Luzon Sunbird (Aethopyga jefferyi)

The Luzon Sunbird is a species of sunbird that is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Sunbirds are small, brightly colored birds that are found throughout Africa and Asia. They are known for their long, curved bills, which are specially adapted for probing flowers for nectar.

The Luzon Sunbird is a relatively small bird, measuring around 10 centimeters in length. It has a distinctive plumage, with bright blue-green feathers on its head, neck, and upper back. Its wings and tail are black, and it has a white belly. Females are slightly duller in color than males, with less iridescent plumage.

Like most sunbirds, the Luzon Sunbird is a nectar-feeder. It uses its long bill to probe deep into flowers to extract nectar, and in the process, it helps to pollinate the plants. The bird is also known to feed on small insects and spiders, which it catches on the wing.

The Luzon Sunbird is found in a variety of habitats on Luzon, including forests, plantations, gardens, and parks. It is generally a non-migratory species, although some individuals may move to lower altitudes during the non-breeding season.

Breeding season for the Luzon Sunbird varies depending on location, but it generally occurs between December and May. During this time, males perform colorful courtship displays to attract females. Once a pair has formed, the female builds a small, cup-shaped nest out of grass and spiderwebs, which she attaches to the underside of a leaf. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which she incubates for around two weeks. Both parents then feed the chicks until they fledge after around three weeks.

Unfortunately, the Luzon Sunbird is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Despite this, habitat loss and fragmentation pose a threat to the bird's population, particularly in areas where forested habitat is being cleared for plantations and other agricultural activities. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that this beautiful bird continues to thrive on the island of Luzon.




Other names

Aethopyga jefferyi

Nectariniidae

PASSERIFORMES

Luzon Sunbird

吕宋太阳鸟

山太陽鳥

Luzon-solfugl

Luzonhoningzuiger

luzoninmedestäjä

Souimanga d’Ogilvie-Grant

Luzonnektarvogel

ヤマタイヨウチョウ

grønnvingesolfugl

kwiatownik luzoński

nectarínia-de-lução

Лусонская острохвостая нектарница

nektárovka luzonská

luzonsolfågel

Luzon Dağ Nektarkuşu

сіпарая лусонська