The lesser green leafbird is a species of bird in the family Chloropseidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, including primary and well-developed secondary growth. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, peat-swamp and selectively logged forests where flowering and fruiting trees are available. The species also ventures into orchards, gardens near forest, and wooded plantations. It typically forages high in the canopy but will descend to mid-storey when resources are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Lesser green leafbirds are canopy-dwelling songbirds noted for their rich, fluting calls and an ability to mimic other species. They play an important role in forests as pollinators and seed dispersers by visiting flowers and fruiting trees. Males can be confused with the larger Greater green leafbird, but are smaller with a finer bill. The species is affected by habitat loss and local trapping in parts of its range.
Temperament
elusive but active, chiefly canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting movements through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining small mixed-species flocks following fruiting or flowering trees. Territorial pairs maintain feeding areas during the breeding season. The cup-shaped nest is placed on a slender branch or in dense foliage, and both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes. Calls may include mimicked phrases from other birds, delivered from high canopy perches.
Plumage
Overall bright leaf-green with smooth, unspotted plumage; contrasting darker face in males and cleaner green face in females. Plumage appears glossy in good light with slightly darker wings and tail.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of fruits (especially figs and small berries), nectar from flowering trees, and a variety of insects and other arthropods. It gleans insects from leaves and twigs, occasionally sallying to catch flying prey. Nectar feeding often coincides with blooming events of forest trees, where it also aids pollination. Fruit consumption contributes to seed dispersal across the forest.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid- to upper canopy of lowland forest, along edges, and in semi-open wooded areas. Frequently visits fruiting figs and flowering canopy trees, and may use orchards and gardens adjacent to forest.
