Coron Island, located in the majestic Calamian Islands in the northern part of Palawan, Philippines, boasts of breathtaking landscapes and stunning blue waters that continuously attract tourists all over the world.
Apart from its fascinating underwater world filled with vibrant marine life, the island is also home to numerous bird species. Coron Island is a sanctuary to a diverse range of birds, including both common and rare species.
Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers can easily spot them, hear them sing, and witness them soar high in the sky. Visiting the island is not only a visual treat but also a more profound connection to nature's beauty, particularly its avian inhabitants.
1. Rock dove
Rock dove, also known as Rock Pigeon or Common Pigeon, is a member of the bird family Columbidae.
It is considered to be an important creature worldwide due to its domestication by humans centuries ago; resulting in the modern-day Domestic pigeon which descends from this species.
Its population has increased over time because some domestic pigeons have escaped captivity and joined wild populations.
The rock dove can most easily be identified by its prominent blue-grey feathers with darker bars on wings and tail along with two black bands on each wing.
They are typically found in large flocks near cliffs or buildings but may also inhabit rural habitats such as open fields and meadows if there's enough food available for them nearby.
Although they don't migrate far distances like other birds, their numbers increase significantly during winter months.
When more food sources become available closeby so that they won't need to travel too far away from home base for nourishment.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
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2. Red junglefowl
The Red Junglefowl is a tropical bird belonging to the Phasianidae family, native to much of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. It has been referred to as Bankiva or Bankiva Fowl in the past.
This species was instrumental in giving rise to chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) that are commonly domesticated today.
In addition, it has contributed genetic material along with Grey Junglefowl, Sri Lankan Junglefowl and Green Junglefowl towards creation of various breeds found around the world.
The male red jungle fowls have a distinctive long tail while they also boast iridescent patches on their neck feathers which develop during mating season for display purposes.
They mainly feed on plants & insects but may occasionally consume lizards too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | G. gallus |
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3. Spotted dove
The Spotted Dove is a common species of pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has an elegant, slender body with small head, long tail feathers and spotted wings.
Its coloring ranges from grey to brownish-grey on its upperparts with white underparts that are speckled black or dark grey. The male generally has more prominent spots than the female.
They feed mainly on seeds but will also consume insects when available during breeding season as well as berries, grains and fruits throughout their range.
These birds typically live in pairs or small groups near water sources such as ponds, rivers or streams where they can find food easily while staying safe from predators like cats and hawks.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
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4. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only taxon in the order of Cuculiformes.
There are many different species within this family such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas and anis.
Some of these species may even be identified as separate families - Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.
These birds have been known for their unique features such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.
They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than its own.
All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Cuculidae Leach, 1820 |
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5. Collared kingfisher
The Collared kingfisher is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Halcyoninae subfamily of tree kingfishers. It has a distinctive white collar and black mask that set it apart from other species in its family.
Its wide range extends from the Red Sea across southern Asia to Polynesia, making it one of the most widespread birds in the region.
The male and female collared kingfisher both have blue wings with dark barring, while juveniles are brownish grey with duller markings.
They feed mainly on fish, but can also be seen consuming crustaceans, reptiles, insects and small mammals when available.
This species nests inside cavities or tunnels near riverbanks or swamps created by their powerful bills; they often dig these themselves if there aren't any existing ones nearby.
Despite being abundant throughout much of its range, this beautiful bird's population numbers appear to be declining due to habitat destruction caused by human activity such as deforestation and development projects along riversides which provide important nesting sites for them.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Halcyoninae |
| Genus | Todiramphus |
| Species | T. chloris |
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6. Black-chinned fruit dove
The Black-chinned Fruit Dove is a stunningly beautiful bird with its vibrant colors and unique features.
Males have green bellies, wings, and tails; whitish grey heads and necks with purple bases; red irises; yellow bills with small black patches underneath.
Females have green heads, necks, backs of the head to the tail feathers which are dark brown in color.
This species can grow up to 27 cm long making it medium sized for a dove species. They inhabit lowland forests from northern India throughout Southeast Asia as far north as Taiwan where they feed on fruits like figs along with some insects too.
These birds usually travel alone or in pairs during their migrations but flocks may also form when food sources become available at certain times of year.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Species | P. leclancheri |
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7. Palawan hornbill
The Palawan hornbill is a majestic bird endemic to the Philippines. It can be found in Palawan and some nearby islands such as Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion and Coron.
This large forest bird has been given the local name of talusi by Cuyunon people. Sadly it's threatened due to habitat loss caused by humans activities like hunting and trapping for cage-bird trade.
Conservation efforts are being made so that this species doesn't become extinct in our lifetime. We must all do what we can to protect these beautiful creatures before they disappear forever from their natural habitats.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Anthracoceros |
| Species | A. marchei |
8. Great cormorant
The Great Cormorant is a large seabird belonging to the cormorant family. It has many names, including Black Shag in New Zealand and Large Cormorant in India.
