Philentoma velata
The Maroon-breasted Philentoma (Philentoma velata) is a truly striking medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable to keen birders by its vivid coloration. Measuring approximately 18-21 cm in length and weighing around 25-35 grams, males boast a breathtaking deep maroon across their underparts and flanks, sharply contrasting with dark, purplish-blue upperparts. A distinctive black face mask, encompassing the lores and extending behind the eye, is punctuated by a bright, electric-blue orbit...
Found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, primarily utilizing primary and tall secondary forests, typically at elevations up to 1,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on a variety of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods, captured through both flycatching and gleaning techniques.
The Maroon-breasted Philentoma is a diurnal species, often encountered alone or in pairs, though it frequently integrates into the dynamic canopy of mixed-species foraging flocks. Their primary foraging strategy is that of an agile insectivore, employing short, precise sallies from a perch to sna...
The Maroon-breasted Philentoma is endemic to Southeast Asia, with a distribution encompassing the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and various smaller adjacent islands. Its breeding range includes southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Kalimantan), and Brunei. There are two ...
Least Concern
- Its scientific genus name, 'Philentoma', is derived from Greek words meaning 'insect-loving', aptly describing its diet. - The vivid electric-blue eye-ring is one of its most striking and reliable identification features. - Despite its brilliant plumage, this bird can be surprisingly difficult ...