Aethopyga boltoni
The Apo Sunbird, *Aethopyga boltoni*, is a captivating and iridescent songbird endemic to the montane forests of Mindanao, Philippines. Males are strikingly adorned with a glossy purple crown and nape, shimmering metallic green mantle, and a vibrant scarlet throat and upper breast that transitions to a brilliant orange-yellow lower breast and belly. Their dark wings and tail contrast with a distinctive yellow-green rump, often featuring slightly elongated central tail feathers typical of its ...
This species exclusively inhabits moist montane and mossy forests on Mindanao, Philippines, typically at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 meters (5,000-9,200 feet) above sea level.
Feeds primarily on nectar extracted from flowers, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage, and occasionally small fruits.
The Apo Sunbird is an active and agile diurnal species, observed foraging busily throughout the day. It primarily feeds on nectar, hovering adeptly before flowers or perching to insert its slender, decurved bill into blossoms, much like a hummingbird. In addition to nectar, it frequently gleans s...
The Apo Sunbird is strictly endemic to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, with its distribution restricted to specific high-elevation mountain ranges. Its primary stronghold is Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, but it also occurs on other significant montane massifs...
Least Concern
- The male Apo Sunbird's brilliant scarlet and orange-yellow underparts make it one of the most vividly colored members of the *Aethopyga* genus. - Its scientific name, *Aethopyga boltoni*, honors Dr. J. Bolton, an amateur British naturalist. - Males possess iridescent plumage that changes hue de...