'/> Amazing Animals: 10 Most
Showing posts with label 10 Most. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 10 Most. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

10 Intriguing Black Birds

If I ask you to name three black birds, then without thinking you'll give these names; crow, raven and hawk. You're absolutely right. But what if I asked for a list of 10 intriguing black birds. So sure you will scratch your head. Am I right?

To help you out, here is my list of 10 intriguing black birds. Go check it out and learn some interesting facts about them as well.

Anhinga

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The Anhinga (Anhinga Anhinga), sometimes called snakebird, American darter, or water turkey, is a large, dark waterbird with long tail found in freshwater ponds and swamps in the warmer parts of the Americas. Like other darters, the Anhinga hunts by spearing fishes and other small prey using its sharp, thin beak.

It is a dark-plumaged piscivore with an S-shaped, thin neck; a long, thin, pointed bill, a long tail and yellow webbed feet. Adult measures 85 cm (33 in) in body length, a wingspan of 117 cm (46 in), and a mass of up to 1.35 kg (3.0 lb)

Anhingas are sexually dimorphic; males have brighter colors than females. Males have greenish-black plumage overall, with a cluster of silver/white feathers on his wings. They also have black crests. Females are distinguishable by their buff-tan head, neck, and upper chest.

Rusty Blackbird

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The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a medium-sized blackbird, closely related to grackles. The species forages on ground of wet forested areas, breeding in the boreal forest and muskeg across Canada and Alaska. These birds migrate to the eastern and southeastern United States. Formerly abundant, the species are experiencing rapid population decline.

Males have glossy-black plumage, a thin, pointed bill and a pale yellow eye. Females sports grayer plumage.

Adults measure 22–25 cm (8.5–9.8 in) body length, wingspan of 36 cm (14 in)and weigh 60 g (2.1 oz). The tail is around 8.5–9.45 cm (3.35–3.72 in).

Black Vulture

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The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) also known as the American black vulture, is a large raptor found in the southeastern United States to Central Chile and Uruguay in South America. The species prefers relatively open areas which provide scattered forests or shrublands.

This New World vulture has sooty black plumage, a bare grayish-black head, and wrinkled neck; a short, hooked beak, white-tipped wings, and broad, rounded wings.

Adults measure 55-68 cm (22-27 in),a wingspan of 1.3-1.5 m (4.5-5 ft), and weigh 0.9-1.8 kg (2-4 lbs).

Smooth-billed Ani

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The Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a medium-sized near passerine bird of the tropical savannas in the Caribbean and South America. The species prefers open fields, pastures, or marshes.

Adults have glossy black overall plumage, thick bill, short wings and long tail.

Northern phainopepla

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The Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) or Northern Phainopepla is a small, flycatcher-like bird with glossy black body found as far north as the United States and south to central Mexico. The species is considered birds of the desert scrublands, oak foothills, mesquites, and mistletoe clumps.

Males have glossy black overall plumage, distinct crest, and short, slender black bill. White wing patch, long tail and black legs and feet.

Pelagic Cormorant

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The Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), also known as Baird's cormorant, is a small, slender cormorant of the Pacific Coast found in inshore coastal waters. It breeds from the Bering Sea south to northern Baja California. It winters south of southern Alaska. It nests on sea cliffs and rocky islands. It feeds mainly on eating fish and crustaceans.

Adults have glossy black plumage with white patches on flanks. They have a long, slender neck and a dark, curved bill and a long, slender neck. Males and females look alike, though the latter is a bit smaller.

Adults measure 64-89 cm (25-35 in) long, with a wingspan of 100–121 cm (39.4–47.6 in) and weigh 1370–2440 g 1,474–2,438 g (48.3–86.1 oz ).

Great-tailed Grackle

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The Great-tailed Grackle or Mexican Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a medium-sized, passerine bird native to North and South America. The species preferred habitats include farmland, irrigated fields, marshes, and suburban lawns.

The male Great-tailed Grackle have jet-black and purple plumage overall. Long tail, yellow eyes and black bill and legs. Females sport brownish-black feathers.

Adults measure 43 cm (18.1 in), with a wingspan of 58 cm (22.8 in), weigh 230 g (8.1 oz). Females are smaller than males.

