Aethopyga primigenia
The Grey-hooded Sunbird (Aethopyga primigenia) is a small, highly distinctive species, measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length, endemic to the montane forests of Mindanao in the Philippines. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, though both sexes share the characteristic 'grey hood'. The male boasts an iridescent purplish-blue crown and nape, contrasting sharply with an olive-green back, a bright yellow rump, and a vibrant orange-red patch on its otherwise yellow breast and belly. Its ...
Found primarily in montane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and sometimes overgrown clearings, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,600 meters above sea level.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark.
This diurnal species is highly active, often observed singly, in pairs, or occasionally integrating into mixed-species foraging flocks. Its primary foraging strategy involves expertly hovering before flowers to extract nectar with its specialized, decurved bill; it also gleans small insects and s...
The Grey-hooded Sunbird is an island endemic, found exclusively on Mindanao, one of the larger islands in the southern Philippines. Its distribution is highly restricted to suitable montane habitats across various mountain ranges on Mindanao, including Mount Apo, Kitanglad, and other significant ...
Near Threatened
- The Grey-hooded Sunbird is an obligate endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, found nowhere else in the world. - Despite its name, the male's 'grey hood' is actually an iridescent purplish-blue, creating a captivating optical effect. - Its long, slender, decurved bill is perfectl...