Greater Green Leafbird

Chloropsis sonnerati

The Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati) is a dazzling jewel of Southeast Asian forests, renowned for its vivid emerald plumage and remarkable vocal abilities. Measuring approximately 17-21 cm (6.7-8.3 inches) in length and weighing 28-40 grams, this passerine stands out with its brilliant green body, a distinct black facial mask, and, in males, a prominent cobalt-blue moustachial stripe and a golden-yellow throat. A subtle blue or purple patch on the shoulder or wing often adds to i...

Habitat

Found primarily in lowland and submontane tropical and subtropical forests, including primary and secondary growth, plantations, and forest edges, typically at elevations up to 1000-1500 meters.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, supplementing its diet with nectar from flowers and various types of soft fruits. Forages by gleaning, probing, and hawking.

Behavior

Diurnal and highly active, the Greater Green Leafbird spends its days foraging energetically within the forest canopy, often alone or in pairs. It employs a variety of foraging techniques, gleaning insects from foliage, probing flowers for nectar with its brush-tipped tongue, and occasionally haw...

Range

The Greater Green Leafbird boasts a broad, resident distribution across much of Southeast Asia, extending from southern Myanmar and Thailand through the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java, eastward to Bali and some adjacent smaller islands. It is generally non-migratory through...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Greater Green Leafbird is a master mimic, capable of imitating the calls of many other forest bird species, making its song incredibly varied and complex. - Its brilliant emerald green plumage provides excellent camouflage amongst the dense foliage of its tropical forest habitat. - Unlike m...

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