The Sulu bleeding-heart or Tawitawi bleeding-heart is a species of bird in the pigeon and dove family, Columbidae. It is endemic to the island of Tawi-Tawi and its surrounding islets in the Philippines' Sulu Archipelago. This species is known only from two specimens collected in 1891, and has not been recorded with certainty since. It lives in primary and secondary forests that have a closed canopy. The Sulu bleeding-heart is a medium-sized pigeon with a short tail. Bright metallic green feathers stretch from the forehead and crown down to the mantle and sides of the breast, where they surround a large, pale orange breast spot with diffuse edges that gives the species the name "bleeding-heart". The lower wings and back are varying shades of brown, and the throat and chest are largely white. The belly is an ashy-gray.
Region
Sulu Archipelago, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Historically confined to Tawi-Tawi and nearby islets, occupying primary and mature secondary lowland forest with a closed canopy. It favors dense understory and leaf-littered floors where it can forage inconspicuously. The bird likely uses small ravines and stream edges for cover and feeding. It is not known to persist in open or heavily degraded habitats and would require intact forest patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive ground-dwelling dove is known from only two specimens collected in 1891 on Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, and has not been confirmed since despite searches. Its name comes from the pale orange, blood-like spot on the breast framed by iridescent green. If it persists, it likely survives in tiny pockets of lowland forest. Extensive deforestation and hunting pressure have driven it to the brink and it is considered possibly extinct.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, reluctant flier that stays low
Social Behavior
Presumed to be solitary or in pairs, like other bleeding-hearts, foraging quietly on the forest floor. Nests were likely placed low in dense vegetation, but virtually nothing is confirmed about its breeding. It relies on cover and remains motionless when threatened, flushing only at close range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Likely a soft, low series of coos typical of ground doves, carrying only a short distance through dense forest. Vocalizations are poorly documented and may be infrequently given.
