Philentoma pyrhoptera
The Rufous-winged Philentoma (Philentoma pyrhoptera) is a captivating passerine, measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length, renowned for its striking plumage. Males exhibit a glossy, deep purplish-blue body that contrasts dramatically with their vibrant rufous primary and secondary wing feathers, complemented by a black bill and distinctive bright red eyes. Females, while retaining the rufous wings, possess a duller slate-grey body, making sexual dimorphism quite apparent in...
Primarily inhabits lowland and hill evergreen rainforests, as well as secondary forests and forest edges, typically at elevations below 1200 meters (occasionally up to 1400 meters).
Feeds predominantly on arthropods, including a variety of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, captured by gleaning and short sallying flights.
This species is notably shy and secretive, often observed singly or in pairs, quietly moving through the dense sub-canopy and mid-story vegetation. They frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks, benefiting from the collective search for food. Foraging involves actively gleaning insects from ...
The Rufous-winged Philentoma is an endemic resident of the Sundaic biogeographical region of Southeast Asia. Its extensive distribution encompasses the Malay Peninsula, stretching from southern Myanmar and Thailand southwards through Peninsular Malaysia. It is also widely distributed across the l...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, `pyrhoptera`, translates to "fire-winged," a direct reference to its brilliantly colored rufous primary and secondary feathers. - Despite its vibrant plumage, the Rufous-winged Philentoma is notoriously shy and often remains hidden in dense forest undergrowth, making it a c...