely birds.
On August 9, 2012 at 1:55 am
Beautiful photos as usual. Very very nice share as usual. Love birds they are so free!
On August 10, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Papaleng, the birds are lovely.
On August 15, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Beautiful birds. So lovely.
On August 23, 2012 at 1:37 pm
I love this and the photos extrordinary
On September 14, 2012 at 10:39 am
Wonderful birds here! Atleast the woodpecker and sunbird are common in my country, the rest looked very rare indeed!