California Condor

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The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the largest flying bird in North America. This intriguing black bird lives in rocky, forested regions, including canyons, gorges and mountains. These excellent gliders travel widely to feed on carcasses of cattle, deer, pigs, sea lions, whales, and other animals. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 60 years.

Adults are black with patches of white under the wings and exceptionally long and broad wings. The bare-skinned head and neck are red- orange; brownish red eyes, an ivory-colored bill, gray legs and feet. Adult coloration is reached at 6-8 years of age.

The overall length can range from 109-140 cm (43-55 in) and a wingspan from 2.49-3 m (8.2-9.8 ft). Their weight varies from 8-9 kg (18-20 lb).

Common Hill Myna

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The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is a common bird in hilly regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species prefers areas where rainfall and humidity are both high. It is a popular cage bird, renowned for its ability to mimic the sounds of their surroundings.

It is overall green-glossed black plumage with a prominent white wing patch. It has purple-tinged on the head and neck; bright orange bill and yellow legs and feet. Males and females are similar in appearance. This intriguing bird The averages 27-30 cm (10.62-11.81 in) in length.

Eurasian Coot

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The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) is a noisy bird found in Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa. The species preferred habitats include vegetated lagoons and swamps.

The Eurasian Coot has black plumage and red bill with cream-white tip. White frontal shield, orange-red head and bright red eye.

Adults measure 32–42 cm (13–17 in) long and weigh 585–1,100 g (1.290–2.425 lb).

Sunday, April 12, 2015

10 Strikingly Odd Backyard Chickens

Chickens are just great to have in a farm or backyard. Some chicken breeds are picked for their tender meat, while others are chosen for their great egg-laying traits. A number of breeds are excellent in both of those fields. But how about selecting chickens that are weird-looking!

So, if you go for the weird-looking ones, then here's a list of 10 strikingly odd backyard chicken.

Check them out, and learn a few things about them as well.

Silkie

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The Silkie is a breed of chicken named for its unusual fluffy plumage. Some breeders often called this chicken a "walking cotton ball". The breed traces its origin in ancient China. The breed features some odd qualities such as blue earlobes, black skin and bones, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four.

Silkies are such cute chickens, since you can hardly see its eyes, and only a glimpse of its beak is visible. And yes, even a portion of its legs and feet is concealed by its silky feathers.

They are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only 1.8 kg (4 lbs) pounds, and females weighing 1.36 kg (3 lbs).

These strikingly odd chickens are often kept as ornamental fowl and are considered an ideal pet by backyard keepers. Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: Bearded and Non-bearded.

Frizzle

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The Frizzle looks as if it has just stepped out of a beauty parlor; wearing a peculiar curled or frizzled plumage. The breed is thought to have originated in Asia.

The Frizzle developed from a mutation which makes the chicken’s feathers curl upwards curve outward instead of the normal look where feathers are straight and going downward.

Some chicken breeders consider the Frizzle a totally unique breed; and are kept mostly for its ornamental value.

Araucana

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The Araucana or South American Rumpless is a breed of chicken originating in Chile. A rare chicken breed, partly due to being difficult to breed because a high percentage of the chicks die in their shells.

The Araucana breed is characterized by the feather tufts around the ears, absence of tail or rump, and the breed is known for laying blue eggs!

Onagadori

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The Onagadori known for its striking long tail, is a breed of chicken which traces its roots in Japan. These chickens can achieve tail lengths from 3.65 - 8.2 m (12 - 27 ft). Under good housing and special care, these feathers never molt, thus can continue to grow through the life of the rooster.

If you’re looking for an easy-maintenance chicken, then this breed isn't for you. Just imagine keeping their tails clean!

The Laced Polish

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The Laced Polish is a unique breed of chicken characterized by its V-shaped comb and its huge bouffant crest of feathers, which virtually covers the whole of the bird's head! It is the most popular of the crested breeds. Polish chickens come with or without beards on their faces.

The range of colors is quite extensive. The most popular are the White Crested variants: these come in black, blue and cuckoo. Originally, these funny looking chickens were bred and kept as egg laying chickens, but today the breed is primarily bred for ornamental value.

La Fleche

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The La Flèche is a rare breed of chicken whose roots originates from France. The breed's main distinguishing feature is its unusual V-shaped comb that looks like horns. Thus, this strikingly odd chicken is also called the Devil Bird!

The breed was once famous for its fine meat; but are now kept as ornamental birds.

