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plumaPalawan Peacock-pheasant Vinz Pascua © Birds in Focus, Inc.
2 03 04 08 10 12 14 Editor’s note— An Introduction to PLUMA Birds across the regions and how to ID them Birding near the metro— spots for the cityfolk Birdwatching 101: All about the Bins In the Bag: What to pack before the trip Artist Feature: Vinz Pascua Birds in Focus
W a fully illustrated magazine made for any-one who’s ever paused at the sound ofelcome to the very first issue of PLUMA, birdsong or followed the flicker of wings between the trees. I grew up spending school breaks in Subic, Zambales and the marine camp in Ternate, Cavite—two nature reserves full of trees, silence, and birds. Back then, I didn’t have the words or the field guides to name what I was seeing. Inside, you’ll find illustrated features on some of the birds you might encounter across the 18 regions of the Philippines, plus beginner- friendly birding spots near cities for those of us who don’t always have the chance to travel far. I’ve also included tips on basic gear, how to start observing, and how to make the most of trusted field guides like Birds of the Philippines. I started drawing birds more intentionally in 2023, and something just clicked. They stopped being background noise and started becoming stories. I’ve never used a fancy camera or written down a checklist of sightings, but I’ve been sketching them with curiosity and love. Aya Bundang This isn’t a manual for experts. It’s an invitation to pay attention. 3 T h a t ’ s w h a t P L U M A i s r e a l l y a b o u t — Not knowing everything, but noticing more. It’s a s p a c e f o r p e o p l e l i k e m e who are new to birding, but always drawn to it. I hope this issue gives y o u t i m e t o s l o w d o w n a n d s t a r t s e e i n g b i r d s n o t j u s t a s f l a s h e s o f color, but as neighbors w i t h t h e i r o w n l i v e s a n d p e r s o n a l i t i e s .
4 1 4a CAR 2 3 Not and iden Photo ref by Vinz Pascua Photo ref by Ramon Quisumbing Birds in Focus Inc. Photo ref by Vinz Pascua Birds in Focus Inc. Photo ref by Jose Feliciano Jo © ©
5 7 6 table birds across the regions ntifying them with the help of eBIRD.org legend sef. Photo ref by Robert Hutchinson Photo ref by David G. Quimpo HBW© Stop, breathe, watch, and take notes. Hopefully, these colorful feathered friends will spark inspiration within you to come and observe. 5
6 11 13 8 12 Photo ref by Chris Chafer Photo ref by Martin Pineda Photo ref by Alain Pascua Birds in Focus Inc. Photo refby Steve Brookes © APO MYNA Goodfellownia miranda MINDANAO LORIKEET VISAYAN BROADBILL CELESTIAL MONARCH Trichoglossus johnstoniae Hypothymis coelestis Sarcophanops samarensis A fairly large, long-tailed bird from montane forest in localized areas of Mindanao. Plumage mainly glossy black with a white patch on the back. Bill, legs, and large area of bare skin around the eye are yellow. Note the tall wispy crest. Forages in pairs or small groups for insects or fruits, sometimes with other species, including Coleto. Unmistakable. Voice includes slurred metallic warbles and a sharp, falling “tsik!” Also makes audible wing beats in flight. Although Merlin bird ID lacks filipino audio files, you can listen to the Apo Myna calls and songs in their app and learn more about them! An uncommon, medium-sized, rather long-tailed parrot of montane forest on Mindanao. Makes daily altitudinal movements. Deep green above and yellowish-green below with green scaling, a red face, a reddish-orange bill, and a black line through the eye and around the back of the head. Overlaps with Mindanao and Blue-crowned Racquet-tails but is smaller, with a reddish face and bill. Voice consists of shrill, high-pitched shrieks. A medium-sized bird of lowland forest on Bohol, Leyte, and Samar islands. Has a pale blue bill and deeper blue eye wattle, a black face, a streaked crown, a reddish-brown back, a dark wing with a pinkish to white wingbar, a thin white collar with some scaling above, and a reddish rump and tail. Underparts are white in the female and pinkish in the male. Makes short sallies for insects. Can be found in pairs, small groups, or sometimes mixed-species flocks. Unmistakable. Voice includes a plain- tive whistle and a sharp “tyik!” A fairly small, rather long-tailed bird of lowland forest Has turquoise wings and tail, an indigo chest and nec a pale blue crown and crest, and a white belly. The m is brighter blue and has a longer crest than the fema Similar to Black-naped Monarch, but has a crest. Also similar to Short-crested Monarch, but is paler blue w a longer crest. Song is a short series of clear piping notes, ”pii-pii-pii.” Mindanao W Broadbill: Visayan Wa bill: F lyon the islan and neighbor Basilan, Dinag Limited t region, includin and other islan
