List of birds of the Philippines
This is a list of the bird species recorded in the Philippines. The avifauna of the Philippines include a total of 657 species, of which 214 are endemic, five have been introduced by humans and 52 are rare or accidental. Of these, 68 species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for the Philippines.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in the Philippines
- (E) Endemic - a species endemic to the Philippines
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to the Philippines as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful.
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
- Oriental darter, Anhinga melanogaster
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- Gray heron, Ardea cinerea UNC
- Great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana UNC
- Purple heron, Ardea purpurea FC
- Great egret, Ardea alba UNC
- Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia LC
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta C
- Chinese egret, Egretta eulophotes R
- Pacific reef heron, Egretta sacra UNC
- Javan pond heron, Ardeola speciosa UNC
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis LC
- Striated heron, Butorides striata C
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax UNC
- Rufous night heron, Nycticorax caledonicus UNC
- Japanese night heron, Gorsachius goisagi R
- Malayan night heron, Gorsachius melanolophus UNC
- Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis C
- Schrenck's bittern, Ixobrychus eurhythmus R
- Cinnamon bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus C
- Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis UNC
- Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris (A)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- Black-headed ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus (A)
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- Black-faced spoonbill, Platalea minor (A)
- Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia (A)
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
- Woolly-necked stork, Ciconia episcopus
- Oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana (A)
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Spotted whistling duck, Dendrocygna guttata
- Wandering whistling duck, Dendrocygna arcuata
- Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea (A)
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna (A)
- Cotton pygmy goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
- Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
- American wigeon, Anas americana (A)
- Gadwall, Anas strepera (A)
- Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (A)
- Eastern spot-billed duck, Anas zonorhyncha
- Spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha
- Philippine duck, Anas luzonica (E)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Common pochard, Aythya ferina (A)
- Baer's pochard, Aythya baeri (A)
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila (A)
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni
- Philippine honey buzzard, Pernis steerei
- Oriental honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus
- Black-shouldered kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans (A)
- Cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus (A)
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
- White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
- Gray-headed fish eagle, Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
- Crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela
- Philippine serpent eagle, Spilornis holospilus (E)
- Eastern marsh harrier, Circus spilonotus
- Pied harrier, Circus melanoleucos (A)
- Crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus
- Chinese goshawk, Accipiter soloensis
- Japanese sparrowhawk, Accipiter gularis
- Besra, Accipiter virgatus
- Gray-faced buzzard, Butastur indicus
- Eastern buzzard, Buteo japonicus
- Great Philippine eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi (E)
- Rufous-bellied eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii
- Changeable hawk-eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus
- Flores hawk-eagle, Nisaetus floris
- Philippine hawk-eagle, Nisaetus philippensis (E)
- Pinsker's hawk-eagle, Nisaetus pinskeri (E)
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Philippine falconet, Microhierax erythrogenys (E)
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Merlin, Falco columbarius (A)
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo (A)
- Oriental hobby, Falco severus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Megapodes
Order: Galliformes Family: Megapodiidae
The Megapodiidae are stocky, medium-large chicken-like birds with small heads and large feet. All but the malleefowl occupy jungle habitats and most have brown or black coloring. There are 21 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Tabon scrubfowl, Megapodius cumingii
Pheasants and partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Chinese francolin, Francolinus pintadeanus
- Daurian partridge, Perdix dauurica
- Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica (A)
- Blue-breasted quail, Coturnix chinensis
- Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus
- Palawan peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron napoleonis (E)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Sarus crane, Grus antigone
- Demoiselle crane, Anthropoides virgo (A)
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Red-legged crake, Rallina fasciata
- Slaty-legged crake, Rallina eurizonoides
- Buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis
- Barred rail, Gallirallus torquatus
- Calayan rail, Gallirallus calayanensis (E)
- Slaty-breasted rail, Gallirallus striatus
- Luzon rail, Rallus mirificus (E)
- Plain bush-hen, Amaurornis olivaceus (E)
- White-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus
- Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla
- Ruddy-breasted crake, Porzana fusca
- Band-bellied crake, Porzana paykullii
- Spotless crake, Porzana tabuensis
- White-browed crake, Porzana cinerea
- Watercock, Gallicrex cinerea
- Philippine swamphen, Porphyrio pulverulentus
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
Buttonquails
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
- Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvatica
- Red-backed buttonquail, Turnix maculosa
- Spotted buttonquail, Turnix ocellata (E)
- Barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator
- Luzon buttonquail, Turnix worcesteri (E)
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Comb-crested jacana, Irediparra gallinacea
- Pheasant-tailed jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Painted-snipe
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly colored.
- Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
- White-headed stilt, Himantopus leucocephalus
- Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta (A)
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Beach thick-knee, Esacus magnirostris
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Gray-headed lapwing, Vanellus cinereus (A)
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (A)
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- Malaysian plover, Charadrius peronii
- Lesser sandplover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii
- Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Bukidnon woodcock, Scolopax bukidnonensis (E)
- Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus (A)
- Latham's snipe, Gallinago hardwickii
- Pintail snipe, Gallinago stenura
- Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Little curlew, Numenius minutus
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Bristle-thighed curlew, Numenius tahitiensis (A)
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata
- Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (A)
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (A)
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Nordmann's greenshank, Tringa guttifer
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Gray-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Spoon-billed sandpiper, Eurynorhynchus pygmeus (A)
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (A)
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus (A)
- Vega gull, Larus vegae (A)
- Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans (A)
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (A)
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia (A)
- White tern, Gygis alba (A)
- Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis
- Chinese crested tern, Thalasseus bernsteini (A)
- Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Aleutian tern, Onychoprion aleuticus (A)
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black noddy, Anous minutus
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Island collared dove, Streptopelia bitorquata
- Red collared dove, Streptopelia tranquebarica
- Spotted dove, Spilopelia chinensis
- Philippine cuckoo-dove, Macropygia tenuirostris
- Emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Zebra dove, Geopelia striata (I)
- Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica
- Luzon bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba luzonica (E)
- Mindanao bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba criniger (E)
- Mindoro bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba platenae (E)
- Negros bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba keayi (E)
- Sulu bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba menagei (E)
- White-eared brown dove, Phapitreron leucotis (E)
- Amethyst brown dove, Phapitreron amethystina (E)
- Tawitawi brown dove, Phapitreron cinereiceps (E)
- Mindanao brown dove, Phapitreron brunneiceps (E)
- Pink-necked green pigeon, Treron vernans
- Philippine green pigeon, Treron axillaris
- Thick-billed green pigeon, Treron curvirostra
- Whistling green pigeon, Treron formosae
- Ashy-headed green pigeon, Treron phayrei
- Philippine green pigeon, Treron axillaris
- Yellow-breasted fruit dove, Ptilinopus occipitalis (E)
- Flame-breasted fruit dove, Ptilinopus marchei (E)
- Cream-bellied fruit dove, Ptilinopus merrilli (E)
- Black-chinned fruit dove, Ptilinopus leclancheri (E)
- Superb fruit dove, Ptilinopus superbus (A)
- Black-naped fruit dove, Ptilinopus melanospila
- Negros fruit dove, Ptilinopus arcanus (E)
- Pink-bellied imperial pigeon, Ducula poliocephala (E)
- Mindoro imperial pigeon, Ducula mindorensis (E)
- Spotted imperial pigeon, Ducula carola (E)
- Green imperial pigeon, Ducula aenea
- Gray imperial pigeon, Ducula pickeringii
- Pied imperial pigeon, Ducula bicolor
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Metallic pigeon, Columba vitiensis
- Philippine collared dove, Streptopelia dusumieri
Cockatoos
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae
The cockatoos share many features with other parrots including the characteristic curved beak shape and a zygodactyl foot, with two forward toes and two backwards toes. They differ, however in a number of characteristics, including the often spectacular movable headcrest. There are 21 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Philippine cockatoo, Cacatua haematuropygia (E)
