Chestnut-faced babbler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chestnut-faced babbler
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Zosteropidae
Genus:	Zosterornis
Species:	Z. whiteheadi
Binomial name
Zosterornis whiteheadi Ogilvie-Grant, 1894
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Synonyms
Stachyris whiteheadi

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The chestnut-faced babbler (scientific name: Zosterornis whiteheadi) is a cool type of bird. It belongs to the white-eye family, called Zosteropidae. This special bird is only found in one place: the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

There are two slightly different kinds, or subspecies, of the chestnut-faced babbler. One lives in northern and central Luzon, and the other lives in southeastern Luzon. These birds usually live in mountain forests, often high up, more than 1000 meters above sea level. But sometimes, you can find them lower down, even at 100 meters. They are not picky about where they live in the mountains. They can be found in many places, like thick forests, damp mossy forests, pine forests, and even areas changed by people.

What Does It Look Like?

The chestnut-faced babbler is a medium-sized bird. It is about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. It weighs between 17 and 28 grams, which is about as much as a few quarters.

Colors and Markings

Both male and female chestnut-faced babblers look the same. Their feathers are not different based on their gender. Young birds' colors have not been fully described yet.

• They have a reddish-brown face, like the color of a chestnut.
• Their head and the back of their neck are grey.
• They have a white ring around their eye, but it is not a complete circle.
• Their wings and tail are an olive-brown color.
• Their sides are a lighter olive color.
• Their chest is a yellowish-brown color.

The subspecies found in southeastern Luzon is similar. However, the grey on its head and neck has black edges.

Sounds They Make

The call of the chestnut-faced babbler is described as fast and busy. It sounds like a metallic noise.

What Do They Eat?

These birds have a varied diet. They eat different kinds of food they find in their habitat.

• They eat seeds from plants.
• They enjoy fruits.
• They also eat insects, especially beetles.
• Spiders are another part of their diet.

How They Find Food

Chestnut-faced babblers can be seen alone, in pairs, or in groups. Sometimes, a group can have up to thirty birds! They usually look for food low down in the forest. But sometimes, they will go all the way up to the top of the trees.

They often join other types of birds to feed together. This is called a mixed-species feeding flock. It helps them find more food and stay safe. They even get water from special plants called pitcher plants.