One of the highlights of our March–April 2025 birding trip in the Philippines was encountering our lifer — the Rufous-lored Kingfisher. This stunning forest kingfisher greeted us with powerful, melodious calls that echoed through the botanical garden near Bislig City. Unlike some forest species found only in deep jungle, this one was surprisingly approachable, allowing multiple good views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Species Overview — Rufous-lored Kingfisher
The Rufous-lored Kingfisher is one of several forest kingfishers endemic to the Philippines. Its striking features include:
- A chestnut-colored lores (the area between the eye and bill)
- Vivid blue plumage across much of the body
- A rich, resonant call that carries loudly through the forest understory
Firstly, I planned it watch in Smatra in Indonesia. Bislig is easy and no need guide.
This unique kingfisher is not always easy to find; it tends to stay within shaded forest habitats. Yet on this trip, we were lucky to hear it first — its call acting like a beacon — and then locate it visually.
Observation Details
• Date: Mar 2025
• Approx. Location: Botanical garden near Bislig City, Mindanao It is open, no need pay the entrance fee. I do not know the name due to guide bringing me. But, injured hornbill is landmark at the entrance. I ^
• Habitat: Forest edge / shaded garden trails
• Behavior:
We first heard the species by its powerful song — loud and unmistakable. Although the light was challenging (backlit), the bird stayed in roughly the same area long enough to shift position and capture decent photographs. At first cautious, the bird seemed to grow more tolerant of our presence and continued vocalizing for several minutes.
Field Notes – Photography & Behavior
- Lighting: Backlighting made exposure tricky, but frequent movement between perches offered chances from different angles.
- Behavior: Despite initial wariness, the kingfisher remained visible long enough for detailed observation.
- Sound: The loud, clear vocalizations were the key to relocating the bird.
This combination of sound and sight made the encounter especially rewarding.
Why This Encounter Was Special
We had previously visited similar habitats without any sign of this kingfisher, so finally seeing and hearing it on this trip felt like a significant milestone for our birding journey. Even within a semi-managed garden area, the kingfisher’s presence was a vivid reminder of how unique and vocal these forest birds can be.
Conservation Note
Like many forest-dependent species in the Philippines, the Rufous-lored Kingfisher faces habitat pressure from deforestation and land use change. In areas like PICOP and beyond, illegal logging and forest fragmentation remain real threats. We hope that future visits will find this beautiful species still thriving and singing loudly.
Tips for Birders Visiting the Philippines
Most important, visiting timing. In 2022, never encounter the kingfisher.. Mar, easily can watch.
- Listen first: For this species, vocalizations are often your best initial clue.
- Be patient with lighting: Forest edge and canopy shade can strain exposure settings; move around for better angles.
- Approach calmly: Initial caution from the bird may give way to tolerance if you maintain a respectful distance.
Closing Thoughts
Encounters like this — where the bird sings as if performing just for you — are what make birding truly special. The Rufous-lored Kingfisher’s rich voice and stunning coloration will stay vivid in our memories from this trip.