Ilocos Norte is home to a wide variety of native and migratory birds. From the colorful parrots and eagles to the tiny wrens and sparrows, the skies of Ilocos Norte host a beautiful array of birds.
The province is home to several species of birds that are classified as threatened or endangered, such as the Philippine Duck, Philippine Scops Owl, Philippine Hornbill and several species of raptors.
Other birds of note in Ilocos Norte include the Philippine Trogon, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Philippine Hawk Eagle, and Northern Luzon Hornbill.
The province is also an important wintering area for a variety of migratory species, such as the Chinese Goshawk, Japanese Sparrowhawk, and Grey-streaked Flycatcher.
1. Philippine Duck
The Philippine duck is a large species of duck that belongs to the genus Anas. It is native to the Philippines, where it is known as the papan. This species of duck is a dabbling duck, meaning it typically feeds in shallow water by tipping its head and body underwater.
The Philippine duck is an omnivore, meaning it feeds on a variety of food sources. It primarily eats shrimp, fish, insects, and vegetation. It is an adaptable species, and it can be found in a variety of wetland habitats. This includes shallow marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
It is also known to frequent rice paddies. The Philippine duck is one of the most commonly found ducks in the Philippines. It is an important part of the diverse avian fauna of the region, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem of the wetlands it inhabits.
It is an important food source for other species, and its feathers are sometimes used to make traditional clothing.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. luzonica |
2. Black-Chinned Fruit Dove
Source: ebird.org
The black-chinned fruit dove is a unique bird of the Columbidae family. It is also known by two other names, the black-throated fruit dove and Leclancher’s dove.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 25 and 30 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 38 to 44 centimeters. The upper parts of the bird are a rich, dark olive-brown color, while the lower parts are a lighter shade of olive-brown.
The chin and throat of the bird are black, from which it gets its name. Its tail is long and pointed, and its bill is black. The black-chinned fruit dove is found in various parts of the world, including South and Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
It prefers humid forest habitats and feeds mainly on ripe fruits and small insects. It usually forages on the ground or in low trees and spends most of its time in pairs or small groups.
The female builds the nest, which is a simple platform of twigs, leaves, and bark, usually located in the fork of a tree. The black-chinned fruit dove is a colorful and attractive bird that is popular with birdwatchers.
It is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List and is considered to be widespread and common in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Species | P. leclancheri |
3. Pink-Bellied Imperial Pigeon
The pink-bellied imperial pigeon, scientifically known as Ducula poliocephala, is an impressive-looking bird found in the Philippines. It is a large fruit-eating bird, reaching an impressive size of up to 42cm long.
It is also known by the common name ‘zone-tailed pigeon’, and is considered a very attractive bird due to its distinct plumage. The upperparts of the bird are brown, while the belly and rump are a bright, rosy pink.
The tail is particularly long and is greyish-black in colour, with a white band in the middle. This white band is what gives the bird its alternate name of the ‘zone-tailed pigeon’.
The head is also greyish-black, with a white patch around the eyes, and there are small red eyespots on the nape. Pink-bellied imperial pigeons are found mainly in the forests of the Philippines and feed mainly on fruits.
They are typically found in small flocks, rather than solitary, but also spend time alone in trees. They are usually active during the day, perching in the canopy of trees and searching for food.
During the breeding season, they are known to perform a distinctive courtship display involving swooping and gliding in circles around the nesting area.
The pink-bellied imperial pigeon is considered to be a species of least concern, although it is facing some threats, particularly from habitat loss and hunting.
It is important to ensure that these birds are properly protected and conserved in order to maintain the diversity of the Philippines’ natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | D. poliocephala |
4. Spotted Imperial Pigeon
Source: ebird.org
The spotted imperial pigeon is a species of bird found exclusively in the Philippines. It inhabits forests and forest edges, but it is also known to travel to limestone shorelines, presumably in order to feed.
Unfortunately, the species is considered to be vulnerable due to the threat of habitat loss and hunting. Habitat loss is caused by human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, which reduce the amount of suitable habitat available to the species.
