The Philippine fairy-bluebird is a species of bird in the family Irenidae. It is endemic to the Philippines being found in the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Samar Leyte, and Bohol.
Region
Philippine archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and well-structured secondary forests, especially in lowland and lower montane evergreen habitats. It favors mature canopy and subcanopy layers with abundant fruiting trees, including figs and laurels. The species also appears along forest edges and in selectively logged areas if large fruiting trees remain. It is generally absent from heavily degraded or open agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking canopy bird is endemic to the Philippines and is closely related to the Asian fairy-bluebird but distinct in range and plumage details. Males show vivid electric blue against velvety black, while females are more subdued blue-green. It is an important disperser of forest fruits, especially figs, helping regenerate native forests.
A lithograph
Temperament
shy canopy-dweller, alert and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs defend a territory centered on fruiting trees. The nest is a neat cup placed high in the canopy; both parents are believed to share care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, fluty whistles and liquid, bell-like notes that carry through the canopy. Calls include clear, ringing tiu or pew phrases and soft contact notes when foraging.
Plumage
Male with glossy, iridescent cobalt-blue upperparts contrasting with black head, underparts, and wings; female duller blue-green with darker wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of soft fruits, especially figs (Ficus) and other canopy berries. It also takes nectar opportunistically and supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods. Foraging is mostly deliberate and methodical, picking fruit and gleaning from foliage and small branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and subcanopy at fruiting trees, often moving along forest edges and ridgelines where trees are in fruit. Occasionally ventures into secondary forest and selectively logged tracts if key fruit sources persist.
