Zebra Dove

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Zebra Dove
Geopelia striata
bato-bato (Luzon), kurukukok (Negros Occidental)

Probably the most commonly seen dove and one of the favorite of bird-hunters in the country. Called ‘bato-bato’ by the Tagalog speaking population and ‘kurukukok’ by Ilonggos, these small doves are the mildest and meekest of all. You can find and hear their bird calls almost everywhere, especially in the rural areas. Those starting with bird photography will find this species a really good subject. Personally, still one of my fave species!

© Toto Gamboa

Red-keeled Flowerpecker

Red-keeled Flowerpecker
Dicaeum australe

One of the most common of all the Philippine flowerpeckers, the Red-keeled is among the beautiful. From a few meters, one would not notice the red patch on its breast as this bird is very tiny. The bird would also not stay still and would hop from branch to branch until it gets out of sight. It mainly feeds on small fruits and insects.

I had this decent shot of the bird in Villa Escudero, Tiaong, Quezon and all after so many attempts. That is how skittish this bird is.

© Toto Gamboa

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