Leafbirds

Leafbirds, small colorful passerine birds, belong to the family Chloropseidae and reside primarily in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These birds are closely related to the fairy-bluebirds and share their vibrant plumage, predominantly green, which helps them blend into the foliage—hence their name. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males are usually more brightly colored than females. Leafbirds range from 14 to 21 cm in size, weigh 15 to 48 grams, and are known for melodious songs and mimicking abilities. They spend most of their time in trees and shrubs, with varying habitat preferences ranging from evergreen forests to monsoon and deciduous forests, up to 2500 meters in altitude. Their diet consists mainly of insects, with variations in fruit and nectar consumption. Nesting high in trees, leafbirds craft open cuplike nests, with the female laying 2 or 3 pinkish eggs. These attractive birds are popular as cagebirds in Asia, which has led to a decline in some species due to trapping for trade and habitat loss from deforestation. Out of the eleven species, some are threatened or near threatened such as the greater green, blue-winged, and Sumatran leafbirds, while the Philippine leafbird is vulnerable. Leafbirds congregate in areas where food is abundant and can coexist with a few other species, minimizing competition due to size variation. Each species has distinct traits, with some endemic to specific islands like the Philippines' Palawan or Borneo. They all share common behaviors such as feeding in the canopy, the ability to hover-glean, and the construction of unique nests. Despite their popularity in captivity, the wild populations of leafbirds are impacted by human activities, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.