Parrots and allies
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
- Mindanao lorikeet, Trichoglossus johnstoniae (E)
- Guaiabero, Bolbopsittacus lunulatus (E)
- Luzon racket-tail, Prioniturus montanus (E)
- Mindanao racket-tail, Prioniturus waterstradti (E)
- Blue-headed racket-tail, Prioniturus platenae (E)
- Green racket-tail, Prioniturus luconensis (E)
- Blue-crowned racket-tail, Prioniturus discurus (E)
- Mindoro racket-tail, Prioniturus mindorensis (E)
- Blue-winged racket-tail, Prioniturus verticalis (E)
- Great-billed parrot, Tanygnathus megalorynchos
- Blue-naped parrot, Tanygnathus lucionensis
- Blue-backed parrot, Tanygnathus sumatranus
- Philippine hanging parrot, Loriculus philippensis (E)
- Camiguin hanging parrot, Loriculus (philippensis) camiguinensis (E)
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Chestnut-winged cuckoo, Clamator coromandus
- Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx nisicolor
- Large hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx sparverioides
- Rufous hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx hyperythrus
- Philippine hawk-cuckoo, Hierococcyx pectoralis (E)
- Indian cuckoo, Cuculus micropterus
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
- Himalayan cuckoo, Cuculus saturatus
- Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
- Horsfield's cuckoo, Cuculus horsfieldi
- Banded bay cuckoo, Cacomantis sonneratii (A)
- Plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus
- Brush cuckoo, Cacomantis variolosus
- Little bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx minutillus
- Violet cuckoo, Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
- Asian drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus lugubris
- Square-tailed drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus lugubris
- Philippine drongo-cuckoo, Surniculus velutinus (E)
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopacea
- Chestnut-breasted malkoha, Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
- Red-crested malkoha, Phaenicophaeus superciliosus (E)
- Scale-feathered malkoha, Phaenicophaeus cumingi (E)
- Rufous coucal, Centropus unirufus (E)
- Black-faced coucal, Centropus melanops (E)
- Black-hooded coucal, Centropus steerii (E)
- Greater coucal, Centropus sinensis
- Philippine coucal, Centropus viridis (E)
- Lesser coucal, Centropus bengalensis
- Pied cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus Rare/Accidental
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Eastern grass owl, Tyto longimembris
- Oriental bay owl, Phodilus badius
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Reddish scops owl, Otus rufescens
- Palawan scops owl, Otus fuliginosus (E)
- Philippine scops owl, Otus megalotis (E)
- Everett's scops owl, Otus everetti (E)
- Negros scops owl, Otus nigrorum (E)
- Mindanao scops owl, Otus mirus (E)
- Luzon scops owl, Otus longicornis (E)
- Mindoro scops owl, Otus mindorensis (E)
- Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia
- Mantanani scops owl, Otus mantananensis (E)
- Ryukyu scops owl, Otus elegans
- Giant scops owl, Otus gurneyi (E)
- Philippine eagle owl, Bubo philippensis (E)
- Spotted wood owl, Strix seloputo
- Chocolate boobook, Ninox randi (E)
- Brown hawk-owl, Ninox scutulata
- Luzon hawk-owl, Ninox philippensis (E)
- Cebu hawk-owl, Ninox rumseyi (E)
- Camiguin hawk-owl, Ninox leventisi (E)
- Sulu hawk-owl, Ninox reyi (E)
- Mindanao hawk-owl, Ninox spilocephala (E)
- Mindoro hawk-owl, Ninox mindorensis (E)
- Romblon hawk-owl, Ninox spilonotus (E)
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
- Northern boobook, Ninox japonica
Frogmouths
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a group of nocturnal birds related to the nightjars. They are named for their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, which they use to take insects. There are 3 species which have been recorded in the Philippines.
- Philippine frogmouth, Batrachostomus septimus (E)
- Palawan frogmouth, Batrachostomus chaseni (E)
- Sunda frogmouth, Batrachostomus cornutus
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Great eared-nightjar, Eurostopodus macrotis
- Grey nightjar, Caprimulgus jotaka
- Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
- Philippine nightjar, Caprimulgus manillensis (E)
- Savanna nightjar, Caprimulgus affinis
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 17 species which have been recorded in the Philippines.