7 9 NIR 4B Photo ref by Lorenzo Vinaguerra ARMM Photo ref by Vinz Pascua Birds inFocusInc. Photo ref by Loel Lamela Birds in Focus Inc. Photo ref by Con Filey © © e Learn more about all the endemic bird species in the Philippines through books like “Birds of the Philippines” by Desmond Allen, and the eBIRD.org website! Wattled ttled Broad- ound exclusive- d of Mindanao ng islands like at, and Siargao. o theVisayas ng Leyte, Samar, nds. MINDANAO BROADBILL NEGROS BLEEDING-HEART ` SULU HORNBILL Anthracoceros montani PALAWAN HORNBILL Anthracoceros marchei Gallicolumba keayi Sarcophanops samarensis A very rare medium-sized ground dove of foothill forest floor on Negros and Panay. Iridescent greenish-blue on the head and sides to the chest, scaled on the upper back, with brownish flight feathers. White underparts nar- row from the throat down the chest to the belly. Obvious white crescents mark the wing and sides of the chest. Note the red “bleeding heart” in the center of the chest. Unlikely to be mistaken if seen well. The only other dove likely to flush from the ground would be Asian Emerald Dove. Song is a short, accelerating series of low notes. The Negros Bleeding-heart dove is one of five critically endangered `species endemic to the Philippines. A medium-sized bird of lowland and foot- hill forest on Mindanao and neighboring islands, with a pale blue bill and eye wattle, a black face, a streaked crown, a dark back with a white-and-yellow wingbar, a white collar, and a reddish rump and tail. Under- parts are white in the female and pinkish in the male. Makes short sallies from a perched position to catch insects. Can be found in pairs, small groups, or sometimes mixed-species flocks. Unmistakable. Voice includes a plaintive whistle and a metallic “chink,” plus wing noise and bill clicks. A large bird of lowland and montane forest on the Sulu Islands, although probably only remaining on Tawi-Tawi. Feeds particularly on fig trees. One of the rarest birds in the world. Entirely black except for a white tail. Has a long, thick black bill, a black casque, and black bare skin around the eye. Male has pale eyes and female has brown eyes and a smaller casque. Unmistakable. The only hornbill in its range. Voice is a nasal cackling. A large bird of lowland and foothill forest on Palawan and neighbouring islands. Entirely black except for a white tail and a long, thick, pale cream-colored bill and casque. Whitish bare skin around the eyes and across the throat is tinged blue. Female has a smaller bill and casque. Unmistakable. The only hornbill in its range. Voice is a raucous cackling. These are just some of the hornbills you can encounter on your journey to birding! The Philippines is home to 11 endemic species of hornbills. These birds are found only in the Philippine archipelago and nowhere else in the world.
“Destinations: The University of the Philippines Diliman Campus – Choose Your Own Adventure – Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.” “The Many Faces of Subic Bay - Attractions and Activities,” n.d., https://subicgo.com/ birdwatch. Photo ref by Vinz Pascua Alain Pascua Birds in Focus Inc. Birds in Focus Inc. © © Birdin near t RUFOUS-CROWNED BEE-EATER PH Ana Merops americanus SUBIC ZAMBALES UP DILIMAN TheUniversity of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City isone of the most accessible birdwatching sites in Metro Manila. Spanning approximately 500 hectares, the campus hosts a wide range of habitats—from academic build- ings and green open spaces to forest patches and wooded walkways. This diversity has made UP Dili- man a consistent birding destination. One could say that the campus literally offers a breath of fresh air since it is one of the very few areas in Metro Manila where trees abound. In fact, you look at the city from Google Earth, one notice that the campus is the largest and est spot second only to the La Mesa forest if will green- reserve in the northeast. A total of 119 bird species have been recorded here. Birding hotspots include the Academic Oval, Science Complex, UP Lagoon, Beta Way, and the Arboretum—a forested area that houses some of the campus’s most elusive species. No permit is needed unless you’re part of a large group or bringing bulky equipment like long lenses or chartered vehicles. Entry for non-UP vehicles is through University Avenue. There is nobetter proofof the greenness of Subic Bay than its avian spectacle of species and colors. In fact, bird-watching is a highly recommended activity at Subic Bay - whether by the road- side or in a quiet secluded place. Declared in 2009 by the Department of Tourism of the Philippines as one of the country’s 13 bird -watching sites. Submit your request to the Ecology Center via email (ecology@ sbma.com) or fax (+6347 252-4157), or fill