Jerdon's leafbird is a species of leafbird found in forest and woodland in India and Sri Lanka. Its name honours Thomas C. Jerdon. It has traditionally been considered a subspecies of the blue-winged leafbird, but differ in measurements and morphology, it lacking the blue flight feathers for which the blue-winged leafbird was named.
Region
South Asia (Indian Subcontinent)
Typical Environment
Occurs across peninsular India and Sri Lanka in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, as well as well-wooded gardens and plantations. It favors forest edges and the mid to upper canopy where flowering and fruiting trees are abundant. The species adapts to secondary growth and shade-coffee estates if tall trees persist. In Sri Lanka it inhabits the wet and intermediate zones and can enter suburban green spaces when resources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Jerdon's leafbird is a bright green canopy-dweller of India and Sri Lanka, named after the British naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon. It was long treated as a subspecies of the blue-winged leafbird but differs in size and lacks the blue flight feathers. Males show a striking black face and throat, while females are greener and lack the mask. A capable mimic, it often weaves phrases of other birds into its varied song.
Temperament
active and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating, darting flights between tree crowns
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. The cup-shaped nest is placed on a slender outer branch and is woven from fine fibers and rootlets. Breeding is typically during the dry-to-wet transition, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rich series of clear whistles, warbles, and liquid phrases, often interspersed with imitations of other forest birds. Calls include sharp chits and mellow contact notes used to stay in touch while foraging in foliage.
Plumage
Predominantly bright leaf-green with smooth, close-fitting plumage and minimal wing edging. Male shows a contrasting black mask and throat with a yellowish wash around the face; female is plainer green without the black bib.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small fruits and berries (such as figs), nectar from flowering trees, and a variety of arthropods. It gleans insects from leaves and twigs and may sally short distances to catch flying prey. Nectar is lapped from blossoms, and the bird often becomes dusted with pollen, aiding pollination.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy, particularly in fruiting fig trees and flowering Erythrina, Bombax, and similar species. Frequently visits forest edges, clearings, and mature gardens where suitable trees are present.
