Chloropsis hardwickii
The Orange-bellied Leafbird, *Chloropsis hardwickii*, is a truly resplendent jewel of Asian forests, immediately recognizable by its vivid sexual dimorphism and striking coloration. Males flaunt an iridescent green body with a broad, flaming orange belly, sharply contrasted by a black mask and throat, bordered by a brilliant cobalt-blue malar stripe and distinct blue shoulder patches. Measuring approximately 17-21 cm in length and weighing 26-44 g, the male's plumage is among the most elabora...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests, including montane and evergreen forests, often found in the canopy and mid-story. They thrive across a wide elevational range, from foothills up to approximately 2,000 meters.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of insects, nectar from a variety of flowers, and soft fruits. They employ both gleaning for insects and probing for nectar.
Orange-bellied Leafbirds are diurnal and highly active, spending most of their time foraging high in the forest canopy. Their foraging strategy is varied, involving gleaning insects from foliage, hawking flying insects in mid-air, and probing flowers for nectar with their specialized brush-tipped...
The Orange-bellied Leafbird boasts a broad distribution across the Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia, primarily as a resident species. Its breeding and year-round range extends from the western Himalayas in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India, eastward through Bangladesh and My...
Least Concern
- The Orange-bellied Leafbird is a skilled vocal mimic, often incorporating the calls and songs of numerous other bird species into its repertoire, making identification by sound challenging for the uninitiated. - Despite their vibrant coloration, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the...