Its striking black feathers make it easy to recognise along coastlines or near bodies of water. The bird can measure up to 1 metre long with a wingspan of around two metres and weighs roughly 3 kilograms.
In flight, its neck is stretched out straight ahead while its bill points downwards – an unmistakable sight for any keen observer.
Cormorants are strong swimmers and excellent divers, frequently going underwater in search of food such as fish or crustaceans that they scavenge from the ocean floor.
They live primarily on coasts but have also been seen inland where there are suitable waterways available - providing another opportunity for nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of this impressive species.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
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9. Great egret
The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies that reside across Asia, Africa, Americas and southern Europe.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also now starting to spread into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.
These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan for their size which allows them to soar majestically through the sky hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.
Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies but this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
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10. Green imperial pigeon
The Green Imperial Pigeon is a majestic bird found in the forests of Nepal, Southern India and Sri Lanka eastwards to southern China, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Measuring at around 37–44 cm long with an average wingspan of 63-71cm, this beautiful creature has deep green plumage on its body along with white patches underneath both wings which make it easily distinguishable from other birds.
In 1760 Mathurin Jacques Brisson described this species as "Le pigeon ramier des Moluques" or "P". It feeds mainly on fruits like those from fig trees but also eats buds, flowers and arthropods when available.
The Green Imperial Pigeon builds nests mostly high up in tree hollows for protection against predators.
These pigeons are pretty shy animals so it's important that we do our best not to disturb them while trying to observe their beauty.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | D. aenea |
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11. Black-winged stilt
The Black-winged Stilt is a wading bird that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It has very long legs, making it well adapted for standing in shallow water while searching for food like small fish and insects.
Its scientific name Himantopus himantopus can be applied either to one cosmopolitan species or the form found across Europe, Asia and Africa which equals its nominate group.
Generally this species is black on top with an all white underside but it also features red eyes with a thin white ring around each one as well as black wings flecked with white feathers towards the tips of their wings.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
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12. Black-crowned night heron
The Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized bird found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North and South America.
It has black crowns on its head with white feathers underneath. Its wings are greyish brown while its underparts are mostly white.
This species can be seen foraging near shallow water or along coastlines during dusk or dawn as it hunts small fish, amphibians and crustaceans.
They also feed on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles which they find in meadows close to freshwater bodies like lakes or ponds where they breed during springtime making nests using twigs lined with reeds and leaves near these waterside habitats.
In Australasia, this species hybridizes with the nankeen night heron that inhabits those areas instead; however both populations remain distinct from each other despite their overlap range regions.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
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13. Eurasian whimbrel
Eurasian Whimbrels are a species of wading bird commonly found in subarctic regions of Europe and Asia.
They have white rumps, long curved bills, brown wings and backs with light streaking on the lower breast.
These birds feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks or worms they find while probing in the mud during low tide.
During breeding season they can be seen nesting near coastal areas or wetlands where food is plentiful.
This species has recently been split from Hudsonian whimbrels but some authorities still consider them to be one species due to their similarities which includes migration patterns as well as habitat preferences.
Eurasian whimbrels are an important part of many ecosystems because they help control insect populations by eating larvae before it can cause damage to crops or vegetation nearby.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
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14. Sunda collared dove
The Sunda collared dove is a beautiful species of bird found in the family Columbidae. It has an attractive gray-brown plumage with white patches on its neck and wings, giving it its "collared" name.
It can be found throughout tropical and subtropical islands from Indonesia to Myanmar. These birds are usually seen alone or in pairs as they feed on fruits, seeds and insects near cultivated areas such as farms, parks or gardens.
They make soft cooing sounds when disturbed but otherwise remain relatively quiet during their day-to-day activities.
The Sunda collared dove is a medium sized bird that grows up to 18 cm in length with a wingspan of 25–30 cm; they have long tails which help them maneuver through narrow passages while flying between trees looking for food sources.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. bitorquata |
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15. Red-footed booby
The Red-footed Booby is a large seabird of the Sulidae family, easily distinguished by its bright red feet. These birds are strong and agile fliers but can be clumsy in takeoffs and landings.
They live mostly in tropical areas and breed colonially on coastal islands all over the world.
The species faces few threats from either nature or humans, however their population has decreased slightly due to disturbances near breeding sites.
Despite this mild decline, they remain an incredibly common sight across many parts of the tropics - so much so that they have become symbolic with island life.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
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16. Wedge-tailed shearwater
The wedge-tailed shearwater is a medium-large seabird found in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is one of several species referred to as muttonbirds, along with the sooty and short-tailed shearwaters.
These birds have long wings that allow them to soar for extended periods over large bodies of water while searching for food such as fish, squid, crustaceans, cephalopods and other marine invertebrates.
