Penelopides mindorensis
The Mindoro Hornbill (*Penelopides mindorensis*), an exquisite gem of the Philippine avifauna, is a small yet striking member of the Bucerotidae family, endemic solely to Mindoro Island. Measuring approximately 45 cm in length, this species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are instantly recognizable by their creamy-white head and underparts, contrasted with a blackish-brown back and wings that shimmer with a metallic green sheen, and distinctive rufous lower flanks and vent. Their...
Primarily inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen lowland forests, often near forest edges or occasionally in wooded areas adjacent to cultivation, typically found below 1000 meters elevation.
Predominantly frugivorous, feeding heavily on figs and other forest fruits, supplemented with insects, small vertebrates like lizards, and occasionally crabs, primarily foraging by gleaning.
The Mindoro Hornbill is a diurnal species, spending its active hours foraging in the forest canopy and understory, often congregating in communal roosts in large trees at night. Foraging primarily involves gleaning fruits and insects from branches, but they are also observed sallying out to catch...
The Mindoro Hornbill is strictly endemic to Mindoro Island, one of the larger islands in the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines. Its entire breeding and resident range is confined to the remaining lowland forests, particularly primary and mature secondary growths, scattered across this single isl...
Endangered
- The Mindoro Hornbill is one of only four Penelopides species found exclusively in the Philippines, and the only one restricted to the island of Mindoro. - Unlike most hornbills, the male Mindoro Hornbill has striking creamy-white plumage on its head and underparts, a key identifier distinguishi...