Agusan del Sur is a province in the Philippines known for its diverse birdlife. The province is home to a wide variety of species, from seabirds to raptors to songbirds, making it a great place for bird watching.
With its many wetlands, forests, and agricultural fields, Agusan del Sur is a great place to observe a variety of bird species. Many of the species found here are endemic to the region, making it a great destination for both local and international birders.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just looking for something new to explore, Agusan del Sur is definitely worth a visit!
1. Black-faced Coucal
The black-faced coucal is a species of cuckoo native to the Philippines. It belongs to the family Cuculidae, which includes many other species of cuckoos. This species is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, making it perfectly adapted to its environment.
It is an endemic species, meaning that it is only found in the Philippines and nowhere else in the world. The black-faced coucal has a black face, making it easily distinguishable from other species.
Its diet consists of small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and worms, which it finds in the undergrowth of its habitat. It is a solitary bird but can form flocks during the breeding season.
During this time, it can be quite vocal, making its presence known through its distinctive call. The black-faced coucal is an important species in the Philippine ecosystem, helping to keep the insect population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. melanops |
2. Rufous Paradise Flycatcher
The Rufous Paradise Flycatcher is a species of bird that is part of the family Monarchidae. It can be found in two distinct geographical regions, Indonesia and the Philippines.
It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, meaning that the habitat has a warm climate and plenty of moisture. This bird species has adapted to the hot, humid environment and can be found in these types of forests year-round.
These areas are also home to other species of wildlife, such as various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The Rufous Paradise Flycatcher is a unique species that is well adapted to its environment, and it is an important part of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Terpsiphone |
| Species | T. cinnamomea |
3. Philippine Honey Buzzard
The Philippine honey buzzard is an impressive species of bird of prey found in the family Accipitridae. It is a large and powerful bird that is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Philippines.
The honey buzzard has a wide wingspan and is usually found in lowland and montane forests.
It is known for its impressive wingspan and for its ability to soar through the skies with ease. The Philippine honey buzzard is a scavenger, feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It is also known to steal food from other birds and animals.
In addition to scavenging, the honey buzzard also hunts for food on its own. Its diet consists mainly of carrion, small birds, and large insects. The Philippine honey buzzard is an important species in the Philippines.
It helps to keep the insect population in check by preying on them and also helps to disperse seeds from the fruits it consumes. It is also important for its role in controlling the population of rodents and other pests that might otherwise damage crops and vegetation.
The Philippine honey buzzard is a species of conservation concern, as its population is decreasing due to deforestation and habitat destruction. It is also threatened by hunting and poaching. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Pernis |
| Species | P. steerei |
4. Rufous-Fronted Tailorbird
Source: ebird.org
The rufous-fronted tailorbird is a species of bird found in the Philippines and is a part of the Cisticolidae family. This bird is known to live in moist forests and mangrove forests in subtropical and tropical regions.
It is adapted to living in areas with high levels of humidity and moisture, which is why its natural habitats are in the lowlands. Its diet consists mainly of insects, especially caterpillars, which it catches by hopping on the ground or on branches.
The rufous-fronted tailorbird is an important part of the local ecosystem, as it helps to keep the insect population in check. It is also an important part of the local culture, as it is often used as a subject in art and literature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Orthotomus |
| Species | O. frontalis |
5. Mindanao Blue Fantail
Source: ebird.org
The Mindanao blue fantail is a unique species of bird that is part of the Rhipiduridae family. This family contains 47 different species of birds, all of which are part of the genus Rhipidura.
The Mindanao blue fantail is endemic to the Philippines, meaning it is only found in this specific region. The bird prefers a natural habitat of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
It was previously believed to be the same species as the Visayan blue fantail, but after further study, it has been determined that this is not the case.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Rhipiduridae |
| Genus | Rhipidura |
| Species | R. superciliaris |
6. Short-Tailed Starling
Source: ebird.org
The short-tailed starling is a beautiful species of starling that is found in Indonesia and the Philippines. It belongs to the family Sturnidae, which is a group of passerine birds with strong feet and is found primarily in the tropical forest regions of these two countries.
The short-tailed starling is a highly adaptable species and can be found in both subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, as well as in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests.
This allows them to live in a wide variety of habitats, as they can thrive in both wet and dry conditions.
They have also been known to inhabit mangrove forests, which are located along the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia. In terms of appearance, the short-tailed starling has a distinctive colour pattern on its feathers, with a black head, white throat and chest, and a brownish-black body.
The tail is short and rounded, with a white tip. These birds are around 20-24 cm in length and have a wingspan of around 15-20 cm. The short-tailed starling is a highly social species, and can often be seen in flocks of up to 30 birds.
They feed on a variety of fruits and insects, and can also be seen eating grains and other plant-based foods. The short-tailed starling is a beautiful species of starling that is found in Indonesia and the Philippines.
It is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide variety of habitats. They are also highly social and can be seen in flocks of around 30 birds. They feed on a variety of fruits, insects and grains.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Aplonis |
| Species | A. minor |
Conclusion
Birds in Agusan del Sur are a unique and diverse collection of species. They represent a great variety of habitats, from coastal areas to forests and grasslands.
These birds provide important ecological services such as pollination and seed dispersal and also provide a source of food for humans. The protection of bird populations in Agusan del Sur is important for the health of the environment and for the benefit of the local people.