Golden-fronted Leafbird

Overview

The golden-fronted leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons) is a species of leafbird that serves as a common resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, south-western China, south-east Asia, and Sumatra. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adult birds possess a green body with a distinct yellowish-orange forehead and a black face and throat bordered by yellow.
• A blue moustachial line is present, but the species lacks the blue flight feathers and tail sides seen in the blue-winged leafbird.
• Young birds have a plain green head and lack the black markings on the face and throat, while females exhibit slightly duller black on the face and throat.
• Vocalisations include melodic, high-pitched, whistling songs with rising and falling liquid chirps, as well as the imitation of calls from other birds such as the Tailor-bird, Black Drongo, and Common Iora.

Habitat

Typically inhabiting dense forest canopies, deciduous forests, woodlands, and scrublands, the species is also frequently found in wooded gardens and plantations. It is widely distributed in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Diet

This species feeds on insects, spiders, nectar, and berries. It is highly acrobatic, often clinging to twigs upside down in the canopy to glean its food.

Did you know?

The golden-fronted leafbird is an accomplished mimic, capable of imitating the calls of various other bird species, including the Tailor-bird, Black Drongo, and Common Iora.