Orange-bellied Leafbird

The Orange-bellied Leafbird, known scientifically as Chloropsis hardwickii, is a visual delight, adorned with a vivid palette of colors. The male of the species boasts an orange belly, contrasting beautifully with its green back. The tail and flight feathers are a striking blue, and a distinctive black and blue patch graces its throat and chest. This bird is equipped with a long, curved beak, perfectly designed for its dietary needs.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Orange-bellied Leafbird, look for the bright orange underparts and the green upperparts. The male's black and blue throat patch is particularly distinctive. Both sexes have a blue tail, but the female's overall coloration is less vibrant than the male's.

Habitat

This species is native to the lush environments of the central and eastern Himalayas, Yunnan, and the northern reaches of Southeast Asia.

Distribution

The Orange-bellied Leafbird graces the forests of the Himalayas, extending its range through Yunnan and into the northern parts of Southeast Asia.

Behaviour

These birds are sedentary, showing no inclination to migrate. They construct their nests with roots and fibers, delicately suspending them from the edges of twigs at the terminal ends of tree branches.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Orange-bellied Leafbird is quite varied, including insects, spiders, and nectar, which it deftly extracts with its specialized beak.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Orange-bellied Leafbird as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.