Cinnamon Ibon

Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus

The Cinnamon Ibon (Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus) is a captivating passerine endemic to the Philippines, renowned for its distinctive uniform cinnamon plumage. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length and weighing around 15-20 grams, it exhibits a striking rich rufous-cinnamon coloration across its head, back, and underparts, contrasting with darker, dusky flight feathers and tail. A subtle paler eye-ring might be present, though not as pronounced as in true white-eyes. Its stout, relatively s...

Habitat

Primarily found in montane and submontane forests, including mossy and pine forests, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Diet

Feeds primarily on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, supplemented with a variety of small fruits, berries, and seeds gleaned from vegetation.

Behavior

The Cinnamon Ibon is a diurnal species, typically observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly with other small passerines. It actively forages by gleaning insects, spiders, and small fruits from foliage and branches, moving delibera...

Range

The Cinnamon Ibon is strictly endemic to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Its distribution is restricted to several high-elevation mountain ranges across the island, including Mount Apo, Mount Kitanglad, Mount Matutum, and the peaks of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is a resident ...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Cinnamon Ibon was once classified as a white-eye (Zosteropidae) due to its appearance, but genetic studies dramatically reclassified it as a basal member of the Old World Sparrow family (Passeridae). - This taxonomic reclassification makes it a unique "living fossil" in ornithology, represe...

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