Aegithina viridissima
The Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima) is a captivating, small passerine bird, roughly 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length, known for its vibrant plumage. Males are particularly striking with brilliant grass-green upperparts, bright yellowish-green underparts, and glossy black wings adorned with two prominent white wing-bars. Their dark bill, legs, and a subtle yellowish eye-ring complete their elegant appearance. Females, while also green, exhibit duller hues with less pronounced wing-bars, ...
Found primarily in lowland evergreen and secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, and dense scrub, typically from sea level up to around 800 meters (2,600 feet) in elevation.
Their diet consists mainly of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders, supplemented by small berries and nectar, gleaned actively from foliage and bark.
Green Ioras are highly active, diurnal birds, spending most of their time in the canopy and mid-storey, typically roosting communally in dense foliage at night. They are primarily arboreal foragers, meticulously gleaning insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hanging upside down ...
The Green Iora is native to Southeast Asia, with its distribution centered across the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and some smaller surrounding islands like the Natuna Islands. It is predominantly a resident species throughout its range, showing little to no migratory behavior. Its presence ...
Near Threatened
- The Green Iora belongs to the unique family Aegithinidae, comprising only four species, making them distinct from other common passerines. - Males perform a spectacular 'parachute display' during courtship, involving a high flight followed by a slow, controlled descent with fanned wings and tai...