A medium-sized chicken with black plumage, white earlobes; La Fleche also are found as bantams.

Naked Neck

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The Naked Neck, also called the Turken, is a peculiar breed of chicken that is characterized by its 'featherless' neck and vent. The breed originates from Hungary but was largely developed in Germany.

This breed has approximately half the feathers of other chickens, making it resistant to hot weather and easier to pluck.

Despite its highly odd appearance, the Naked Neck breed is not considered as an exhibition bird, but as a dual-purpose chicken. They are good layers of brown eggs, and are good for meat production.

The Naked Neck can be found in several different color variants including black, white, buff, blue, red and cuckoo.

Sultan

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The Sultan is a breed of chicken originating in Turkey. The breed has always been kept for its ornamental value. They are wonderful for show, because their "attire" is so impressive and outlandish.

Sultans have a great deal of decorative plumage, including large, puffy crests, a V-shaped comb, beards, muffs, long tails, and abundant foot feathering. The breed is also one of a few chicken breeds to have five toes on each foot.

The smallest of the large breeds of chickens, males weigh around 2.7 kilos (6 pounds) and hens 2 kilos (4 pounds. Sultans also come with bantam version.

Sultans appear in three color variants: Black, Blue, and White.

Sebright

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The Sebright is a breed of chicken named after its developer, Sir John Saunders Sebright. Sebrights are a very special breed of bantam chicken in that the males and females have exactly the same feathering. Males are devoid of the long, sickle–shaped feathers common in most roosters that appear at the tail, neck and saddle.

Furthermore, it is considered a 'true' bantam (meaning there is no standard (large) version of the breed).

There are two types of Sebright bantams; the gold-laced and the silver-laced bantam.

Ayam Cemani

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The Ayam Cemani is a relatively new and a rare breed of chicken originating in Indonesia. These chickens sport a 'completely black' appearance! Black plumage, black skin, black beak and tongue, black comb and wattles, black legs and toe nails; even their meat and internal organs appear dark black.

Ayam Cemani get their black coloring from a generic trait known as ‘fibromelanosis’, that promotes the proliferation of black pigment cells.

One of the most beautiful chickens in the world; Ayam Cemani takes ‘black’ into an entirely different realm. The breed is referred to as the “Lamborghini of poultry.”

Sunday, April 5, 2015

10 Striking Purple-colored Birds

Below is a list of purple-colored birds, where the color purple/violet is the more prominent color of its plumage. It is interesting to note that most of the purple/violet colored birds seen are male species of that bird type, whereas the females of the same species may be of any other color.

Violet-Backed Starling

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The Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), also known as the plum-colored starling or amethyst starling, belongs to the family of birds classified as Sturnidae. The species is the smallest of the Southern African starlings found widely in the woodlands and savannah forest edges of mainland sub-Saharan Africa.

The sexes are sexually dimorphic; males are brilliantly colored while females appear comparatively drab. The male is brilliantly colored with a deep iridescent violet along the length of is back, wings, face and throat. It has a bright white breast and the rest of the The eyes are brown and the bill and legs are black. The female sports brown head and back; and white underparts streaked with dark brown.

Adult measures 17.8 cm (7.0 in) in length and weighs 33-56 g (1.2-2.0 oz.)

Purple Grenadier

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The Purple Grenadier (Uraeginthus ianthinogaster) is common and widespread throughout east Africa. The species is found in subtropical and tropical (lowland) and dry shrubland. Adult averages 13.3 cm (5.25 in)in length and weighs 15 - 16 g (or approx. 1/2 oz.)

These striking purple-colored birds are sexually dimorphic (the male and female look different). Both sexes have a red beak and black tail. The male has a cinnamon (upperparts) with purplish-blue feathers around the eyes; and vibrant blues (face and underparts) feathers. The female is mostly cinnamon brown; breast and belly are spotted or barred white. She also has some purple on her tail feathers.

Purple Martin

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The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is the largest North American swallow. The species' breeding range is throughout temperate North America. Purple Martins are very large, broad-chested swallows. They have a black bill, legs and feet; stout, forked bills, and long, tapered wings. Adults average 20 cm (7.9 in) long from bill to tail.

Adult males are iridescent, dark blue-purple overall with brown-black wings and tail. Adult females are gray on the head and chest with some steel blue sheen, and a whitish lower belly.

