During my birding trip in March 2025, I finally managed to photograph the Short-crested Monarch (Hypothymis helenae)—a species I had been hoping to see for a long time. Thanks to guidance from Zardo, the local PICOP guide, I encountered this beautiful monarch along one of the narrow side trails deep inside the forest.
Observation Details
• Date: March 2025 This is my 2nd trip in PICOP
• Time: Around 10:00 AM
• Location: PICOP, Bislig, Mindanao – forest side trail guided by Zardo
• Habitat: Shaded secondary forest with dense understory
We were walking through a narrow forest side trail when Zardo suddenly signaled. The monarch appeared quietly on a low to mid-level perch, staying visible for a short but rewarding moment. Although the light was dim under the forest canopy, I was able to capture several photographs before the bird moved deeper into the vegetation.
Photography Notes
This is the male. The look around its eyes is quite different from the female’s. It has a darker hue that serves as an accent color. True to its name, Fuji-iro (Purple), it has a lovely coloration. Looking at it this way, even its beak is a beautiful blue. It was so quick that photo opportunities were truly limited, but I’m so glad I managed to get this shot~!!
This is the female. She was flying around the forest in a pair.
Why This Species Is Special
The Short-crested Monarch is considered a desirable target for birders visiting Mindanao because:
- It is localised and often requires knowledge of specific microhabitats
- It tends to stay inside shaded forest trails
- Encounters can be brief, making good photos difficult
- Its subtle coloration and delicate crest make it a visually striking species when seen well
Being able to observe it clearly—with the help of an experienced guide—made this sighting particularly memorable.
Practical Information for Birders
• Site: PICOP, Bislig, Mindanao
• Guide: local knowledge is essential (I used Zardo as well as 2022)
The guide simply uses a speaker to call the birds.
• Difficulty: Moderate to high – species prefers shaded forest trails
• Best light: Late morning may offer slightly brighter conditions depending on canopy density
PICOP remains one of the best places to search for this species, but locating it generally requires a guide familiar with the bird’s preferred microhabitats.
Honest opinion
Honestly, PICOP has many drawbacks: it’s a five-hour drive from the nearest airport, and the hotels/restaurants around the birding area are more limited than in other regions. However, I managed to book a relatively clean hotel and secure a guide during the peak season in March, so I decided to go.
Comparison 2022, this trip was quite better. Main reason is visited month of Mar.