out the form in person. Requests are accepted Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, at least one day before your birding schedule. Download and complete the application form. The permit will be issued in person by the SBMA Ecology Center before the activity. First-time birders will receive a briefing on proper birding conduct; returning birders will be reminded of ethical birdwatching guidelines. A medium-sized, long-tailed bee-eater of open areas. Pale green below with deep green wings; pale blue above and below the base of the tail and below the black mask on the face. Tail turquoise, with extended central tail feathers. Similar in shape and size to Blue-tailed Bee-eater, but Ru- fous-crowned has the obvious rufous crown and back and lacks the rufous band across the lower throat. Voice is a double-noted “killit,” repeated regularly. 8
9 ng the Metro eginner-friendly spots for the cityfolk ILIPPINE DUCK as luzonica LA MESA ECOPARK LAS PIÑAS- PARAÑAQUE WET LAND PARK Nestled withinthe La Mesa Watershed,LME is home toover fifty-three (53) bird species, including several Philippine endemics and migratory visitors. From the vibrant Philippine Hanging Parrot to the elusive Ashy Thrush, La Mesa Ecopark offers a rare opportunity to observe some of the country’s most fascinating avian species just minutes away from the city center. Manila Water. “Birdwatching takes flight in La Mesa Ecopark,”May 23, 2025. https://www.manilawater.com/news/manila-water- founda- tion/birdwatching-takes-flight-in-la-mesa-ecopark. Large brown duck with distinctive pale or- ange face, dark crown, and partial dark eye- line. Uses a wide range of lowland freshwa- ter and brackish wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, riverbanks, and mangroves. No similar large ducks regularly occur in its range. Usually in small flocks but may join wintering flocks of wigeons,shovelers, or other dabbling ducks. Nestled within theLa MesaWatershed, LME is hometoover fifty-three (53) bird species, including several Philippine endemics and migratory visitors. From the vibrant Philippine Hanging Parrot to the elusive Ashy Thrush, La Mesa Ecopark offers a rare opportunity to observe some of the country’s most fascinating avian species just minutes away from the city center The Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) is a critical sanc- tuary for migratory birds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. “It is an important area for migratory birds as a feeding and resting site,” said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources– NCR (DENR-NCR), which reports that “over 5,000 birds are observed daily.” The park is home to more than 163 bird species, including endangered ones like the Siberian Sand-Plover (Anarhynchus mon- golus) and Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), as well as the vulnerable Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica). Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and nature trekking within the park, with accredited DENR-NCR tour guides offering informative walks. Despite being open to the public at no cost, entry requires prior clearance due to its status as a protected area. As part of the Ram- sar Convention, LPPWP is committed to conservation and educa- tion, with activities that promote awareness of its rich biodiversity. Gutierrez, “Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park Key Stopover for Migrating Birds.”
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11 at to pack ore heading the wild 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 First Aid Kit - Basic bandages, antiseptic, allergy meds, and any personal essentials. Philippine terrain can be thorny and insect-heavy. 8. Water Jug - Bring at least one liter of water, especially if you’re out longer than an hour. Refillable, durable bottles are ideal. BirdField Guide - A physical bird booklike “Birdsof the Philippines” is highly recom- mended over apps. It doesn’t rely onsignal and helps build your eye for local species A zoom lens camera is ideal for birding, but even a smartphone is perfect for beginners. Plus, it doubles as a navigation tool and for recording sightings on the go.. Extra Batteries and Power Bank - Tropical heat drains tech fast. A power bank and extra camera batteries ensures your phone or camera lasts the entire trip. 7. Insect Repellent - Mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs are common, especially in low- land forests. Protect your skin Outdoor Footwear - Choose boots that are lightweight, breathable, and can handle muddy trails. Break them in before your first birding trip. Weatherproof - Clothing and Accesso- riesQuick-dry shirts, a waterproof jacket, and a hat go a long way. A poncho can be a life- saver when the rain comes out of nowhere.
