Chloropsis moluccensis
The Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis moluccensis) is a vibrant gem of Southeast Asian forests, characterized by its brilliant emerald-green plumage, which provides exceptional camouflage amidst dense foliage. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches) in length and weighing around 25-30 grams, males are distinguished by a broad black facial mask bordered by iridescent blue, a rich golden-yellow throat, and striking blue primary coverts forming a prominent 'shoulder patch,' along with b...
Found primarily in evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf forests, forest edges, plantations, and dense secondary growth from lowlands up to moderate elevations of around 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, and caterpillars, supplemented by nectar from flowering plants and a variety of small, soft fruits.
Diurnal and highly arboreal, Blue-winged Leafbirds spend their days actively foraging high in the canopy, rarely descending to the forest floor. They employ a 'sally-glean' foraging strategy, plucking insects from leaves and branches, hawking flying insects, and probing flowers for nectar and fru...
The Blue-winged Leafbird is widely distributed across mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas. Its breeding range extends from extreme southern Myanmar, through peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is also found extensively on the Indonesian islands of ...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name 'Blue-winged', the blue coloration is primarily restricted to a prominent patch on the shoulder and the edges of flight feathers, not the entire wing. - It is a master mimic, capable of integrating the calls and songs of many other bird species into its own complex vocal...