Lina's Sunbird
LINA'S SUNBIRD
Aethopyga linaraborae
Family Nectariinidae
L 108mm (4 1/2")
endemic, common over 1000m in mountains of east Mindanao
Bird # 489 - November 2015
This is a Philippine montane endemic. It is small, measuring only about 4 1/2" long. Similar to the Metallic-winged Sunbird, but with a narrower throat, longer tail and orange markings on the lower throat and upper breast. This bird is named after Lina Rabor the wife of the father of Philippine conservation and ornithology Dr. Dioscoro Rabor.
We knew this bird was in Mt. Pasian. But access to that area has been a bit difficult due to lack of roads and the uncertain peace and order situation in that area.
Thankfully Pete Simpson found a safer site in Compostela Valley and we did a quick trip there to photograph this bird. Now we finally have a complete record of all the sunbird and spiderhunter species. Until the next round of splits anyway.
We got to see this bird over two days. In the afternoon on the first day then the next morning. It showed well. It announces its presence with 4 distinct calls. Like other sunbirds they will pause for a photo but then move quickly from tree to tree. They seemed to come with some bird waves as well as on their own. Usually in pairs, sometimes three or four.
Read MoreAethopyga linaraborae
Family Nectariinidae
L 108mm (4 1/2")
endemic, common over 1000m in mountains of east Mindanao
Bird # 489 - November 2015
This is a Philippine montane endemic. It is small, measuring only about 4 1/2" long. Similar to the Metallic-winged Sunbird, but with a narrower throat, longer tail and orange markings on the lower throat and upper breast. This bird is named after Lina Rabor the wife of the father of Philippine conservation and ornithology Dr. Dioscoro Rabor.
We knew this bird was in Mt. Pasian. But access to that area has been a bit difficult due to lack of roads and the uncertain peace and order situation in that area.
Thankfully Pete Simpson found a safer site in Compostela Valley and we did a quick trip there to photograph this bird. Now we finally have a complete record of all the sunbird and spiderhunter species. Until the next round of splits anyway.
We got to see this bird over two days. In the afternoon on the first day then the next morning. It showed well. It announces its presence with 4 distinct calls. Like other sunbirds they will pause for a photo but then move quickly from tree to tree. They seemed to come with some bird waves as well as on their own. Usually in pairs, sometimes three or four.
