Aethopyga linaraborae
The Lina's Sunbird (Aethopyga linaraborae) is a vibrant and relatively recently described passerine belonging to the Nectariniidae family, endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Males are spectacularly iridescent, featuring a brilliant metallic green crown, nape, and mantle, contrasting with a dark rufous-maroon back and rump. A distinct scarlet patch adorns the chest, transitioning to an olive-yellow belly, and they possess elongated central tail feathers, often purplish-black...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane evergreen rainforests, often frequenting forest edges, secondary growth, and disturbed areas. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
The primary diet consists of nectar, supplemented by small insects (such as ants, beetles, and small flies) and spiders, which are gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Lina's Sunbirds are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging diligently, often alone or in pairs, though they may join small mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy primarily involves hovering to extract nectar from various flowers, using their lon...
Lina's Sunbird is strictly endemic to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Its distribution is somewhat fragmented, primarily restricted to the montane and submontane rainforests of the island's various mountain ranges. Key strongholds include the Kitanglad Range, Mount Apo, and ot...
Least Concern
- Lina's Sunbird was only officially described as a distinct species in 2010, making it a relatively recent ornithological discovery. - It is named in honor of Lina L. Alabor, a distinguished Filipino ornithologist who contributed significantly to bird conservation in the Philippines. - This sunb...