Hunting is also a major threat to the spotted imperial pigeon, as humans hunt them for food and other resources. It is important to take steps to protect this species from further harm, in order to ensure its survival in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | D. carola |
5. White-Eared Brown Dove
The white-eared brown dove is a species of bird that can be found in the Columbidae family of birds. This species is endemic to the Philippines, which means that it is only found naturally in this region and nowhere else in the world.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a distinctive white patch behind each eye, which gives it its name. The wings of the dove are brown and grey in color, and its tail is a dark brown.
They are fairly common in the Philippines and can be found in a variety of habitats, from open grasslands to forests. The white-eared brown dove feeds mainly on seeds but also takes advantage of fruits and other insects.
It is often seen perched on trees or perched on the ground, searching for food. It is known to have a loud call, which is often heard in the mornings and evenings.
This species is also known to form large flocks when foraging for food, and these flocks can sometimes even contain other species of birds. Overall, the white-eared brown dove is an important species of bird in the Philippines.
It is a common species that can be seen in many different habitats across the region. This species plays an important role in the local ecosystem by providing an important food source for other species, as well as helping to disperse seeds and other plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Phapitreron |
| Species | P. leucotis |
6. Metallic Pigeon
The metallic pigeon, otherwise known as the white-throated pigeon, is a bird that belongs to the family Columbidae. It has a medium size, reaching a length of up to 37 centimeters.
As the name suggests, the metallic pigeon has a unique and stunning metallic plumage that is most visible during flight. It has a white throat and dark back that contrast sharply with its bright chest and head.
The metallic pigeon is found in tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas across the range of Central and South America. It is easily identified by its loud, ringing call that can be heard echoing through the forests.
The metallic pigeon is an important species in the ecosystems it inhabits, as it is a key seed disperser and pollinator. It is also a popular and sought-after game bird and is hunted for food in some areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. vitiensis |
7. Little Grebe
The little grebe, commonly known as dabchick, is a species of water bird belonging to the grebe family. Its scientific name is derived from the Ancient Greek language, with ‘takhus’ meaning ‘fast’ and ‘bapto’ meaning ‘to sink under’.
This is due to the bird’s ability to quickly submerge itself underwater to hunt for food. The species’ specific name, ‘ruficollis’, is derived from the Latin words ‘rufus’ meaning ‘red’ and ‘collis’ meaning ‘necked’.
This refers to the reddish-brown patch of feathers that can be found around the bird’s neck. In Latin, ‘collum’ translates to ‘neck’. The little grebe is a fascinating species that has evolved to perfectly adapt to its aquatic environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
8. Spotted Dove
The spotted dove is a species of pigeon that is widespread across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a small bird with a long tail and is a common sight in its native range.
In addition, the spotted dove has been introduced to many other parts of the world and has even established feral populations in some of these areas. This species is typically found in open woodlands, cultivated areas and gardens, and is often seen in pairs or small flocks.
Its diet consists mainly of grains, seeds and fruits. Despite its wide distribution and abundance, this species is not considered to be threatened and is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
9. Blue-Breasted Quail
The King Quail is a small bird native to the Old World and found in the family Phasianidae. It is a very popular species for both captivity and hunting. It has several common names, including Blue-breasted Quail, Asian Blue Quail, Chinese Painted Quail, and Chung-Chi.
The King Quail has a distinctive grey-brown body covered in black and white speckles, a white belly, and a bright blue breast patch. They are small birds, measuring between 8 and 11 inches in length.
They are usually found in pairs or small flocks and are often seen foraging for food on the ground. They are primarily ground-dwellers, preferring to live in open fields, grasslands, and shrubby areas. They feed mainly on seeds, insects, and plant material.
The King Quail is a popular cage bird and is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures. They are also popular in aviculture, where they can be seen in various color mutations.
They are an important game bird and are hunted for food in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. chinensis |
10. Philippine Swiftlet
Source: ebird.org
The Philippine Swiftlet is a small species of bird in the Apodidae family, which is commonly known as the swift family. It is only found in the Philippines, meaning that it is endemic to the country. This means that it lives in no other place in the world.
It is a small bird, usually between 4 and 5 inches in length, with grey feathers and a small black beak. The Philippine Swiftlet typically inhabits three types of forests: subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
These forests provide the swiftlet with an ideal habitat, as they have an abundance of insects to feed on as well as plenty of places to hide from predators. These forests also have plenty of vegetation, which the swiftlets use to build their nests.