- Glossy swiftlet, Collocalia esculenta
- Pygmy swiftlet, Collocalia troglodytes (E)
- Philippine swiftlet, Aerodramus mearnsi (E)
- Ameline swiftlet, Aerodramus amelis (E)
- Whitehead's swiftlet, Aerodramus whiteheadi (E)
- Palawan swiftlet, Aerodramus palawanensis (E)
- Mossy-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus salangana
- Black-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus maximus
- Edible-nest swiftlet, Aerodramus fuciphagus
- German's swiftlet, Aerodramus germani
- Philippine needletail, Mearnsia picina (E)
- Brown-backed needletail, Hirundapus giganteus
- Purple needletail, Hirundapus celebensis
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Asian palm swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis
- Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
- House swift, Apus nipalensis
Treeswifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Hemiprocnidae
The treeswifts, also called crested swifts, are closely related to the true swifts. They differ from the other swifts in that they have crests, long forked tails and softer plumage. There are 4 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Gray-rumped treeswift, Hemiprocne longipennis (A)
- Whiskered treeswift, Hemiprocne comata
Trogons
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Philippine trogon, Harpactes ardens (E)
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
- Blue-eared kingfisher, Alcedo meninting
- Indigo-banded kingfisher, Ceyx cyanopectus (E)
- Northern silvery kingfisher, Ceyx flumenicola (E)
- Southern silvery kingfisher, Ceyx argentatus (E)
- Black-backed kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca
- Philippine kingfisher, Ceyx melanurus (E)
- Rufous-backed kingfisher, Ceyx rufidorsa
- Dimorphic dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx margaethae
- Stork-billed kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis
- Ruddy kingfisher, Halcyon coromanda
- White-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis
- Brown-breasted kingfisher, Halcyon gularis (E)
- Black-capped kingfisher, Halcyon pileata
- Rufous-lored kingfisher, Todirhamphus winchelli (E)
- Collared kingfisher, Todirhamphus chloris
- Spotted kingfisher, Actenoides lindsayi (E)
- Blue-capped kingfisher, Actenoides hombroni (E)
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterized by richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Blue-throated bee-eater, Merops viridis
- Rufous-crowned bee-eater, Merops americanus (E)
- Blue-tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus
Typical rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colorful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink coloring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops (A)
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly colored. There are 57 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Palawan hornbill, Anthracoceros marchei (E)
- Sulu hornbill, Anthracoceros montani (E)
- Rufous hornbill, Buceros hydrocorax (E)
- Luzon hornbill, Penelopides manillae (E)
- Mindoro hornbill, Penelopides mindorensis (E)
- Tarictic hornbill, Penelopides panini (E)
- Samar hornbill, Penelopides samarensis (E)
- Mindanao hornbill, Penelopides affinis (E)
- Writhed-billed hornbill, Aceros waldeni (E)
- Writhed hornbill, Aceros leucocephalus (E)
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Megalaimidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured.
- Coppersmith barbet, Psilopogon haemacephalus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Philippine pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus maculatus (E)
- Sulu pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus ramsayi (E)
- White-bellied woodpecker, Dryocopus javensis
- Spot-throated flameback, Dinopium everetti (E)
- Buff-spotted flameback, Chrysocolaptes lucidus (E)
- Luzon flameback, Chrysocolaptes haematribon (E)
- Red-headed flameback, Chrysocolaptes erythrocephalus (E)
- Yellow-faced flameback, Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus (E)
- Sooty woodpecker, Mulleripicus funebris (A)
- Southern sooty woodpecker, Mulleripicus fuliginosus (E)
- Great slaty woodpecker, Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Broadbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae
The broadbills are small, brightly colored birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Wattled broadbill, Eurylaimus steerii (E)
- Visayan broadbill, Eurylaimus samarensis (E)
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly colored. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.
