25 Common Birds of the Philippines

Pithecophaga jefferyi

The national bird of the Philippines and one of the world's largest and most powerful eagles. With a wingspan up to 2.2 m, it soars over old-growth rainforest hunting flying lemurs and large lizards. The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City is the best starting point. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, it is critically endangered with only an estimated 400 pairs left in the wild.

Anas luzonica

The only endemic dabbling duck in the Philippines, found in freshwater wetlands and rice fields throughout the archipelago. Males feature a distinctive chestnut head and buff-coloured body. Numbers have declined sharply due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation initiatives aim to protect their nesting sites and restore wetlands.

Penelopides manillae

A striking medium-sized hornbill with cream and rufous plumage and a distinctive casque above its bill. Endemic to Luzon, it lives in remaining lowland and foothill forests and plays a key ecological role as a seed disperser. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forest habitats and anti-poaching measures.

Cacatua haematuropygia

One of the world's rarest parrots, now almost entirely restricted to Palawan. White plumage with a distinctive red vent patch. These social birds are often seen in flocks, feeding on seeds, fruits, and nuts. Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary gives the best sighting chances. Deforestation and illegal pet trade have caused rapid population declines.

Polyplectron napoleonis

One of the most spectacular pheasants in the world — the male has iridescent blue-green ocelli on dark plumage and an elaborate crest. Palawan Peacock-Pheasants prefer dense forests with thick undergrowth. Patient observers can find them foraging on forest floors at dawn. Habitat loss due to logging and agriculture is the primary threat.

Otus megalotis

A small nocturnal owl endemic to the Philippines, known for its distinctive ear tufts and intense yellow eyes. These expert hunters feed on insects, small mammals, and reptiles under the cover of darkness. Due to deforestation and habitat destruction, Philippine Scops Owls are facing population declines. Best found by spotlight after dark in remaining primary forest.

Gallicolumba luzonica

A unique and elusive ground dove endemic to Luzon, named for the vivid blood-red splash on its white breast that resembles a bleeding heart. These shy birds inhabit dense forest floors, foraging for seeds, fruits, and insects. Habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade are major threats. Conservation programs focus on protecting remaining forest habitat.

Sarcops calvus

The Coleto is a striking Philippine endemic starling with glossy black plumage and a bold white patch on the upper back, plus distinctive bare pink-red facial skin. Often found in noisy flocks foraging through fruiting trees, it's one of the more commonly encountered forest birds. While populations are relatively stable, habitat loss remains a long-term concern.

Penelopides panini

A medium-sized hornbill endemic to the Western Visayas, recognized by its wrinkled casque and pale bill. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, relying entirely on the male to deliver food through a narrow slit. The Tarictic Hornbill feeds mainly on figs and other fruits, making it an important seed disperser. Habitat loss from logging and agriculture has severely reduced its range.

Buceros hydrocorax

The largest hornbill in the Philippines, reaching up to 65 cm in length with a massive red-orange casque. Its deep, booming call carries through the forest canopy and is often the first sign of its presence. Rufous Hornbills are primarily frugivorous but will also take insects and small vertebrates. They require large tracts of primary forest with mature trees for nesting cavities.

Harpactes ardens

One of the most colorful birds in the Philippine forest, the male Philippine Trogon has a vivid crimson breast, deep blue back, and barred black-and-white tail. Females are more subdued with brown replacing the red. These quiet, sit-and-wait predators perch motionless on mid-level branches before sallying out to snatch insects or small fruits. They nest in natural tree cavities and are most vocal during the early morning hours.

Erythropitta kochi

A jewel of the forest floor, the Whiskered Pitta is a compact, brilliantly colored bird with a blue breast, green back, red belly, and distinctive white whisker stripes. Endemic to the mountains of northern Luzon, it forages among leaf litter for earthworms, snails, and insects. Finding one requires patience — they are extremely shy and prefer dense undergrowth. Mount Data and Mount Polis in the Cordillera are reliable sites.

Spilornis holospilus

A medium-sized raptor endemic to the Philippines, often seen soaring above forest clearings and edges. It has dark brown plumage with white spots on the breast and a short crest. As its name suggests, it specializes in hunting snakes and lizards, but also takes frogs, small mammals, and large insects. Its distinctive two-note whistle is one of the most recognizable bird calls in Philippine forests.

Tanygnathus lucionensis

A large green parrot with a distinctive blue patch on the back of its head and a coral-red bill. Blue-naped Parrots are often seen in noisy flocks flying above the forest canopy at dawn and dusk. They feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, and grain, sometimes raiding agricultural fields. The illegal pet trade has significantly impacted wild populations, and captive breeding programs aim to bolster their numbers.