The swiftlets also use vegetation to protect themselves and their young from the elements. The Philippine Swiftlet plays an important role in its ecosystem. It helps to control the insect population, which in turn helps to keep the forest healthy.
It also feeds on fruit and nectar from flowering plants, which helps to spread the seeds of these plants and encourage new growth.
The swiftlet is also an important food source for other animals in the forest, such as owls, hawks, and eagles. Overall, the Philippine Swiftlet is an important species in the Philippines.
Its presence helps to maintain the balance of the forest ecosystems and keep the environment healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | A. mearnsi |
11. Pygmy Swiftlet
The pygmy swiftlet is a species of swift that belongs to the family Apodidae. It is a bird that can only be found in the Philippines. This species of swift lives in subtropical or tropical lowland forests, where the climate is moist and humid.
It is the smallest swift in the world, measuring only 9 cm in length and weighing only 5 grams. This makes it a very delicate species of bird which requires specific environmental conditions to survive.
Despite its small size, the pygmy swiftlet is an important species in its natural habitat, due to its role in keeping the balance of the ecosystem intact. It is also an important part of the Philippines’ biodiversity, making it an essential species to protect.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Collocalia |
| Species | C. troglodytes |
12. Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo
Source: ebird.org
The Philippine hawk-cuckoo is a species of bird that is found only in the Philippines and is part of the cuckoo family. It was formally classified as a subspecies of Hodgson’s hawk-cuckoo, but due to its distinct vocalizations, it is now commonly treated as a separate species.
This bird is characterized by its long tail and brownish-grey upperparts with white-barred blackish wings. Its underparts are white and the head has a black crown and nape. The Philippine hawk-cuckoo is usually seen in pairs or small flocks, often perched at the top of trees.
They primarily feed on insects and fruits, foraging in open woodland, scrub, and cultivation. They are also known to make their nests in thick vegetation or in abandoned buildings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Hierococcyx |
| Species | H. pectoralis |
13. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a small diving duck that inhabits northern Eurasia. It is estimated that the population of tufted ducks is close to one million. The scientific name for this species is derived from two sources, Ancient Greek and Latin.
In Ancient Greek, the word “aithuia” was used to describe an unidentified seabird. This word was used by writers such as Hesychius and Aristotle. The Latin word “fuligo” means “soot” while “gula” means “throat”.
The combination of these two words is used to refer to the distinctive black-and-white throat pattern that is characteristic of this species.
The tufted duck is a common sight in its natural range and is also popular among duck enthusiasts due to its attractive coloring and patterning.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
14. Chestnut-Winged Cuckoo
The chestnut-winged cuckoo is an impressive bird that is found in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. It has a large, black head with a long crest, giving it a majestic appearance. The wings are chestnut-colored, adding a brilliant splash of color to the bird’s overall look.
The tail is long and glossy black, and the underside of the bird is dusky. The chestnut-winged cuckoo also has a white nuchal half-collar, which is a narrow white band around the neck. This bird’s distinct features make it a beautiful sight to behold in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. coromandus |
15. Plaintive Cuckoo
The cuckoo is a species of bird that can be found in many parts of Asia. It is part of the Cuculidae family, within the genus Cacomantis. It is native to a wide area, stretching from India, Nepal and China to Indonesia.
The cuckoo is known for its plaintive call, which is a short, repetitive sound that is often heard in the morning. It is a familiar sound to many people in the countries where it can be found.
The bird is small to medium size, with a long tail, and is usually found in open woods, grasslands, and farmland. The cuckoo has a number of interesting behaviors.
One of them is the so-called “brood parasitism”, where the female will lay her eggs in the nest of another bird, leaving the other bird to tend to them. This behavior is actually quite common in many bird species, but the cuckoo is especially well-known for it.
Despite its somewhat sad call, the cuckoo is actually a quite beautiful bird. Its feathers are usually a mix of gray and brown, and it has a black eye stripe that stands out against its white face.
It is an iconic species in the countries where it can be found, and many people recognize it when they hear its call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cacomantis |
| Species | C. merulinus |
16. White-Breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is a waterbird that belongs to the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. It is found throughout South and Southeast Asia and is easily identifiable by its dark slaty plumage and starkly contrasting white face, breast, and belly.
This bird usually lives near wetlands, swamps, and marshes, where it can be seen foraging for food in shallow waters. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, as well as some plant matter.