Purple Gallinule

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The Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) is a brightly colored marsh bird found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. It is also found in Central and South America and the West Indies. The species prefers swamps, lagoons, ponds and freshwater marshes, with floating vegetation.

Adults average 26–37 cm (10–15 in) in length, with a wingspan spanning 50–61 cm (20–24 in) and weighing 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz.)

The adult Purple Gallinule sports a stunning purple-blue plumage with a glossy green back. It has a dark purple head, neck, and underside. Red eyes and bill with a yellow tip, white undertail coverts, and long yellow legs.

Varied Bunting

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The Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor) is a stocky, medium-sized songbird common and widespread in the southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States and throughout most of Mexico. These brilliantly colored birds inhabit thorn forests, streamline thickets, and scrubby woodlands.

Breeding males have purple-red body with a red nape; blue crown and rump. Wings and tail are purple-blue. Females have grayish-brown plumage overall with buff underparts.

Adults average It is 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 21 cm (8.3 in), and weighs 11–13 grams (0.39–0.46 oz).

Purple Honeycreeper

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The Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus), also called the Yellow-legged Honeycreeper, is a small bird of northern South America. This is a forest canopy species, but also occurs in cocoa and citrus plantations. The sexes are sexually dimorphic; Male and female are very different in color.

The adult male has purplish-blue plumage overall with black wings, chin throat and belly. Blue tail shows two black central feathers. It has brown eyes, and bright yellow legs. Adult female has lime green upperparts, and green-streaked yellowish-buff underparts.

Purple Honeycreeper measures 11.5 cm (4.5 in) in length long, weighs 12 g (0.42 oz).

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

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The Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica), also known as the purple-crowned woodnymph, is a medium-sized Central and South American hummingbird. The species inhabits wet lowlands and foothills up to 2500 meters (~8,200 feet). It is a small hummingbird averaging 10.2 cm (approx.4 inches)long and weighs 4.5 grams (0.16 oz).

The adult male has a violet crown, upper back, shoulders and belly. It has green throat, breast, and lower back. The female is bright green above and duller green below, with a grey throat and breast.

Purplish-mantled Tanager

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The Purplish-mantled Tanager (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus) is found in Colombia and Ecuador. Its natural habitats are humid mossy rainforests, second-growth woodland, and heavily degraded forest borders.

The species average 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weigh 20-23 g (0.7-0.8 oz). It feeds on berries and insects.

Purple Starling

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The Purple Starling (Lamprotornis purpureus), also known as the purple glossy starling, is a common passerine bird common and widespread in tropical Africa. The species is typically found in scrublands, open woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas.

Adults have a metallic purple head, crown and body. Lores are black and glossy green wings. They large yellow eyes, black beak and short tail.

Purple Starling measures around 22-27 cm (8.7-10.6 in) long, including the short tail and weighs around 91–140 g (3.7-4.9 oz).

Splendid Sunbird

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The Splendid Sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigaster) is a small passerine bird found in west and central tropical Africa. This species is a common breeder in wet savannah and woodland.

Splendid sunbirds measure 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. The species is characterized by its medium-long thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues.

The adult male has glossy purple head and a crimson breast patch. It has dark green back, black wings and tail. The female is greenish-brown above and yellowish below.

Monday, March 30, 2015

10 Captivating Orange-colored Birds

Below is a list of orange-colored birds, where the color orange is the more prominent colour of its plumage. It is interesting to note that most of the orange coloured birds seen are male species of that bird type, whereas the females of the same species may be of any other colour.

Flame-colored Tanager

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The Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga Bidentata), also known as the Stripe-backed Tanager, is a medium-sized American songbird. This captivating orange-colored bird is widespread in the mountains of Mexico and across Central America to Northern Panama. Its preferred habitats include humid evergreen forests, oak, and pine-oak forests in the mountains.

Males primarily have flame red-orange body, with dusky stripes on the back, and black wings with prominent white wing bars and black-streaked back. Females are olive-green above with dusky streaks, olive-yellow below, and have black wings.

Bullock's Oriole

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The Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) is a small bird, widespread and common in the American West. It is found in open woodlands and tall trees along rivers and streams. In general, adults measure 22 cm (8.7 in) and weigh from 29 to 43 g (1.0 to 1.5 oz). Adults have a pointed blue-gray bill and dark wings; long, square, and jet black tail. Males are slightly bigger and more brightly colored than females. Feeds on insects, caterpillars, fruits and berries.

