The Philippine leafbird is a species of bird in the family Chloropseidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Samar and Cebu. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines away from Palawan, it inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It forages high in the canopy but also uses mid-story trees along rivers and clearings. The species adapts to lightly disturbed habitats with abundant flowering and fruiting trees. It may visit gardens or plantations adjacent to forest when suitable resources are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Philippine leafbird is a vivid green canopy songbird known for its rich, whistled phrases and occasional mimicry of other birds. It frequents flowering and fruiting trees, helping pollinate blossoms and disperse seeds. Males typically show a darker facial mask and brighter accents than females. Ongoing loss of lowland forest threatens suitable habitat in parts of its range.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs defend small feeding territories when resources are concentrated. The nest is a delicate cup suspended from a forked twig high in a tree; both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich series of clear whistles, twitters, and liquid notes delivered from high perches. It may incorporate mimicry of other forest birds. Contact calls are thin, sharp chips.
Plumage
Leaf-green overall with a sleek, glossy texture; males show a darker face with contrasting accents, females plainer green. Underparts slightly paler, with subtle yellowish tones on the throat and breast. Wings and tail are green with darker edges.
Diet
Consumes small fruits such as figs and berries, sips nectar from flowering trees, and gleans insects and spiders from leaves and twigs. It often forages methodically through the canopy, probing blossoms and picking prey from foliage. Occasional short sallies are made to snatch flying insects. By visiting blossoms, it can act as a pollinator; by swallowing small fruits, it helps disperse seeds.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the upper canopy and tall mid-story of primary and mature secondary forests. Also uses forest edges, riverine corridors, and fruiting or flowering trees in adjacent plantations and gardens.
