The white-cheeked bullfinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in mountain regions of the Philippines on the islands of Luzon and Mindanao. It has also been reported on the island of Panay. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests above 1,250 meters above sea level. It is the only bullfinch found in the Philippines.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane and mossy forests of the Philippines, primarily in high-elevation ranges. It favors dense, mature forest but will also use forest edges, clearings with fruiting trees, and bamboo or vine tangles. The species is most often encountered in the midstory to canopy, where it moves deliberately through foliage. Records span several highland massifs, with reports chiefly above the mid-elevation belt.
Altitude Range
1250–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This thick-billed finch is confined to high montane forests of the Philippines and is notable for the male’s striking white cheek patch against a dark hood. It forages quietly in the midstory and canopy, often going unnoticed despite its bold face pattern. Pairs or small family groups are typical, and it sometimes joins mixed-species flocks when trees are fruiting.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, keeping to midstory and canopy foliage. It builds a cup nest concealed in dense vegetation and both parents attend the young. The species may accompany mixed-species flocks when trees are seeding or fruiting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are soft, thin whistles and subdued piping notes, often given from cover. Vocalizations can be sporadic and easily overlooked, aiding its inconspicuous nature.
Plumage
Compact finch with a thick neck and short tail; plumage shows a dark hood contrasting with a pale cheek and warm brown to rufous underparts.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds, buds, and small fruits, using its robust bill to husk and crush food. It also takes tender shoots and occasionally small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is deliberate, often gleaning from clusters of leaves and fruiting sprays.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in midstory to canopy of mossy forest, along forest edges, and in gaps with fruiting or seeding trees. It also visits bamboo thickets and vine tangles where seeds are abundant.
