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This article in particular showcases the most unique and native birds which can only be found in the Philippines – the “Pearl of the Orient”.
Palawan Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis)
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This beautifully colored bird called Palawan Peacock-pheasant and also known as Napoleon Peacock-pheasant can only be found in the island province of Palawan – “Philippines’ Last Frontier”. The male is much larger than female. This bird grows up to 50 cm.
Indigo-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo cyanopectus)
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Many kingfishers are known for their colorful plumage and one of the most beautifully colored Philippine birds is the Indigo-banded Kingfisher. They can be found anywhere else in the Philippines. The above photo was taken in the Province of Quezon.
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Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis)
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The Philippines is very proud for having one the world’s largest hawk-eagle – the Philippine Hawk-Eagle. This stunning bird of prey is native to the Philippines but it is threatened by habitat loss.
Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
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The Philippine Eagle is the country’s national bird. It is the world’s largest eagle. It is native to the Philippines and can be found on the forest of Sierra Madre in the North down to Mount Apo in Mindanao. It has a life span of 60 years. It’s sad to say but this bird is critically endangered due to poaching, pollution and deforestation. This bird of prey is also known as the Great Philippine Eagle, Haribon (King Bird) and Monkey-eating Eagle.
Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia)
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This lovely-looking bird called Red-Vented Cockatoo is a popular pet animal. It is also known as the Philippine Cockatoo. In the Philippine dialect, it is called ‘Kalangay’ This critically endangered cockatoo species which is endemic to the Philippines can grow up to 12.2 inches in length and has an 8.6 inches wingspan.
Asian Blue Quail (Coturnix chinensis)
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The pretty and colorful Asian Blue Quail is the smallest ‘true quail’. Besides from the Philippines, it can also be found in southern Asia and Oceania. It is very common in aviculture all throughout the world. Other names of this colorful quail include Chinese Painted Quail, King Quail or Blue-breasted Quail.
Pink-necked Green-pigeon (Treron vernans)
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The lovely-looking Pink-necked Green-pigeon of the Philippines can also be found in its neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Their natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus)
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Another unique eagle that is endemic to the archipelago of the Philippines is the Philippine Serpent Eagle. Its natural habitat includes forest clearings, open woodlands, and sometimes in cultivated lands with scattered trees. Like the Philippine Eagle and Philippine Hawk-Eagle, it is also critically endangered.
Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula poliocephala)
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The brightly colored and fruit-eating Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon is found in the Philippines. It is a near threatened bird species since 2000 due to habitat loss and poaching. It is also commonly called as the Philippine Zone-tailed Imperial Pigeon, the Zone-tailed Pigeon, or the Philippine Imperial Pigeon.
Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica)
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The beautiful and ground dove named Luzon Bleeding-heart gets itss name from a splash of distinct red color located at the centre of its white breast. At first glance, it will appear wounded due to the reddish hue extending down the belly, providing the illusion of blood having run down the bird’s front.
Mindanao Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba crinigera)
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Another bleeding-heart species of bird endemic to the Philippines is the Mindanao Bleeding-heart. Like the Luzon Bleeding-heart, it was so named due to the red blotch on its breast. Philippine provinces where it can be found include Bohol, Dinagat, Basilan and other parts of Mindanao. It is critically endangered or in the brink of extinction.
Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
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The brood parasite Asian Koel of the Philippines is a cuckoo that can also be found in South Asia, China and other Southeast Asian countries. This unusual bird lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts, where the young are raised by the foster parents. Asian Koel are peculiar unusual among the cuckoos in being largely frugivorous as adults.
Pompadour Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora)
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The Pompadour Green Pigeon of the Philippines can also be found in other tropical places like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as Grey-fronted Green Pigeon.
Philippine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogenys)
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This bird of prey called Philippine Falconet that is native to the Philippine islands lives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Stripe-sided Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis mystacalis)
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The Stripe-sided Rhabdornis is a passerine bird native to the Philippines. There are 2 subspecies of this species; Long-billed Creeper (Rhabdornis grandis) and Plain-headed Creeper (Rhabdornis inornatus).
Philippine Woodpecker (Dendrocopos maculatus)
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This bird is locally called ‘Anluage’ among Kapampangan which means ‘carpenter’. The Philippine Woodpecker’s natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist mountains.
Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica)
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The Philippine Duck is a large dabbling duck and is considered critically threatened with fewer than 10,000 remaining. This Philippine bird feeds on shrimps, fishes, insects, and vegetation. It can usually be seen in all types of wetlands. It is also commonly called Phne Mallard.
See also
The 20 Most Brilliantly Colored Birds in the World
Weird-Looking but Attractive Birds
Birds with Remarkably Amazing and Awesome Bills
Who Said That Ducks Are Ugly: Gorgeously Handsome and Colorful Waterfowls?
30 Most Colorful and Prettiest Pet birds in the World
World’s Most Colorful and Beautiful game Birds
Weirdest and Unique Creatures in the Avian World
Creepy-Looking Winged-Billed Creatures
The Most Loving and Caring Feathered Father
Other related articles about birds;
Meet Pitohui, Ifrita and Rufous: The Most Poisonous Birds on Earth.
Amazing Facts about the Largest of All Birds
Interesting Things about Birds
Amazing Facts about Strigiformes
Bizarre Breeds of Chicken
World’s Most Favorite Pet Birds
Written by nobertbermosa
I am a Secondary School Head Teacher III and currently enrolled for my doctorate degree at Araullo University. I also contribute to Triond and Factoid
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