Irena cyanogastra

The male Philippine Fairy-bluebird is one of the most visually stunning birds in the archipelago — electric, shimmering blue upper parts contrast sharply with velvety black underparts. Females are dark blue-green throughout. These canopy-dwelling frugivores feed primarily on figs and berries. They are typically found in small groups in the upper levels of primary and secondary forest.

Dasylophus cumingi

One of the most bizarre-looking birds in the Philippines, the Scale-feathered Malkoha has stiff, bristly feathers on its head that stand up like tiny red-tipped scales, plus vivid red skin around the eyes. A member of the cuckoo family, it moves through the mid-story and canopy in search of insects, caterpillars, and small lizards. Unlike many cuckoos, it builds its own nest rather than parasitizing others.

Haliastur indus

One of the most commonly seen raptors in the Philippines, the Brahminy Kite is instantly recognizable with its chestnut-brown body and contrasting white head and breast. It patrols coastlines, rivers, and harbors, feeding on fish, crabs, and carrion. A graceful soarer, it can often be spotted circling over coastal towns and fishing villages. It adapts well to human presence and is considered a symbol of good fortune in many Southeast Asian cultures.

Nisaetus philippensis

A powerful mid-sized raptor endemic to the Philippines, the Philippine Hawk-Eagle has a prominent crest, dark brown upper parts, and heavily streaked underparts. It hunts from concealed perches, ambushing birds, flying squirrels, and large lizards in forest interiors. Often confused with the much larger Philippine Eagle, it occupies similar habitat but at lower elevations. Deforestation across its range has caused steady population declines.

Actenoides lindsayi

A forest kingfisher endemic to Luzon, the Spotted Wood Kingfisher has a turquoise crown, rufous face, and green-spotted breast. Unlike most kingfishers, it rarely visits water — instead hunting insects, lizards, and earthworms on the forest floor and low branches. It nests in termite mounds or earthen banks. Its loud, descending whistle is a common sound in Luzon forests but actually spotting the bird requires patience.

Ptilinopus marchei

A striking mountain dove endemic to the mountains of northern Luzon, named for the vivid orange-red patch on its breast that contrasts with soft green plumage. This shy canopy species feeds on small fruits and berries in mossy montane forest above 1,000 meters elevation. It is rarely seen despite its colors, as it sits motionless for long periods in the upper canopy. Mount Data and Mount Pulag are known sites.

Loriculus philippensis

The smallest parrot in the Philippines at only 14 cm, named for its habit of hanging upside down from branches while feeding and sleeping — a behavior unique among parrots. Males display a bright orange-red patch on the forehead and a blue face, while the body is vivid green. They feed on nectar, flowers, soft fruits, and seeds. Despite their tiny size, they are noisy and often detected by their high-pitched calls before they are seen.

Rhabdornis mysticalis

An endemic genus found only in the Philippines, the Stripe-headed Rhabdornis is sometimes called the Philippine Creeper for its habit of climbing tree trunks and branches in search of insects. It has distinctive bold black-and-white stripes on the head, brown upper parts, and a streaked breast. Often found in small flocks mixed with other species, it uses its slender, slightly curved bill to probe bark crevices for insects and spiders.

Caprimulgus manillensis

A nocturnal insect hunter endemic to the Philippines, the Philippine Nightjar is beautifully camouflaged with intricate grey-brown mottling that makes it nearly invisible on the ground during the day. At dusk, it becomes active, flying low over clearings and forest edges to catch moths and beetles on the wing. Its distinctive repetitive 'tok-tok-tok' call is a common sound of Philippine nights. Look for eyeshine from a flashlight along forest roads after dark.

Haliaeetus leucogaster

One of the largest raptors in the Philippines, the White-bellied Sea Eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters. Adults are striking with clean white head, breast, and belly contrasting with grey upper wings and back. They hunt fish by swooping low over the water and snatching prey from the surface with powerful talons. Commonly seen soaring over coastlines, mangrove areas, and large bodies of water. Pairs mate for life and build enormous stick nests in tall trees near the shore.

Cinnyris jugularis

One of the most commonly seen birds in the Philippines, the Olive-backed Sunbird is a tiny, energetic nectar feeder found in gardens, parks, and forest edges across the country. Males flash an iridescent blue-black throat patch that gleams in sunlight, while females are plain olive above and yellow below. They build distinctive hanging, purse-shaped nests from plant fibers and spider silk, often suspended from eaves, wires, or clotheslines. Their rapid, high-pitched calls are a constant soundtrack of Philippine gardens.

Top Philippine Birding Destinations

The Philippines offers exceptional birding across its vast archipelago. Here are the top sites recommended for serious birders: