Lalage aurea
The Rufous-bellied Triller (Lalage aurea) is a strikingly dimorphic passerine bird, averaging about 19-20 cm in length, endemic to the Philippines. Males boast glossy black upperparts contrasting sharply with a vibrant rufous or orange-chestnut belly, making them unmistakable. Females, in contrast, are much duller, with brownish-gray upperparts and a paler, sometimes buffy, underbelly. A key field mark for males is this dramatic black and rufous pattern, while females require closer observati...
This species primarily inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations from sea level up to around 1,000 meters.
The diet primarily consists of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans, gleaned from foliage. They also supplement their insectivorous diet with small fruits.
Rufous-bellied Trillers are diurnal birds, often seen actively foraging in the mid-story and canopy of trees, though they may descend to lower levels in more disturbed habitats. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and larvae from foliage and branches, often making short, agile salli...
The Rufous-bellied Triller is entirely endemic to the Philippines, where it is widely distributed across many of the major island groups. Its range includes Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Negros, Panay, Bohol, and numerous smaller surrounding islands. While it is present across much of the archip...
Least Concern
- The "Triller" in its name comes from the distinctive, rapidly repeated, high-pitched notes of its song, often described as a trill. - This species is an endemic resident of the Philippines, found nowhere else in the world. - Males are among the most brightly colored members of the *Lalage* genu...