Top 15 Types Of Birds In The Philippines (With Pictures)

Spotlight on the top 15 bird species in the Philippines—discover vibrant plumages and unique behaviors that captivate and urge conservation.

bird diversity in the philippines

The Philippines boasts a rich diversity of bird species. Among the top types are the Philippine Eagle, known for being one of the largest eagles globally and critically endangered, and the Luzon Bleeding-heart, famed for its vivid red breast patch. Further, the Mindoro Hornbill, also critically endangered, reveals striking black, white, and yellow plumage. The Red-vented Cockatoo, notable for its glossy black feathers and distinctive red patch, is critically endangered as well. Finally, the Philippine Duck, distinguished by its mottled brown feathers and blue wing patches, is considered vulnerable. Each species underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts, a topic that discloses more as we delve deeper into their ecological roles and challenges.

Philippine Eagle

endangered national bird species

The Philippine Eagle, known as the national bird of the Philippines, stands out as one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Endemic to the Philippines, it faces critical endangerment with only about 400 pairs remaining.

Its majestic appearance and remarkable hunting abilities underscore its symbolic importance, yet highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its dwindling habitat.

Luzon Bleeding-heart

endangered pigeon species philippines

Endemic to the Philippines, the Luzon Bleeding-heart is a ground dove notable for its striking red breast patch that evokes an image of a bleeding wound. Found primarily in Luzon's lowland forests, particularly the Sierra Madre range, this species showcases a unique courtship display.

Unfortunately, habitat loss and illegal trapping are significant threats to their survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

Mindoro Hornbill

endangered bird in philippines

Facing critical endangerment, the Mindoro Hornbill (Penelopides mindorensis) is a visually striking bird native to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines.

Characterized by vibrant black, white, and yellow plumage, these birds are essential seed dispersers within their ecosystem.

Due to habitat loss and hunting, they are endangered, necessitating urgent conservation efforts to protect their remaining habitats and promote their survival.

Red-vented Cockatoo

white and red feathers

Native to the Philippines, the Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) is critically endangered and known for its striking appearance, featuring glossy black plumage and a distinctive red patch on its lower back.

These Philippine Cockatoos are primarily found in forests and coastal areas, especially on Palawan island.

Conservation efforts are vital due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, highlighting their emblematic conservation challenges.

Philippine Duck

bird species in philippines

The Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) is a vulnerable species, primarily inhabiting freshwater environments such as rivers, marshes, and ponds across the Philippines. This endemic bird features mottled brown plumage, a white speculum, and distinctive blue wing patches.

Conservation efforts are essential to address the threats from habitat loss, hunting, and pollution, aiming to safeguard and bolster the dwindling populations of this unique species.

Visayan Broadbill

colorful bird found in visayas

Endemic to the Philippines, the Visayan Broadbill (Eurylaimus samarensis) captures attention with its vivid coloration and unique forest habitat. Found primarily in Samar and Leyte, this striking bird sports a bright green body, black wings, and a red throat.

As a vulnerable species, it highlights the critical need for conservation efforts to safeguard its lowland forest environment and guarantee the survival of Philippine endemic birds.

Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove

vibrant tropical bird species

With its vibrant yellow breast and green plumage, the Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove stands out among the avian species of the Philippines. This colorful bird thrives in tropical forests, feeding on fruits, seeds, and insects.

Essential for seed dispersal, it supports forest regeneration and serves as an indicator of ecological health, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Philippines' biodiverse ecosystems.

Flame-breasted Fruit Dove

colorful bird species description

Continuing our exploration of the Philippines' avian diversity, we encounter the Flame-breasted Fruit Dove, a species noted for its striking orange-red breast and lush green plumage.

Native to the Philippines, this fruit dove thrives on a diet of fruits and seeds, playing an essential role in seed dispersal and maintaining ecosystem health.

Despite its Least Concern status, habitat loss poses a potential threat.

Celestial Monarch

intricate celestial butterfly wings

Among the vibrant avian species in the Philippines, the Celestial Monarch stands out with its striking blue crown and vivid yellow underparts. As an endemic species, its presence is confined to the Philippines, inhabiting primarily lowland and montane forests.

Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard the survival of this distinctive bird in its natural environment and mitigate the impact of habitat loss.

Cebu Flowerpecker

endangered bird in philippines

Shifting focus to another remarkable bird, the Cebu Flowerpecker is a critically endangered species native exclusively to the island of Cebu in the Philippines.

This small, vibrant bird, belonging to the Dicaeidae family, thrives on a diet of fruits, nectar, and insects.

Conservation efforts are essential to combat the severe threats of habitat loss and deforestation, aiming to preserve this endemic species and its environment.

Palawan Peacock-Pheasant

stunning bird of palawan

The Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, distinguished by its striking blue plumage and elongated tail feathers, is an endemic species found solely on Palawan Island in the Philippines.

This critically endangered bird is notable near the Underground River, facing threats from habitat loss and hunting.

Conservation efforts are essential for protecting its habitats, ensuring the survival of this unique and vibrant species.

Rufous Hornbill

colorful bird with casque

Renowned for its vibrant appearance, the Rufous Hornbill is one of the Philippines' ten endemic hornbill species.

Its significant role in seed dispersal aids forest regeneration, making it crucial to ecological balance.

Often seen in lowland forests, this species requires focused conservation efforts to combat habitat loss and hunting.

Protecting the Rufous Hornbill is essential for maintaining the Philippines' natural heritage.

Philippine Scops Owl

nocturnal bird of philippines

While the Rufous Hornbill thrives during the day, the Philippine Scops Owl emerges as a nocturnal counterpart, adept in the shadowy hours.

Native to the Philippines, this small owl, belonging to the Strigidae family, expertly camouflages with its mottled brown and white plumage. It hunts at night, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds, recognized by its distinctive hooting call.

Tawny Grassbird

grassland bird with tawny plumage

Endemic to the Philippines, the Tawny Grassbird is a medium-sized bird that thrives in the country's grasslands, open areas, and agricultural fields.

Known for its distinctive tawny brown plumage, this bird delights with its melodious, warbling song.

It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, making the most of the abundant resources found within its grassland habitat.

What Are the Most Common Types of Birds Found in the Philippines?

The diverse ecosystem in the Philippines is home to various types of birds in the Philippines, including the colorful Philippine Eagle, Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, and Luzon Bleeding-Heart. These endemic and migratory birds contribute to the rich biodiversity of the country’s forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.

Great Philippine Swiftlet

philippine swiftlet s unique habitat

Great Philippine Swiftlets are adept flyers, maneuvering through the air with remarkable agility. These small birds feature dark brown plumage and engage in aerial foraging, skillfully catching insects mid-flight.

Known for building nests from saliva in caves and cliffs, these nests are esteemed for bird's nest soup. Commonly inhabiting the Philippines, they exemplify unique adaptations to their environment.