The Mindoro bleeding-heart, also referred to as kulo-kulo, la-do, manatad, manuk-manuk, punay, and puñalada by the Mangyan, is a species of ground dove native solely to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. It is critically endangered and threatened by habitat loss through quarrying, land conversion and illegal logging. This species is also caught by hunters in snares. Due to its biological line and its survival status, it has been listed as an EDGE species by the Zoological Society of London. With a lack of any official records after 2005, this species is now one of the rarest birds in the world.
Region
Philippines – Mindoro Island
Typical Environment
Occurs in remnant lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests of western and central Mindoro, with strongholds historically around Siburan near Sablayan and in protected or rugged tracts. It favors dense understory with abundant leaf litter for foraging and will persist in lightly logged forest if cover remains intact. The species is highly secretive and is most often detected by brief flushes from the forest floor. Encroachment, quarrying, and conversion to agriculture severely restrict available habitat.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive ground-dove is found only on Mindoro in the Philippines and is renowned for the vivid, blood-red patch on its white breast. It is one of the world’s rarest birds and has been listed as an EDGE species due to its evolutionary distinctiveness and very high risk of extinction. The species is threatened primarily by lowland forest loss and snaring. It spends most of its time on the forest floor and flushes only when approached closely.
A sonogram of the call of the Mindoro bleeding-heart recorded by Albert Lastukhin
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, moving quietly along the shaded forest floor. Territorial behavior is focused around favored foraging areas with dense cover. Nests are typically placed low in shrubs or small trees; both parents share incubation and care for the young, with small clutches of 1–2 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low series of mournful coos delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn or dusk. Vocalizations are subdued and easily masked by forest ambient noise.
