Philippine fairy-bluebird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Philippine fairy-bluebird |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Irena
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| Species: |
cyanogastra
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The Philippine fairy-bluebird (Irena cyanogastra) is a beautiful bird found only in the Philippines. It belongs to the Irenidae family. You can spot this bird on islands like Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Bohol.
This bird lives in warm, wet forests. You might find it in lowland forests or even in wet mountain forests. They often fly with other birds, like Philippine bulbuls and Blue-headed fantails. Sadly, the Philippine fairy-bluebird is facing dangers. Its forest home is shrinking, and some people hunt it for food or to keep as pets.
Mythology and Legends
This bird is very special to the Tagalog people of the Philippines. They see it as a sacred bird called the tigmamanukan omen. Many believe it is a messenger from Bathala, who is the supreme creator god in their old religion.
In ancient Tagalog stories from southern Luzon, the Philippine fairy-bluebirds were known as the tigmamanukan omen birds. One legend says that Bathala told a tigmamanukan bird to break open a bamboo stalk. From this stalk came Malakas and Maganda, who were the very first humans.
Another legend tells how Bathala sometimes sends the tigmamanukan bird to help people decide if they should start or stop a journey. If a traveler sees a tigmamanukan bird fly from right to left, it means "labay." This is a sign from the gods that it is safe to go on the journey. But if the bird flies from left to right, the traveler should not go. If they do, they might never return home. All tigmamanukan omen birds are said to live on the mythical Mount Batala, which is sacred to the god.
See also
