The melodious babbler (Malacopteron palawanense) is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is endemic to the Philippines and found only on Palawan and Balabac.
| Melodious babbler | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Pellorneidae |
| Genus: | Malacopteron |
| Species: | M. palawanense
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| Binomial name | |
| Malacopteron palawanense Büttikofer, 1895
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Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. Along with the Palawan flycatcher and Falcated wren-babbler, they have been dubbed the Tres Amigos (Spanish) or Three Friends as some of the most sought after birds in Palawan.[2] It is known for its musical call hence the name.
Description and taxonomy
editEBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized bird of lowland forest tangles and bamboo on Palawan and Balabac. Medium-brown above with more rufous on the tail, shoulder, and forecrown. Has a white throat, a white belly, and white under the base of the tail, with a pale brown chest and sides. Note the gray cheek, the pale eye, and the hook-tipped bill. Somewhat similar to Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, but larger, with whitish rather than yellowish underparts. Song is a short varied sequence of whistled notes, sounding rather tuneless. Also gives a series of forceful downslurred “piu!” notes varying in pitch and volume."[3][4]
This species is monotypic.
Ecology and behavior
editDiet is largely unknown but presumed to feed on insects and some vegetable matter. It is often seen foraging alone or in small groups foraging in the understorey in tangles and vines.
Birds in breeding but otherwise nothing is known about its breeding behaviour and the nest remains undescribed.
Habitat and conservation status
editThe species inhabits tropical moist lowland primary forest and mature secondary forest only up to 100 meters above sea level.[4]
It is assessed as near threatened under the IUCN but was formerly endangered due to its role as a true lowland forest specialist. However, it was uplisted as surveys in the 1990s found them in fairly good density in its remaining habitat. Populations believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss, deforestation and mining. The whole of Palawan was designated as a Biosphere Reserve; however, protection and enforcement of laws has been difficult and these threats still continue. It occurs in just one protected area in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.[5]
References
edit- Citations
- ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Malacopteron palawanense". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22715885A94473596. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22715885A94473596.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ "Palawan Babbler - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ a b Allen, Desmond (2020). Birds of the Philippines. Barcelona: Lynx and Birdlife International Guides.
- ^ IUCN (2016-10-01). Malacopteron palawanense: BirdLife International: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22715885A94473596 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2016-3.rlts.t22715885a94473596.en.
- Bibliography
- Collar, N. J. & Robson, C. 2007. Family Timaliidae (Babblers) pp. 70 – 291 in; del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D.A. eds. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.