Sarcophanops samarensis
The Visayan Broadbill (*Sarcophanops samarensis*) is a truly captivating, small passerine bird, endemic to the central Philippines, measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length. Its striking appearance is defined by a vivid pink bill, a prominent, powder-blue fleshy wattle surrounding the eye, and a contrasting black head above a brilliant white throat. The upperparts are a glossy blue-black, often with a subtle blue patch on the wings, while the underparts are pure white. Once c...
This broadbill primarily inhabits lowland primary and mature secondary forests, favoring areas with dense canopy and often near forest edges. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 700-800 meters.
Its diet consists primarily of various insects, including beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, cicadas, and mantises, often caught during aerial sallies or by gleaning from foliage.
The Visayan Broadbill is a diurnal species, typically observed singly, in pairs, or occasionally in small family groups, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the mid to upper canopy. Its foraging strategy is predominantly insectivorous, involving active gleaning of insects from foliage ...
The Visayan Broadbill is an island endemic, found exclusively within the central Philippine archipelago. Its distribution is restricted to the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Bohol, with unconfirmed records from Dinagat. This species is non-migratory and occupies its range year-round, establishing r...
Endangered
- The Visayan Broadbill is one of only two species in the genus *Sarcophanops*, both endemic to the Philippines, the other being the Mindanao Broadbill. - Its name 'Sarcophanops' is derived from Greek words meaning 'flesh-eyed', a direct reference to its prominent, fleshy eye-wattle. - The striki...