About
The Mindoro Bleeding-heart was once widespread and common, now a much smaller population remains.
Since 1980, the species has been confirmed in only four small areas of remaining primary forest. Bleeding-hearts are so-called because of a vivid red or orange patch of plumage on the breast of the bird that resembles a puncture wound. This species is part of the Columbidae family of birds, which diverged from all other bird families 32.7 million years ago during the Paleogene period. Within this family, the genus Gallicolumba diverged within this family 28.7 million years ago. Rapid and extensive deforestation has wiped out most of its preferred habitat, with only 120km² remaining on Mindoro, and all primary forest below 900m may be lost in the next few years. Dynamite-blasting for marble is a threat to this forest, alongside slash and burn practices for land conversion for agriculture. The four sites where this species were found are now where conservation efforts are now focused. The largest of these sites is Mount Siburan, which has been designated as an Important Bird Area. Monitoring stations and a team of local people and government representatives have been established to protect the area. Reports confirm that hunting and trapping at Mount Siburan has dramatically decreased, due to the presence of the team.
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Population: 70-400
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: 30cm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is endemic to the island of Mindoro, in the Philippines.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is a forest dweller that prefers dry, closed-canopy, primary lowland forest, but has been found in degraded secondary woodland. Bleeding hearts tend to be shy and only fly into the trees to seek cover, roost or breed. Fig fruits are part of the bird’s diet and they breed from February to May.