- Hooded pitta, Pitta sordida
- Azure-breasted pitta, Pitta steerii (E)
- Blue-winged pitta, Pitta moluccensis (A)
- Whiskered pitta, Erythropitta kochi (E)
- Red-bellied pitta, Erythropitta erythrogaster
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Australasian bushlark, Mirafra javanica
- Oriental skylark, Alauda gulgula
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Grey-throated martin, Riparia chinensis
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Pacific swallow, Hirundo tahitica
- Striated swallow, Cecropis striolata
- Asian house martin, Delichon dasypus
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Forest wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Eastern yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis (A)
- Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Oriental pipit, Anthus rufulus
- Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni
- Pechora pipit, Anthus gustavi
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly grayish with white and black, although some species are brightly colored.
- Bar-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina striata
- White-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina papuensis
- Blackish cuckooshrike, Coracina coerulescens (E)
- Black-bibbed cicadabird, Coracina mindanensis (E)
- McGregor's cuckooshrike, Coracina mcgregori (E)
- White-winged cuckooshrike, Coracina ostenta (E)
- Black-and-white triller, Lalage melanoleuca (E)
- Pied triller, Lalage nigra
- Ashy minivet, Pericrocotus divaricatus
- Small minivet, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
- Fiery minivet, Pericrocotus igneus
- Scarlet minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colorful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests. There are 130 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Black-headed bulbul, Pycnonotus atriceps
- Yellow-wattled bulbul, Pycnonotus urostictus (E)
- Yellow-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus goiavier
- Ashy-fronted bulbul, Pycnonotus cinereifrons (E)
- Olive-winged bulbul, Pycnonotus plumosus
- Palawan bulbul, Alophoixus frater (E)
- Sulphur-bellied bulbul, Iole palawanensis (E)
- Philippine bulbul, Hypsipetes philippinus (E)
- Streak-breasted bulbul, Hypsipetes siquijorensis (E)
- Brown-eared bulbul, Hypsipetes amaurotis
- Yellowish bulbul, Hypsipetes everetti (E)
- Zamboanga bulbul, Hypsipetes rufigularis (E)
- Visayan bulbul, Hypsipetes guimarasensis (E)
- Mindoro bulbul, Hypsipetes mindorensis (E)
Leafbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Chloropseidae
The leafbirds are small, bulbul-like birds. The males are brightly plumaged, usually in greens and yellows. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Philippine leafbird, Chloropsis flavipennis (E)
- Yellow-throated leafbird, Chloropsis palawanensis (E)
Ioras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithinidae
The ioras are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub, but whereas that group tends to be drab in coloration, ioras are sexually dimorphic, with the males being brightly plumaged in yellows and greens. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Common iora, Aegithina tiphia
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Chestnut-capped thrush, Geokichla interpres
- Ashy thrush, Geokichla cinerea (E)
- Sunda thrush, Zoothera andromedae
- Scaly thrush, Zoothera dauma
- Island thrush, Turdus poliocephalus
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus
- Pale thrush, Turdus pallidus
- Brown-headed thrush, Turdus chrysolaus
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or gray appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
- Dark-necked tailorbird, Orthotomus atrogularis
- Philippine tailorbird, Orthotomus castaneiceps (E)
- Trilling tailorbird, Orthotomus chloronotus (E)
- Rufous-fronted tailorbird, Orthotomus frontalis (E)
- Gray-backed tailorbird, Orthotomus derbianus (E)
- Rufous-tailed tailorbird, Orthotomus sericeus
- Ashy tailorbird, Orthotomus ruficeps
- Yellow-breasted tailorbird, Orthotomus samarensis (E)
- White-browed tailorbird, Orthotomus nigriceps (E)
