Calabarzon babbler

The Calabarzon babbler is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the island of Luzon. Contrary to its name, it is also found outside the Calabarzon region where it also inhabits Central Luzon, Bicol Peninsula and Catanduanes. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It previously was considered a subspecies of the black-crowned babbler.

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Distribution

Region

Luzon and Catanduanes, Philippines

Typical Environment

Occurs in tropical moist lowland forests across southern and central Luzon, extending into the Bicol Peninsula and onto Catanduanes. It favors dense understory, thickets, and secondary growth, often near forest edges and along streams. The species also frequents bamboo stands and vine tangles where it forages methodically. It can persist in selectively logged forest, but is less common in heavily degraded habitats.

Altitude Range

0–1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm

Wing Span17–20 cm

Male Weight0.02 kg

Female Weight0.018 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Calabarzon babbler is a small, energetic forest bird of Luzon and nearby islands in the Philippines, placed in the white-eye family (Zosteropidae). It was recently elevated to full species rank after being split from the Black-crowned Babbler. It often joins mixed-species flocks, where its sharp calls help maintain group cohesion. Preservation of lowland forest is important for this species, which prefers dense understory and bamboo tangles.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small parties and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Pairs maintain close contact with soft calls while foraging. Nesting is presumed to involve a small cup nest placed low in dense vegetation, with both parents attending young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Delivers a quick series of thin, piping notes and chatters, often accelerating into a short trill. Contact calls are sharp and metallic, helping birds keep in touch within dense foliage.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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