From Opus

ssp pygmaeus
Photo by James Eaton
Mariano, Samar, Philippines, February 2005

Sterrhoptilus plateni

Identification

10cm. A tiny babbler.

• Mid-brown above
• Greyish-whitish below
• Striking white-streaked dark head, throat and breast

Similar species

Greyer than Mindanao Pygmy Babbler.

Distribution

Endemic to small areas in the Philippines on Samar and Leyte.
Restricted-range species, uncommon in most of its range.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.
It was formerly considered conspecific with Mindanao Pygmy Babbler.
Both species are also placed in Stachyris or in Dasycrotapha.

Habitat

Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Behaviour

Feeds on insects and small fruits.
Forages in middle-storey 3 -6m high up, usually in pairs or small groups and often together with other species.
Breeding probably March to May. No other information.
Resident species.

References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553422

• List of references

External Links