During mating season they nest on islands or small sandy beaches where both parents take turns caring for their chicks until they fledge at around two months old.
Wedge-taileds are an important part of many island cultures who traditionally hunt these birds during certain times of year when populations peak due to migration patterns.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. pacifica |
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17. Nankeen night heron
The Nankeen night heron is a beautiful bird with its distinct reddish-brown colour. It can be found in an impressive range of habitats, including forests, meadows, shores and swamps.
Primarily nocturnal by nature, these birds are most active during the dark hours of the day.
Measuring between 55 to 65 cm long they have broad wings which help them soar through the air gracefully at great speeds when hunting for food or migrating across continents.
Their diet primarily consists of small fish and other aquatic creatures that live in lakes or rivers near their homes.
For many people living near water sources like ponds or streams this species has become a familiar sight as it often comes out to feed on insects at dusk.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. caledonicus |
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18. Pied imperial pigeon
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is a stunning bird native to Southeast Asia. It has striking black and white plumage, with the lower half of its body being predominantly white while its head, neck and upper breast are black.
This species can be found in various habitats such as forests, woodlands, mangroves, plantations and scrub across Myanmar, Thailand Indonesia Philippines & New Guinea regions.
They mainly nest on small islands or coastal areas near coral reefs where they feed primarily on fruits like figs but also occasionally insects & crustaceans too.
These birds form large flocks during breeding season which makes them an impressive sight to behold.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | D. bicolor |
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19. Philippine cuckoo-dove
The Philippine cuckoo-dove is a species of bird found in the Philippines and Taiwan. It was first described by French zoologist Charles Lucien Jules Laurent Bonaparte in 1854, and is currently listed as a least concern species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species.
This dove typically has brownish grey plumage with white spots, long tail feathers, and black eyespots on its wings which it uses to startle predators away from nests or young birds.
Its diet consists mainly of fruits such as figs and berries along with some insects that are caught while perched low down amongst trees or bushes.
The Philippine cuckoo-dove tends to form pairs during breeding season but otherwise lives alone or within small groups outside this period.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Macropygia |
| Species | M. tenuirostris |
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20. Columbidae
Columbidae is a bird family that includes both doves and pigeons. These birds are characterized by their stout bodies, short necks, and small slender bills with fleshy ceres in some species.
They feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and plants found all around the world but have the greatest variety in Indomalayan and Australasian regions.
Columbidae have an unmistakable soft cooing sound which makes them one of the most beloved avian families worldwide - especially among city dwellers.
Whether it be feeding time or just hearing their soothing call throughout nature walks; these birds will remain a favourite for many more years to come.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes Latham, 1790 |
| Family | Columbidae Leach, 1820 |
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21. Palawan scops owl
The Palawan scops owl is a unique bird found only in the Philippines on the island of Palawan. It prefers to live in tropical moist lowland forest, making habitat loss a significant threat to its survival.
With dark brown feathers and a white bar behind the shoulder, it has distinctive markings that set it apart. The warmer brown below has black marks, and the wide, shallow V-shape of the owl's features makes it easy to identify.
Despite being considered small, this bird is mighty, both in its striking appearance and its critical importance to the ecosystem of its home. To protect this species, it is crucial to continue efforts to prevent further habitat loss on Palawan island.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. fuliginosus |
22. Plaintive cuckoo
The plaintive cuckoo bird is a small species belonging to the cuckoo family, found across Asia. It measures about 21-24 cm in length and the male has a grey-brown body with orange underneath.
The head, throat and upper breast are grey, and the tail feathers have white spots. This bird has a distinctive call that is often heard in its habitat. They are found in India, Nepal, China and Indonesia.
The plaintive cuckoo prefers forested areas and feeds on insects, which it catches by hopping on branches. It is a fascinating bird to observe in its natural environment.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cacomantis |
| Species | C. merulinus |
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23. Yellow-throated leafbird
The Yellow-throated leafbird is a unique species of bird belonging to the Chloropseidae family. Found exclusively on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, it thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This small bird features broad wings, a long tail, and a distinguishable green body color with a yellow throat. Its vibrant colors make it easily recognizable and beloved by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The Yellow-throated leafbird's natural habitat is increasingly under threat due to deforestation and human activities.
Nevertheless, conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this beautiful bird and its ecosystem.
The Yellow-throated leafbird is a fascinating and magnificent creature with significant ecological value, as it plays a crucial role in the food chain and promotes biodiversity in its natural habitat.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Chloropseidae |
| Genus | Chloropsis |
| Species | C. palawanensis |
24. White-throated bulbul
The White-throated bulbul is a songbird in the bulbul family found in Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
It has a distinctive white throat and was previously classified under the genus Trichophorus, but was later moved to the Alophoixus genus. This bird is found in areas ranging from the eastern Himalayas to Myanmar and western Thailand.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Alophoixus |
| Species | A. flaveolus |