- White-eared tailorbird, Orthotomus cinereiceps (E)
Cettid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
- Timor stubtail, Urosphena subulata
- Asian stubtail, Urosphena squameiceps (A)
- Manchurian bush warbler, Horornis borealis
- Japanese bush warbler, Horornis diphone
- Philippine bush warbler, Horornis seebohmi (E)
- Sunda bush warbler, Horornis vulcania
- Mountain tailorbird, Phyllergates cucullatus
- Rufous-headed tailorbird, Phyllergates heterolaemus (E)
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
- Benguet bush warbler, Locustella seebohmi (E)
- Long-tailed bush warbler, Locustella caudatus (E)
- Rufous-headed tailorbird, Phyllergates heterolaemus (E)
- Lanceolated warbler, Locustella lanceolata
- Pallas's grasshopper warbler, Locustella certhiola
- Middendorff's grasshopper warbler, Locustella ochotensis
- Gray's grasshopper warbler, Locustella fasciolata
- Tawny grassbird, Megalurus timoriensis
- Striated grassbird, Megalurus palustris
- Cordillera ground warbler, Robsonius rabori (E)
- Gray-banded babbler, Robsonius sorsogonensis (E)
- Sierra Madre ground warbler, Robsonius thompsoni (E)
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Streaked reed warbler, Acrocephalus sorghophilus
- Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis
- Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus
- Black-browed reed warbler, Acrocephalus bistrigiceps (A)'
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus (A)
- Radde's warbler, Phylloscopus schwarzi (A)
- Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis
- Ijima's leaf-warbler, Phylloscopus ijimae
- Sulphur-breasted warbler, Phylloscopus ricketti
- Lemon-throated warbler, Phylloscopus cebuensis (E)
- Mountain warbler, Phylloscopus trivirgatus
- Philippine leaf warbler, Phylloscopus olivaceus (E)
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus (A)
- Yellow-breasted warbler, Seicercus montis
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- White-browed shortwing, Brachypteryx montana
- Chestnut-tailed jungle flycatcher, Rhinomyias ruficauda
- Rusty-flanked jungle flycatcher, Rhinomyias insignis (E)
- Negros jungle flycatcher, Rhinomyias albigularis (E)
- Mindanao jungle flycatcher, Rhinomyias goodfellowi (E)
- Gray-spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa griseisticta
- Siberian dark-sided flycatcher, Muscicapa sibirica
- Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica
- Ash-breasted flycatcher, Muscicapa randi (E)
- Ferruginous flycatcher, Muscicapa ferruginea
- Brown flycatcher, Muscicapa latirostris
- Korean flycatcher, Ficedula zanthopygia
- Narcissus flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina
- Mugimaki flycatcher, Ficedula mugimaki
- Taiga flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla (A)
- Snowy-browed flycatcher, Ficedula hyperythra
- Little slaty flycatcher, Ficedula basilanica (E)
- Palawan flycatcher, Ficedula platenae (E)
- Russet-tailed flycatcher, Ficedula crypta (E)
- Furtive flycatcher, Ficedula disposita (E)
- Little pied flycatcher, Ficedula westermanni
- Blue-and-white flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana
- Island flycatcher, Eumyias panayensis
- Blue-breasted flycatcher, Cyornis herioti (E)
- Palawan blue-flycatcher, Cyornis lemprieri (E)
- Mangrove blue-flycatcher, Cyornis rufigastra
- Siberian rubythroat, Luscinia calliope
- Siberian blue robin, Luscinia cyane
- White-browed shama, Copsychus luzoniensis (E)
- White-vented shama, Copsychus niger (E)
- Black shama, Copsychus cebuensis (E)
- Philippine magpie-robin, Copsychus mindanensis (E)
- Visayan shama, Copsychus superciliaris (E)
- White-vented shama, Copsychus niger (E)
- Luzon redstart, Rhyacornis bicolor (E)
- Siberian stonechat, Saxicola maurus
- Pied bushchat, Saxicola caprata
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (A)
- Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica (A)
- Daurian redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus (A)
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Bagobo babbler, Leonardina woodi (E)
Fantails
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders. There are 7 species which have been recorded in the Philippines.
