The Visayan rhabdornis is a species of bird currently placed in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is endemic to the central Philippines on the islands of Negros and Panay. It was previously considered a subspecies of the stripe-breasted rhabdornis. It lives in tropical moist montane forest and is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Western Visayas
Typical Environment
Occurs on the islands of Negros and Panay, primarily in tropical moist montane and mossy forests. It favors mature forest with large trees but may use edges and selectively logged stands. Birds often forage in the mid to upper canopy, moving along trunks, limbs, and vine tangles. It is highly localized, tracking intact forest tracts and ridge systems. Occasional records come from adjacent secondary growth near remaining forest.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Visayan rhabdornis is a bark-gleaning songbird endemic to the central Philippines (Negros and Panay), historically placed with the starlings (Sturnidae) but often treated as part of a unique Philippine lineage. It frequents montane forests where it climbs trunks and branches nuthatch-like to pick insects. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the stripe-breasted rhabdornis. Ongoing habitat loss on its limited range makes it a conservation concern.
Two Visayan rhabdornis on Negros
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in small family parties, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Forages by creeping and hitching along trunks and larger branches, gleaning insects from bark and epiphytes. Likely nests in natural tree cavities or crevices and is presumed socially monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched seeps and short chipping series given while foraging. Song is a modest, tinkling sequence of notes interspersed with soft chatters. Calls carry just enough to keep contact within small groups.
