The orange-bellied leafbird is a bird native to the central and eastern Himalayas, Yunnan and northern parts of Southeast Asia. The greyish-crowned leafbird, which is found in Hainan, is again considered conspecific. The scientific name commemorates the English naturalist Thomas Hardwicke.
Region
Central and Eastern Himalayas and northern Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical moist hill forests, forest edges, and well-wooded valleys. It frequents the mid to upper canopy but will descend to forage at flowering and fruiting trees in clearings and village orchards. The species tolerates secondary growth and lightly disturbed habitats, provided mature trees remain. It is generally sedentary with local movements following food availability.
Altitude Range
200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This vibrant leafbird is native to the central and eastern Himalayas, Yunnan, and northern parts of Southeast Asia. It often mimics the calls of other forest birds, making it tricky to detect by sound alone. Some authorities have alternately treated the Hainan population (greyish-crowned leafbird) as conspecific. The species name commemorates the English naturalist Thomas Hardwicke.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile canopy manoeuvres
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and maintains territories during breeding. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks while feeding in the canopy. The nest is a neat cup placed on a horizontal branch; the female typically incubates while the male assists with provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty whistles interspersed with chatters and trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Frequently incorporates mimicry of other species, producing a variable and deceptive repertoire.
Plumage
Lush green body with a distinct orange belly patch; males show a black face and throat bordered by bluish moustachial lines. Females are greener overall with duller or reduced orange and lack the full black mask. Both sexes have neat, sleek plumage suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Takes nectar from blossoms, soft fruits such as figs and berries, and small arthropods. Gleans insects from leaves and twigs and occasionally hawks for flying prey. Regularly visits flowering trees like Erythrina and Bombax and fruiting figs when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy, along forest edges, and in semi-open woodlands. Also uses orchards, gardens, and roadside trees where nectar and fruit are abundant.
