The Luzon striped babbler is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is one of the four striped babblers along with the Negros striped babbler, Panay striped babbler and Palawan striped babbler. It is endemic to the Philippines, where it is only found in northern Luzon and in Bataan. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Luzon, Philippines
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, including secondary growth and forest edges with dense underbrush. Favors vine tangles and bamboo patches where it can forage under cover. It can persist in selectively logged forest provided substantial understory remains. Often occurs in mixed-species flocks, using the mid- to lower understory strata.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, highly localized babbler is confined to northern Luzon and the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving quickly through dense understory and bamboo thickets. Like its close island relatives, it shows bold striping on the underparts and face. Ongoing deforestation in lowland forests poses the main threat to its habitat.
An illustration of Luzon striped-babbler
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; both parents are presumed to care for young. Territorial calls are given from concealed perches within understory thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with short chattering notes. Calls can be sharp and scolding when alarmed, with contact notes exchanged constantly while foraging.
