The stripe-breasted rhabdornis (Rhabdornis inornatus), also known as the stripe-breasted creeper or plain-headed creeper, is a species of bird currently placed in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is endemic to the Philippines on the islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Samar and Biliran. It is typically found in tropical montane and submontane forest but has been found as low as 230 masl in Leyte. It is part of a species complex that includes the Visayan rhabdornis and the Grand rhabdornis which were formerly subspecies of this bird.
| Stripe-breasted rhabdornis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Sturnidae |
| Genus: | Rhabdornis |
| Species: | R. inornatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhabdornis inornatus Ogilvie-Grant, 1896
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Description and taxonomy
editEBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized bird of foothill and lower montane forest with a white throat and belly, brown upperparts, darker wings and tail, a black mask, a gray crown, and pale brown sides broadly streaked white. Often perches on dead branches. Similar to Stripe-sided Rhabdornis, but usually found at higher elevations, and has a shorter, thicker bill and a crown that is gray rather than streaked white. Voice includes high-pitched chips, sometimes given in rapid series."[2]
Subspecies
editThree subspecies are recognized:
- R. i. inornatus – Found on Samar
- R. i. leytensis – Found on Leyte and Biliran
- R. i. alaris – Found on Mindanao
The Visayan rhabdornis (R. rabori) is now usually considered a distinct species, where previously it was considered a subspecies.[3] The grand rhabdornis (R. grandis) of Luzon Island is sometimes regarded as a subspecies, but usually now considered a distinct species as well.
Ecology and behavior
editIts is a generalist with its diet as it feeds on various food sources such as insects, berries, nectar and even small amphibians. It typically forages in the cannopy and perches on dead trees. Typically forages in groups of up to 10 individuals but a large flock of 100 birds has been spotted during an termete larvae emergence.
Not much is known about its breeding habits but juveniles have been reported from Feb to June. Nests in tree cavities. [4]
Habitat and conservation status
editIt is found in tropical montane and submontane forest typically 800 to 1,750 meters above sea level but has been found as low as 230 masl in Leyte.
The IUCN has classified the species as being of Least Concern but is declining in population. It is said to be uncommon throughout its range. It is affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - just not to the same extent as lowland forest.
It is found in multiple protected areas such as Mount Apo and Kitanglad Mountain Range but like all areas in the Philippines protection is lax.[5]
References
edit- ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Rhabdornis inornatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T103878077A94514706. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103878077A94514706.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ "Species Updates – IOC World Bird List". Retrieved 2021-05-28.
- ^ Kennedy, Robert; Miranda, Hector; Christie, David (2020). "Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis inornatus), version 1.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.stbrha1.01species_shared.bow.project_name. ISSN 2771-3105.
- ^ IUCN (2016-10-01). Rhabdornis inornatus: BirdLife International: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T103878077A94514706 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2016-3.rlts.t103878077a94514706.en.
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