Gallicolumba crinigera
The Mindanao Bleeding-heart (*Gallicolumba crinigera*) is a stunningly beautiful and elusive pigeon endemic to the Philippines, renowned for its vivid plumage and the striking, blood-red patch on its breast that gives it its evocative name. Measuring approximately 29-30 cm in length, this ground-dwelling bird exhibits a fawn-colored crown often tinged with metallic green, a greyish head, and a brilliant iridescent green, blue, or purple sheen across its upperparts, contrasting sharply with it...
This species primarily inhabits dense, primary lowland and submontane rainforests, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1000 meters, occasionally reaching 1500 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of seeds, fallen berries, and fruits gleaned from the forest floor, supplemented by small invertebrates such as insects and their larvae.
The Mindanao Bleeding-heart is a predominantly diurnal bird, known for its extremely shy and secretive nature, often observed singly or in pairs rather than large flocks. It spends most of its time foraging on the forest floor, meticulously sifting through leaf litter with its feet and bill to un...
The Mindanao Bleeding-heart is endemic to the Philippines, with its historical range encompassing several islands. Its primary stronghold is the island of Mindanao, where fragmented populations persist in remaining lowland and submontane rainforests, particularly in the eastern and southern regio...
Vulnerable
- The 'bleeding-heart' patch is not a wound, but a unique patch of specialized feathers, brilliantly colored to mimic blood, possibly to deter predators or for display. - Despite its striking appearance, it is incredibly difficult to spot in the wild dueating to its secretive nature and preferenc...