The chestnut-faced babbler is a species of bird in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The species is generally found in mountain forests, generally above 1000 m. It has a wide range of habitats, frequenting broadleaf forests, moist mossy forests, pine forest, open forest, scrub and human modified habitat as well.
Region
Luzon highlands, Philippines
Typical Environment
Endemic to the mountains of Luzon, where it occupies montane broadleaf and mossy forests, pine forest, and forest edges. It also uses scrub and secondary growth, especially near openings and along ridgelines. Birds typically forage in the understory to mid-canopy, weaving through dense foliage and epiphyte-laden branches. It is generally most numerous in intact, humid montane forest but shows some resilience to moderate habitat modification.
Altitude Range
1000–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively member of the white-eye family, the chestnut-faced babbler forms chattering parties that move quickly through mossy midstory branches. It often joins mixed-species flocks, helping locate insect prey flushed by other birds. Despite preferring montane forest, it tolerates forest edges and secondary growth, which likely helps its conservation status. Its distinctive chestnut mask makes it one of Luzon’s easier babblers to identify.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small, noisy groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs likely nest in dense shrubs or low trees, building a cup-shaped nest concealed in foliage. Cooperative vigilance within groups helps detect predators while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick series of high, chattering notes and thin tsee-tsee phrases, often delivered antiphonally within a group. Contact calls are sharp and scolding, keeping moving parties together in dense cover.
Plumage
Compact babbler with a rich chestnut mask on the face and ear-coverts, olive-brown upperparts, and paler grayish-buff underparts with a clean white throat.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, gleaned from leaves, moss, and small branches. It probes epiphytes and curled leaves and occasionally hawks short distances for flushed prey. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and midstory of humid montane forest and mossy forest, especially along edges, ridges, and gaps. Also uses secondary growth and scrub near forest margins.