Adult males have mostly deep orange plumage. Black throat, caps, back, and wings with white wing-patches. a black throat patch and a white wing bar. Rump and underparts orange-yellow to yellow. Black tail has orange outer feathers.

Adult females, by contrast, have an olive brown crown, back, head and tail. Yellowish or dull greenish gray underparts, becoming paler on the belly. They lack the large white wing-patches, but do have two white wing-bars on each side.

Brown-winged Kingfisher

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The Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera) is a Tree Kingfisher found in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. This beautiful kingfisher range include subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, mudflats, estuaries and brackish creeks. The Brown-winged Kingfisher is classified as Near Threatened (NT) due to habitat loss.

In general, adults measure 35 cm (14 in) and weigh 162 g (5.7 oz). A large coastal kingfisher with an orange-buff on the head and underparts and huge red bill. Brilliant blue rump, dark brown back, wings and tail.

White-crowned Robin-chat

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The White-crowned Robin-chat (Cossypha albicapilla), also known as White-crowned Robin, is widespread and common in West African countries including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. The species is found in woodlands, gallery forests, moist shrublands, and dry savannahs.

This captivating orange-colored bird is the largest of the 14 species of robin-chat. Adults measure 3–27 cm (1.8-10.7 in) and weigh 53–65 g (1.8-2.3 oz). It has a black head with a conspicuous white crown and nape. Blackish upperparts; orange rump and tail. Black back, cheeks, and wings.

Akepa

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The ʻAkepa (Loxops coccineus) is a highly endangered Hawaiian forest Honeycreeper. The species live high up in the Hawaiian forest and rainforest, from 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level. They prefer nesting in small tree cavities. The akepa feed mainly on spiders and insects it finds within the trees it lives in.

It is a small, finch-like bird that measures around 10 cm (3.9 in) in length with 59 to 69 mm (2.32 to 2.72 in) wingspan. Mature weighs around 10 to 12 g (0.35 to 0.42 oz). In general, the species have rounded heads, black eyes, wings & tail.

Adult male sports brilliant red-orange plumage with brown wings and tail. Its straw-yellow bill makes it stand out in its green habitat.

Adult female carries dull greyish-green plumage with a yellow orange tinge on its breast.

Rufous-bellied Niltava

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The Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava Sundara) is a large, stocky flycatcher common in the Himalayas in the west to southern China in the east. The species prefers evergreen and mixed conifer and deciduous forests. Its diet includes insects and ripe fruits.

This brightly-colored bird measures 15–18 cm (6-7.8 in)long and weighs around 19–24 g (0.6-0.85 oz).

In general, Rufous-bellied Niltava has rounded head, orange underparts, fairly short tail and broad-based bill.

Streak-backed Oriole

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The Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus), also known as Flame-headed Oriole, is a medium-sized passerine bird native to Central America and Mexico. Its natural habitat includes grasslands, woodlands, savannahs, and shrublands. Eats mostly insects.

Adults measure 220 cm (87 in) in length with a wingspan of 110-118 mm (3.23-4.65 in). Weigh 85 g (3 oz).

Males with mostly bright orange body, deep orange-red head and black face, chin and wings. Also, black wings with two bold white bars. Males are much brighter in color than females.

Orange Fruit Dove

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The Orange Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus Victor), also known as Flame Dove, is a small, short-tailed fruit-dove widespread in New Guinea, Fiji islands, and western Papuan Islands. The species inhabits mangroves, lowland rainforest, and secondary forest. It feeds on small fruits, berries, caterpillars and insects.

In general, the Orange Fruit Dove measures 20–22 cm (7.8-8.6 in) and weighs about 105–112 g (3.7-3.9 oz).

This striking bird carries mainly green plumage with a large orange patch on the belly and breast; and vent yellow or white, marked with green undertail-coverts. The legs and bill are bluish-green in color.

The male sports a golden olive head and elongated bright orange "hairlike" body feathers.

The female is mainly dark green with blackish tail and orange-yellow undertail coverts.

