The Mindanao pygmy babbler is a bird species endemic to the Philippines. It had been placed in the family Timaliidae, but it is a close relative of the white-eyes, however, and many taxonomists now place it in the family Zosteropidae..
Region
Southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Mindanao and adjacent islands such as Dinagat and Siargao. It inhabits lowland to foothill evergreen forests, including secondary growth with dense understory. The species favors vine tangles, bamboo thickets, and forest edges where it can move through cover. It is most frequently detected in mixed-species flocks in the midstory and understory. Persistence is best in tracts with intact or semi-intact canopy and dense lower strata.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mindanao pygmy babbler is a tiny, forest-dwelling songbird endemic to the southern Philippines. Formerly placed in the babbler family (Timaliidae), genetic evidence shows it is closely related to white-eyes and is now often treated within Zosteropidae. It forages in mixed-species flocks and is easily overlooked due to its size and skulking habits.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually travels in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, with both parents involved in care. Territoriality is modest, with soft contact calls used to keep groups together.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tsee notes followed by a rapid, dry trill. Calls are sharp and sibilant, often given repeatedly as the bird moves through cover.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed bird with mostly plain, slightly shaggy plumage; upperparts olive-brown with a faint rufous or chestnut wash on the crown and nape, underparts buffy to grayish with subtle dusky mottling.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It probes into curled leaves and bark crevices and occasionally snatches prey during short sallies. Foraging is rapid and methodical, often in the company of other small insectivores. It may take tiny spiders and larvae when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory and midstory of dense forest, especially along edges, clearings, and bamboo or rattan thickets. Also uses secondary growth and regenerating forest with sufficient shrub layer.
