Chloropsis flavipennis
The Philippine Leafbird, *Chloropsis flavipennis*, is a vibrant and elusive passerine endemic to the Philippines, known for its predominantly bright green plumage that offers superb camouflage amidst tropical foliage. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing around 30-40 grams, this medium-sized songbird exhibits a distinct yellow primary feather patch on its wings, which gives it its specific epithet 'flavipennis' (yellow-winged), a key diagnostic field mark. Its ...
This leafbird primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, favoring both primary and secondary growth, from lowland to montane elevations up to 1,200 meters.
Their diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of insects, nectar, and small fruits, obtained through active foraging in the forest canopy.
Philippine Leafbirds are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time foraging in the canopy and sub-canopy. They are solitary or found in pairs, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks to exploit food resources. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from leaves and ba...
The Philippine Leafbird is endemic to the Philippines, with its distribution fragmented across several major islands. It is primarily found on Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, and Mindanao, and has also been recorded on Samar and Leyte. These populations are often isolated due to the insular nature...
Near Threatened
- The scientific name 'flavipennis' directly translates to 'yellow-winged,' highlighting its most distinctive field mark. - Despite its vivid green plumage, the Philippine Leafbird is remarkably cryptic, blending seamlessly into the forest canopy. - Leafbirds are sometimes called 'chloropsis' aft...