Flame Bowerbird

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The Flame Bowerbird (Sericulus aureus) is a medium-sized Bowerbird endemic to New Guinea. It is found in lowland and foothill rainforests and flat savannahs. Because of the male's captivating orange-colored plumage, the species was previously thought to be a bird of paradise.

There are two distinct subspecies of Flame Bowerbird, Sericulus aureus ardens from southwestern New Guinea characterized by male's orange face; and Sericulus aureus aureus from northwestern New Guinea with male having black face.

Adult Flame Bowerbird measures 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weighs about 120-140 g (4.3-5 oz).

The male sports fiery orange and golden yellow plumage. It has yellow-tipped black tail. The female has olive brown upperparts and golden yellow underparts.

Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher

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The Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) is a River Kingfisher that is endemic to Madagascar. The species prefers dry deciduous forests, savanna woodland, and edge of wet evergreen forests.

This tiny beauty is characterized by its its bright Rufous upperparts, lilac underparts up to its uppertail-coverts and distinctive bill shape.

Adult measures 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and weighs from 17–21 g (0.6-0.75 oz).

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Sunday, March 15, 2015

10 Must-see Birds of the Philippines

With 7,107 islands and 600+ bird species to choose from, the Philippines is one of the best birding destinations in the world! It is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds. Several species of hornbills, colorful fruit doves, rare parrots, fascinating woodpeckers, remarkable eagles and many other unique birds await you. Come and bird watch in the Philippines to explore and learn more about these 10 Must See Birds of the Philippines.

Philippine Eagle

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The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), considered the world’s largest eagle, is understandably one of the most desirable birds for visitors to the Philippines. Locally called ‘haribon’, it is found in tropical rain forests on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

The male and female Philippine Eagle are similar in appearance. It has brown and white-colored plumage; creamy-brown crown and nape adorned with long, brown feathers that form a shaggy crest. It has a dark face, blue-gray eyes, and a bluish curved bill. Dark brown tail and yellow legs with large, powerful, claws.

Adult males generally measure 86 to 102 cm (2.82 to 3.35 ft) long with a wing span of 2 meters and weighs 4.7 to 8 kilograms (10 to 18 lbs). It feeds mainly on monkeys and flying lemurs.

In 2010, the IUCN and BirdLife International listed this species as critically endangered because of habitat loss, rampant hunting and pollution. Estimated population - as few as 90 pairs surviving.

The Luzon Bleeding-heart

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The Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica) known for the splash of vivid red color at the heart of their white breasts, is a ground dove endemic to the central and southern parts of Luzon, and Polillo Islands, in the Philippines. This species is found in lowland forest below 1,400 meters.

Generally slate grey in color - it has a round body, black bill, a short tail and long red legs. It measures about 25 cm long and weighs about 150-200 g. It feeds primarily on seeds, fallen berries, grubs, insects, and worms.

The Luzon Bleeding-heart is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and rampant hunting.

Apo Myna

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The Apo Myna (Basilornis mirandus) is one of the most bizarre looking birds in the Philippines! This species is found high elevation forests of Daggayan, Mt Kitanglad and Mt Apo in Mindanao. Its iridescent black plumage, the flashy white rump, the large bright, yellow bare skin around the eye and the filamentous crest makes it one of the most-sought after species birders seek in the Mindanao.

Adults measure 30 cm long and weighs 110 g. The bird feeds mostly on fruits and insects.

This species is currently considered Near Threatened due to habitat destruction.

Spotted Wood Kingfisher

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The Spotted Wood Kingfisher (Actenoides lindsayi) is one of the most colorful endemic kingfishers in the Philippines. The species is found in Luzon, Panay, Negros, Marinduque and Catanduanes. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The best place to look for this kingfisher will be Mt. Makiling in Luzon and Mt. Kanlaon or Twin Lakes in Negros Island.

The Spotted Wood Kingfisher is strictly a forest kingfisher and feeds on insects, other invertebrates as well as small vertebrates.

It measures around 254 mm long. The Spotted Wood Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern.

Philippine Cockatoo

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The Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), is the only known cockatoo species endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitat includes mangrove forests, lowlands, and forest edges. The main stronghold for the species is on Palawan where sterling conservation work by the Katala Foundation has established a stronghold for the species on Rasa Island.

The Katala as it is locally called, is easily recognized by its all creamy-white plumage, a helmet crest, pale yellow underwings and by the red-orange feathers around the vent. Male has black-brown iris, female has brownish-red iris.

