Rhabdornis mystacalis
The Stripe-headed Rhabdornis (*Rhabdornis mystacalis*) is a captivating passerine bird endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the unique family Rhabdornithidae, often referred to as the Philippine Creepers. Measuring approximately 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length and weighing around 20-30 grams, its most striking feature is a prominent blackish stripe extending from the lores through the eye to the ear-coverts, sharply contrasting with a bright white supercilium and a whitish throat. The upp...
Found primarily in lowland and montane tropical moist broadleaf forests, often frequenting forest edges, clearings, and sometimes plantations, from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on insects and their larvae, gleaned from tree bark and epiphytes, supplemented with nectar from flowering trees.
Stripe-headed Rhabdornises are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging tirelessly by creeping up tree trunks and along branches in a nuthatch-like fashion, often descending head-first. They typically occur in pairs or small family groups, but are also frequent members of mixed-spe...
The Stripe-headed Rhabdornis is entirely endemic to the Philippines, with a relatively widespread distribution across several of the larger islands. Its primary range includes Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, and Panay, where it is often considered a common resident. Subspecies are recognized, with *R. m....
Least Concern
- The Stripe-headed Rhabdornis belongs to the Rhabdornithidae family, one of only two bird families truly endemic to the Philippines (the other being the Philippine Falconet, although its family is widely distributed). - Unlike typical treecreepers, which often spiral up trunks and then fly to th...