- Mindanao blue fantail, Rhipidura superciliaris (E)
- Blue-headed fantail, Rhipidura cyaniceps (E)
- Visayan blue fantail, Rhipidura samarensis (E)
- Visayan fantail, Rhipidura albiventris (E)
- Tablas fantail, Rhipidura sauli (E)
- Black-and-cinnamon fantail, Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea (E)
- Philippine pied fantail, Rhipidura nigritorquis (E)
Fairy flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
- Citrine canary-flycatcher, Culicicapa helianthea
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Short-crested monarch, Hypothymis helenae (E)
- Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea
- Celestial monarch, Hypothymis coelestis (E)
- Japanese paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone atrocaudata
- Blue paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone cyanescens (E)
- Rufous paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone cinnamomea
Whistlers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pachycephalidae
The family Pachycephalidae includes the whistlers, shrike-thrushes, shrike-tits, pitohuis and crested bellbird. There are 57 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Mangrove whistler, Pachycephala cinerea
- Green-backed whistler, Pachycephala albiventris (E)
- White-vented whistler, Pachycephala homeyeri (E)
- Yellow-bellied whistler, Pachycephala philippinensis (E)
Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers, or timaliids, are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterized by soft fluffy plumage.
- Pin-striped tit-babbler, Macronus gularis
- Brown tit-babbler, Macronus striaticeps (E)
- Visayan miniature babbler, Micromacronus leytensis (E)
- Mindanao miniature babbler, Micromacronus sordidus (E)
Ground babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
- Ashy-headed babbler, Malacocincla cinereiceps (E)
- Palawan babbler, Malacopteron palawanense (E)
- Striated wren-babbler, Ptilocichla mindanensis (E)
- Falcated wren-babbler, Ptilocichla falcata (E)
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull color like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye. There are 96 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Japanese white-eye, Zosterops japonicus
- Lowland white-eye, Zosterops meyeni (E)
- Everett's white-eye, Zosterops everetti
- Yellowish white-eye, Zosterops nigrorum (E)
- Mountain white-eye, Zosterops montanus
- Mindanao white-eye, Lophozosterops goodfellowi (E)
- Cinnamon white-eye, Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus (E)
- Chestnut-faced babbler, Zosterornis whiteheadi (E)
- Luzon striped-babbler, Zosterornis striatus (E)
- Panay striped-babbler, Zosterornis latistriatus (E)
- Negros striped-babbler, Zosterornis nigrorum (E)
- Palawan striped-babbler, Zosterornis hypogrammicus (E)
- Golden-crowned babbler, Sterrhoptilus dennistouni (E)
- Black-crowned babbler, Sterrhoptilus nigrocapitatus (E)
- Rusty-crowned babbler, Sterrhoptilus capitalis (E)
- Flame-templed babbler, Dasycrotapha speciosa (E)
- Visayan pygmy-babbler, Dasycrotapha pygmaea (E)
- Mindanao pygmy-babbler, Dasycrotapha plateni (E)
Thornbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acanthizidae
Thornbills are small passerine birds, similar in habits to the tits. There are 65 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Golden-bellied gerygone, Gerygone sulphurea
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Elegant tit, Pardaliparus elegans (E)
- Palawan tit, Pardaliparus amabilis (E)
- White-fronted tit, Sittiparus semilarvatus (E)
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Velvet-fronted nuthatch, Sitta frontalis
- Sulphur-billed nuthatch, Sitta oenochlamys (E)
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.
- Brown-throated sunbird, Anthreptes malacensis
- Grey-throated sunbird, Anthreptes griseigularis
- Copper-throated sunbird, Leptocoma calcostetha
- Purple-throated sunbird, Leptocoma sperata
- Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
- Gray-hooded sunbird, Aethopyga primigenius (E)
- Mount Apo sunbird, Aethopyga boltoni (E)
- Lina's sunbird, Aethopyga linaraborae (E)
- Flaming sunbird, Aethopyga flagrans (E)
- Maroon-naped sunbird, Aethopyga guimarasensis (E)
- Metallic-winged sunbird, Aethopyga pulcherrima (E)
- Luzon sunbird, Aethopyga decorosa (E)
- Bohol sunbird, Aethopyga jefferyi (E)
- Lovely sunbird, Aethopyga shelleyi (E)
- Handsome sunbird, Aethopyga bella (E)
- Magnificent sunbird, Aethopyga magnifica (E)
- Fire-tailed sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda
- Little spiderhunter, Arachnothera longirostra
- Naked-faced spiderhunter, Arachnothera clarae (E)
- Pale spiderhunter, Arachnothera dilutior (E)