It measures 31 cm (12.2 in) long with an 20.5 cm (8 in) wingspan and weighs 300 g (0.6 lb). It feeds on the seeds and fruits of wild trees.

The Red-vented Cockatoo is classified Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and rampant pouching

The Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove

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The Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus occipitalis) is one of five fruit dove species endemic to the Philippines. Locally called Punay, this colorful fruit dove is widespread over the country except the Palawan region. This species inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, usually taking advantage of fruiting trees.

Generally, Yellow-breasted Fruit-dove has face, forehead, crown and sides of breast light bluish grey, tinged with yellow. Adult reaches 28-33 cm in length and weighs about 204-278 g. This species has a very large range; and hence is Not globally threatened.

This species has a very large range; and hence is Not globally threatened.

Palawan Peacock Pheasant

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Philippine endemics don’t come much more colorful and spectacular than the Palawan Peacock Pheasant! The Palawan Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis), is a medium-sized bird found only in the pristine forests of Palawan,in southern Philippines. It inhabits primary and secondary forest. Fortunately, this lovely bird has become accustomed to visitors hence, provided wonderful views to visitors.

The species is known for the male’s distinctive high pointed crest, and vibrant plumage, which is glossy black with a dazzling metallic green-blue luster on the crest, crown, neck, mantle and wings. The tail feathers are marked with two sets of large and striking green-blue ocelli (peacock eyes). The bills are black and the feet are brown in both sexes.

Adult male measures about 50 cm (19.7 in) long and weighs 430 g (9 lbs). Females are smaller, and typically brown in color with a pale face. Its diet includes seeds, nuts, small fruits, insects and other invertebrates. The Palawan Peacock-pheasant is classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss, hunting and capture for trade, and small population size.

Scale-feathered Malkoha

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The Philippines is home to two very funky endemic malkoha; the Red-crested Malkoha is amazing in its own right, but the completely bizarre Scale-feathered Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus cumingi) really takes one's breath away. It is endemic to Luzon, Marinduque and Catanduanes in N Philippines. The species prefers lowland forests all the way up to the mountains. The easiest place to find it is probably at Mount Makiling, Laguna.

The adult has gray head with unique scales. Dark brown upperparts back and white-tipped graduated tail. Full grown male measures 42 cm (of which tail constitutes c. 22–24 cm) and weighs 148–204 g. F is smaller and duller in color.

The species feed on caterpillars, centipedes, scorpions, snails, worms, small snakes and lizards.

Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the Scale-feathered Malkoha is evaluated as Least Concern.

Steere’s Pitta

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The Steere's Pitta (Pitta steerii) is among the most desirable birds for bird watchers because of its flashy colors. One of four species of resident pitta, it is found in lowland forests of Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Mindanao.

Adult 'Bislig', as it is locally known, has dark green upperparts with green-blue uppertail-coverts. It has black head, tail, and wings. The species measure 20 cm (7.5 in) and weighs around 86–100 g (3-3.5 oz). Females are slightly smaller.

It feeds on insects and worms.

The Steere's Pitta or Azure-breasted Pitta is currently listed as vulnerable and is threatened by the loss of its habitat.

Rufous Hornbill

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With ten endemic species, The Philippines is a large hornbill' arena for bird watchers! The biggest and most gorgeous is the Rufous Hornbill Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax) also known as Philippine Hornbill. Although it occurs in 11 islands: Biliran, Bohol, Buad, Calico-an, Dinagat, Leyte, Luzon, Marinduque, Mindanao, Samar, and Siargao; it is mostly easily seen in the remaining lowland forests in Mindanao. This species inhabit primary evergreen forests up to 2,100 m.

It has three subspecies namely: Luzon Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax hydrocorax), Visayan Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax semigaleatus) and Mindanao Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis).

All sub-species have generally black and brown plumage with white tail. However, the Luzon Rufous hornbill is characterized by its red bill while the Visayan and Mindanao Rufous Hornbill have red bills that are pale yellow on the distal half.

Adults can reach up to 76 cm (30 in) long. It feeds on berries, fruits, insects as well as decaying flesh.

Locally called 'Kalaw', it is sometimes called "the clock of the mountains" because of its periodic noontime call.

The Rufous Hornbill is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List.