Palawan flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palawan flycatcher |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Muscicapidae |
| Genus: | Ficedula |
| Species: |
F. platenae
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| Binomial name | |
| Ficedula platenae (Blasius, 1888)
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The Palawan flycatcher (Ficedula platenae) is a small, colorful bird that lives only in the Philippines. You can find it on the island of Palawan. This bird is part of the Muscicapidae family, which includes many types of flycatchers. Sadly, its home, the tropical lowland forests, is shrinking, putting this special bird at risk.
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About the Palawan Flycatcher
What Does It Look Like?
The Palawan flycatcher is a small bird. It lives in the lowland and foothill forests of Palawan. It prefers areas with lots of palm trees or bamboo.
This bird has a dark brown back. Its belly is white, and its chest and tail are orange. It also has a light orange color on its throat and under its tail. It looks a bit like the female Palawan blue flycatcher, but it is smaller. Its head is brown, not gray.
What Does It Sound Like?
The Palawan flycatcher has a very unique call. Its song sounds like a soft, whistled "puu-puu piii!" The third note is higher. It also makes a repeated, rising "puuii" sound.
This call is repeated quickly, about 10 to 15 times. Then, it is followed by a short trill that lasts 5 to 10 seconds. When it makes this call, the bird often fans out and shakes its tail. Its call sounds so much like an insect that people often mistake it for one!
Where Does It Live?
The Palawan flycatcher lives in both old and new dipterocarp forests. These are forests with tall, broad-leaved trees. It can be found up to 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level.
It especially likes areas with many rattan plants, bamboo, and palm trees. While it can live in forests that have been changed a bit, it doesn't do well if its home is too disturbed. You can often find this bird in the lower parts of the forest, close to the ground. They tend to stay in their favorite spots.
Why Is It in Danger?
The Palawan flycatcher is considered a vulnerable species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered. There are currently between 6,000 and 15,000 of these birds left.
The main reason for their decline is habitat loss. Their forest homes are being cut down.
How Are People Helping?
Conservation groups are working to protect the Palawan flycatcher. They have created protected areas on the islands where logging is not allowed. This helps reduce the main threat to the birds.
These groups also tried to restore forests where the birds had disappeared. However, the Palawan flycatcher did not return to these areas, even after the forests grew back. This shows how sensitive they are to changes in their natural home.
The entire island of Palawan is a special "biosphere reserve." This means it is meant to be protected. However, it has been hard to stop illegal logging and hunting there. The birds are also found in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a protected area.
Experts suggest doing more surveys in the remaining lowland forests. This would help them understand where the birds live and how much they can handle changes to their habitat. They also want to expand the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Other important places like the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm and Mt. Victoria also need formal protection.
 | Leon Lynch |
 | Milton P. Webster |
 | Ferdinand Smith |