During the breeding season, the male will produce a loud, repetitive call to attract a mate. The white-breasted waterhen is a relatively common bird and is not considered to be threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
17. Philippine Green Pigeon
Source: ebird.org
The Philippine green pigeon (Treron axillaris) is a species of pigeon belonging to the genus Treron. It is endemic to the Philippines, where it is found in the forests of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. This species has a bright green plumage and a yellow beak.
It feeds on fruits and berries and uses its beak to hold and break them. The species is part of the pompadour green pigeon complex, which is a group of species of green pigeons found in the Philippines and parts of Southeast Asia.
However, some authorities consider the Philippine green pigeon to be a distinct species, separate from the other species in the complex. This is due to differences in size, plumage coloration, and habitat preference.
The Philippine green pigeon is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, due to its small population size and the threat of habitat loss. Its population is estimated to be declining, and conservation efforts are needed to protect it from becoming extinct.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. axillaris |
18. Ruddy-Breasted Crake
The ruddy-breasted crake, also known as the ruddy crake, is a species of waterbird that belongs to the Rallidae family. It is a widespread species, and its range extends from the Indian subcontinent to South China, Japan, and Indonesia.
During the breeding season, it can be found in swampy, wet areas, as this is the ideal environment for its survival. The species has a distinct ruddy-colored chest and neck, which is one of the main features that separate it from other waterbirds in the same family.
Its plumage is also quite distinctive, and comprises a brownish-gray color on the back and wings, with a white belly. It has a long, slender bill that is curved downwards, and long legs that allow it to move quickly through water.
The diet of the ruddy-breasted crake consists mainly of aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans. It is an active forager and is often seen running along the water’s edge in search of food. It also feeds on plant material, such as seeds and fruits.
The species is solitary in nature, but can sometimes be seen in pairs or small groups. The ruddy-breasted crake is a vocal species, and its call is a loud, metallic “kik-kik-kik”.
Breeding takes place during the wet season, and the female lays her eggs in a shallow nest on the ground. The young are able to fly within a few weeks of hatching. Overall, the ruddy-breasted crake is a fascinating species that is adapted to its wetland habitat.
Its striking plumage and unique call make it an interesting bird to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Zapornia |
| Species | Z. fusca |
19. White-Browed Crake
The white-browed crake is an interesting species of bird that is found in many different countries throughout the world. It is part of the family Rallidae, which includes other species of crakes, coots, and gallinules.
The white-browed crake is found throughout Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, India, Malaysia, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Vanuatu.
In each of these countries, the white-browed crake can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The white-browed crake is a medium-sized bird that usually measures between 11 and 13 inches in length.
It has a distinctive white brow, which gives it its name. The head and neck are usually a grayish-brown color, while the back and wings are a darker brown with a reddish hue. The underside is usually a cream or white color with dark brown spots.
The bill is yellowish in color and its legs and feet are a bright yellow. The white-browed crake is an omnivorous bird that feeds on a wide range of food items, including insects, seeds, fruits, and small fish.
They often forage in shallow water, and will sometimes dive below the surface to find food. They are also known to feed on carrion and waste. The white-browed crake is a solitary bird, usually found in pairs or small groups.
They will usually build their nests in dense vegetation, near water sources. The nests are usually made of grass and twigs, and the female will lay 2-4 eggs. The chicks will fledge after about 3-4 weeks and will become independent after about 8 weeks.
The white-browed crake is an interesting species of bird that is found in many different parts of the world. It is a solitary bird that feeds on a wide range of food items and is most often found near water sources.
The white-browed crake is an important part of the local ecology, and its presence helps to maintain a healthy balance of wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Poliolimnas |
| Species | P. cinereus |
20. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a type of wading bird in the avocet and stilt family. It is widely distributed and is characterized by its very long legs. Its scientific name is H. himantopus, and it is sometimes referred to as a single, almost cosmopolitan species.
This means that it is found in many different places around the world, although its range may vary slightly from region to region. The black-winged stilt is typically a white bird with black wings, a long, thin, black bill, and long pink legs.
It mainly feeds on aquatic insects and small fish and can be found in a variety of wetland habitats such as mudflats, shallow lagoons, and marshes. It is also known to inhabit coastal areas, such as estuaries and lagoons, and can even be found in cities and suburban parks.