- Orange-tufted spiderhunter, Arachnothera flammifera
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly colored birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues. There are 44 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Olive-backed flowerpecker, Prionochilus olivaceus (E)
- Palawan flowerpecker, Prionochilus plateni (E)
- Thick-billed flowerpecker, Dicaeum agile
- Whiskered flowerpecker, Dicaeum proprium (E)
- Olive-capped flowerpecker, Dicaeum nigrilore (E)
- Flame-crowned flowerpecker, Dicaeum anthonyi (E)
- Bicolored flowerpecker, Dicaeum bicolor (E)
- Cebu flowerpecker, Dicaeum quadricolor (E)
- Red-striped flowerpecker, Dicaeum australe (E)
- Red-keeled flowerpecker, Dicaeum haematostictum (E)
- Scarlet-collared flowerpecker, Dicaeum retrocinctum (E)
- Orange-bellied flowerpecker, Dicaeum trigonostigma
- White-bellied flowerpecker, Dicaeum hypoleucum (E)
- Pygmy flowerpecker, Dicaeum pygmaeum (E)
- Fire-breasted flowerpecker, Dicaeum ignipectus
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colorful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Dark-throated oriole, Oriolus xanthonotus
- White-lored oriole, Oriolus albiloris (E)
- Philippine oriole, Oriolus steerii (E)
- Isabela oriole, Oriolus isabellae (E)
- Black-naped oriole, Oriolus chinensis
Fairy-bluebirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Irenidae
The fairy-bluebirds are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub. The males are dark-blue and the females a duller green. There are 2 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Asian fairy-bluebird, Irena puella
- Philippine fairy-bluebird, Irena cyanogaster (E)
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Tiger shrike, Lanius tigrinus (A)
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus
- Long-tailed shrike, Lanius schach
- Gray-capped shrike, Lanius validirostris (E)
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark gray in color, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Ashy drongo, Dicrurus leucophaeus
- Crow-billed drongo, Dicrurus annectans
- Hair-crested drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus
- Balicassiao, Dicrurus balicassius (E)
- Spangled drongo, Dicrurus bracteatus
- Black drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus (A)
- Tablas drongo, Dicrurus menagei (E)
Woodswallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-colored passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- White-breasted woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Slender-billed crow, Corvus enca
- Large-billed crow, Corvus macrorhynchos
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
- Asian glossy starling, Aplonis panayensis
- Short-tailed starling, Aplonis minor
- Apo myna, Basilornis miranda (E)
- Coleto, Sarcops calvus (E)
- Common hill myna, Gracula religiosa
- Crested myna, Acridotheres cristatellus (I)
- White-shouldered starling, Sturnia sinensis (A)
- Chestnut-cheeked starling, Agropsar philippensis
- Daurian starling, Agropsar sturninus (A)
- Red-billed starling, Spodiopsar sericeus (A)
- White-cheeked starling, Spodiopsar cineraceus (A)
- Rosy starling, Pastor roseus
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris
- Stripe-sided rhabdornis, Rhabdornis mysticalis (E)
- Long-billed rhabdornis, Rhabdornis grandis (E)
- Stripe-breasted rhabdornis, Rhabdornis inornatus (E)
- Visayan rhabdornis, Rhabdornis rabori (E)
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Red avadavat, Amandava amandava
- Tawny-breasted parrotfinch, Erythrura hyperythra
- Green-faced parrotfinch, Erythrura viridifacies (E)
- Red-eared parrotfinch, Erythrura coloria (E)
- Dusky munia, Lonchura fuscans
- Nutmeg mannikin, Lonchura punctulata
- White-bellied munia, Lonchura leucogastra
- Chestnut munia, Lonchura atricapilla
- Java sparrow, Padda oryzivora (I)
- Pin-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura prasina (A)
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in the Philippines.
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla (A)
- Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola (A)
- Yellow bunting, Emberiza sulphurata
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus (A)
- Mountain serin, Chrysocorythus estherae
- White-cheeked bullfinch, Pyrrhula leucogenis (E)
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 2 species which occurs in the Philippines.
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
- Cinnamon ibon, Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus (E)
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of the Philippines". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.