Aethopyga tibolii
The Tboli Sunbird (Aethopyga tibolii) is a recently recognized jewel of the Philippine avian fauna, celebrated for its striking iridescent plumage and endemic status to the island of Mindanao. Measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length, including its elongated central tail feathers, males exhibit a dazzling array of metallic greens, blues, and purples on their crown and upperparts, contrasting with a vibrant crimson throat and chest, and yellowish underparts. Females are generally duller, wit...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane forests, including mossy and cloud forest ecosystems. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
The primary diet of the Tboli Sunbird consists of nectar, extracted from a variety of flowering plants. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, particularly during the breeding season.
Tboli Sunbirds are highly active, diurnal birds, spending their days flitting rapidly between flowering plants in search of nectar. They often forage solitarily or in pairs, but can sometimes join mixed-species flocks, particularly outside the breeding season, moving through the forest canopy and...
The Tboli Sunbird is strictly endemic to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, inhabiting specific montane regions. Its distribution is highly restricted to the mountainous interiors, particularly known from the southwestern part of the island, including areas such as Mount Busa and...
Data Deficient
- The Tboli Sunbird was only formally recognized as a distinct species in 2021, making it one of the newest additions to the world's avian catalog. - Its scientific name, *Aethopyga tibolii*, pays homage to the indigenous T'boli people of Mindanao, a testament to the island's rich cultural and bi...