The black-winged stilt often nests in colonies on the ground, and is known for its elaborate courtship displays, which involve the male and female birds circling each other and engaging in a series of aerial acrobatics.
The female typically lays three to four eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, which are incubated for approximately three weeks before hatching. In conclusion, the black-winged stilt is a common and widely distributed avian species, with the scientific name of H. himantopus.
Its long legs and distinctive black wings make it easily recognizable, and its varied habitats and elaborate courtship displays make it a fascinating bird to observe in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
21. Pheasant-Tailed Jacana
The pheasant-tailed jacana is a type of wading bird that belongs to the genus Hydrophasianus. It is the only species within this genus, making it a monotypic group.
This bird is characterized by its long and slender toes and nails, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes. This makes them well-adapted to their preferred habitat, which is found near bodies of water.
The jacana’s long toes provide them with an advantage when it comes to foraging for food. The toes enable the bird to spread its weight evenly over the surface of the floating vegetation, which allows it to walk on the water without sinking.
This allows the jacana to feed on the aquatic insects, larvae, and plant matter that are found in and around the water. The pheasant-tailed jacana is a unique species of bird and is one of the few that is able to utilize floating vegetation in order to survive.
Its elongated toes and nails make it an excellent swimmer and help it to remain buoyant while foraging and avoiding predators. The jacana’s unique adaptation to this habitat helps it to thrive in its preferred environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Hydrophasianus |
| Species | H. chirurgus |
22. Spot-Billed Pelican
The spot-billed pelican, also known as the gray pelican, is a species of pelican that is native to several countries in the southern part of Asia. It is found from southern Iran, across India, and east to Indonesia.
This species of pelican prefers large inland and coastal bodies of water, such as large lakes. They typically nest in colonies and can be seen in pairs or small groups when they are not breeding. Spot-billed pelicans are large birds with a wingspan of up to 6 feet.
They have an unmistakable white body, a grayish-brown head, and a black and yellow bill. Their heads are bare, with a yellowish-orange patch on the forehead and a gray patch on the nape. The legs and feet are yellow-orange.
The diet of spot-billed pelicans consists mainly of fish, but they also feed on crustaceans, amphibians, and other aquatic animals. They are known to “fish cooperatively”, meaning they form groups and use a variety of techniques to herd their prey.
The spot-billed pelican is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting. The destruction of wetlands, pollution of water sources, and overfishing have all contributed to the decline in their population.
Conservation efforts are ongoing in order to protect this species and their habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. philippensis |
23. Cattle Egret
The cattle egret is a species of heron that can be found in many different parts of the world. It is a cosmopolitan species, meaning that it is found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones.
It is the only bird in the monotypic genus Bubulcus, which is a designation for a genus with only one species. However, some authorities believe that the cattle egret should be split into two separate species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret.
This is based on differences in physical and geographical characteristics between the two subspecies. The western cattle egret is larger and lighter in color than the eastern subspecies and its range also extends farther west.
The eastern cattle egret has darker feathers and is found mainly in eastern Asia and Australasia. In addition, the eastern cattle egret is more likely to be found in open grasslands, whereas the western subspecies is more likely to be found in wetlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus |
| Species | B. ibis |
24. Red-Footed Booby
The red-footed booby is a large seabird that belongs to the booby family, Sulidae. This species is easily recognized by its bright red feet, while its plumage color can vary depending on the individual.
Red-footed boobies are incredibly agile in the air, but they are not the most graceful when it comes to takeoffs and landings. They are widely distributed in tropical areas and are known to form large colonies in coastal areas, especially on islands.
They are strong and powerful fliers and usually travel in large groups. Red-footed boobies are excellent swimmers, and they can dive deeply into the water in search of food. They primarily feed on small fish and squid, which they catch by diving into the water.
They have an impressive ability to conserve energy while flying, enabling them to travel long distances without needing to rest. Red-footed boobies are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and they play an important role in the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
Conclusion
Ilocos Norte is home to a wide variety of birds, including both resident and migratory species. The region is an important stopover for migratory species as well as being an important nesting and roosting site for many species.
The variety of habitats, from lowland coastal areas to upland forests, provides a home for multiple species of birds. With the protection and conservation of the region’s bird species, Ilocos Norte can continue to be a great place to view and study birds.
