Chloropsis palawanensis
The Yellow-throated Leafbird (Chloropsis palawanensis) is a striking passerine endemic to the Palawan island group in the Philippines, belonging to the vibrant family Chloropseidae. Measuring approximately 17-18 cm (7 inches) in length, males are resplendent with an emerald green plumage, a vibrant yellow throat, and a distinct black facial mask bordered by a blue malar stripe, which transitions to an orange-yellow wash on the breast and belly. Females, while also predominantly green, are gen...
This species primarily inhabits lowland primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas with scattered trees, found from sea level up to elevations of about 1000 meters.
The diet consists primarily of insects and spiders, supplemented with nectar from flowers and small fruits, particularly figs. They are omnivorous, employing gleaning, hawking, and probing techniques.
Yellow-throated Leafbirds are generally observed singly or in pairs, actively foraging within the mid-canopy and sub-canopy layers of their forest habitat during daylight hours. Their foraging strategy is diverse, involving agile gleaning of insects and spiders from foliage, hawking for flying in...
The Yellow-throated Leafbird is strictly endemic to the Palawan island group in the Philippines, where it is found across Palawan Island itself, as well as several smaller associated islands including Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Dumaran, and Coron. Its distribution is therefore highly restricted t...
Near Threatened
- The Yellow-throated Leafbird is endemic to the Palawan group of islands, making it a unique avian gem found nowhere else in the world. - Despite their vibrant green plumage, these birds are incredibly difficult to spot in the dense forest canopy, often betraying their presence only through thei...