12 by Maia Tanedo ALL ABOUT Birdwatch PH THE BINS Birdwatching 101 WHAT ARE BINOCULARS? Binoculars are optical instruments used to magnify the view of distant objects. They are actually two telescopes mounted on a single frame. Binocs have a myriad of uses from the opera to the military, hunting and birdwatch- ing, astronomy and sightseeing. Whatever the purpose, binoculars allow us to get great views of the subjects we are viewing. For birders, a good pair of binoculars is a long- term investment that will enrich the hobby (or should I say passion` obsession?) that is bird- watching. G E A R
13 There are basically two kinds of binoculars which can easily be told apart because of the structure: Porro prism and roof prism. The first kind is the older design which is the Porro prism binoculars, named after its inventor Italian optician Ignazio Porro who patented his design way back in 1854. This design features a Z-shaped configuration that bounces images in a zig-zag pattern. Binoculars come with a 2-number specification such as 7×20 or 10×42. Let’s dissect those two numbers to know what they actually mean. Magnification – The first number in the specs per- tain to the magnification. Magnification is the number of times the object is magnified through the lens. So, for “7×20” bins, the image is magnified 7 times and for “10×42” bins, the image is magnified 10 times. Depending on the purpose, the recommended mag- nification varies but since we are talking birding here, the recommended magnification is between 7x to 10x magnification. If you are feeling needy and demand higher than 10x magnification, the recommendation is to go for a scope, since the higher the magnification, the more noticeable the hand shake. Objective Lens Size – The second number in the specifications refer to the size or diameter of the objective lens of the binoculars in millimeters (mm.) The objective lens is the lens closest to what you are looking at and is responsible for the amount of light entering the bins. The bigger the number means a bigger objective lens which means more light which gives the viewer a brighter image. So, 10×42 (or 42mm) bins will have a much brighter image than a 8×30 (30mm) pair. This number also reflects the ac- tual size of the lens and correspondingly the binocu- lars: 30mm is smaller than 42mm. The recommended objective lens for birding is somewhere between 30mm to 42mm. Anything lower is considered com- pact binoculars while anything higher, such as 50mm bins, are usually too heavy and bulky for birding. Weight – Usually, the bigger the objective lens size, the heavier the binoculars. This is because of the larger glass involved. You may get a brighter im- age with a larger objective lens but will have to lug around a heavy pair of bins, and weight is another big consideration when choosing a pair of bins since you may have to trek or remain standing for long periods of time. So find a pair that suits your optics requirements and at the same time will be comfort- able enough for you to carry for prolonged periods of time. Weatherproof-ness – As birders, we usually find ourselves in micro-climatic conditions and it is important that we and the gear we are using are weather proof. It is recommended that the binoculars we use are waterproof and even fog proof (usually stated as nitrogen filled.) Eye Relief – I’ve only just encountered this term while doing research on this article and, given my proneness to vertigo and dizziness, found it quite important to understand. Eye relief is the distance between the viewer’s eye and the optics being used. When using binoculars, this is the distance between your eyes and the eyecups. This is the concept be- hind twisting the eyecups down for people who use eyeglasses and twisting them up for those who don’t. It is actually an adjustment of the eye relief and this determines whether you get a full view through your bins or get an obstructed view with those pesky black shadows covering part of your view. Knowing this concept will enable you to properly adjust the eye cups and also how you hold your binocs against your eyes. Price – Of course, one of the major considerations when buying a pair of binoculars is the price. I have my own pair of “dream binoculars” which has a hefty price tag of USD2,000! Since I do not have the luxury (yet!) of purchasing those dream bins, I opted to go for my current pair of Minox 8x42s which I am very happy with and cost me approximately USD300. Just work within your budget with the specs you are look- ing for, but remember that binoculars ARE a long- term investment for any birder and you might as well shell out some hard-earned money for your optics. Other Features – I’ve enumerated the basic features that I personally find important to know regarding binoculars. But there are more features you can consider such as housing styles and housing material, field of view, focusing distance, lens coat- ings, and more. Here are some links to articles you can refer to for more information:able enough for you to carry for prolonged periods of time. KINDS OF BINOCULARS SPECIFICATIONS OTHER CONSIDERATIONS h t t p s : / / b i r d w a t c h . p h / 2 0 1 9 / 0 8 / 3 1 / b i r d w a t c h i n g - 1 0 1 - a l l - a b o u t - t h e - b i n s
14 by Aya Bundang PLUMA Vinz Pascua is one of the youngest bird photographers making a name for himself in the Philippine birding birding hotspots and the same town I call home, he captures moments most of us would miss—a bee-eater mid-hover, or a green racket-tail resting calmly on a branch. His work blends field knowledge with creative instinct. Every photo is more than just a record—it’s a quiet study of behavior, color, and movement. Vinz’s style balances documentation and storytelling, offering viewers a rare chance to see birds not just as species, but as individuals with presence and rhythm. His favorite bird species include the Palawan peacock-pheasant and the Philippine eagle—two icons that inspire his passion for conservation and art. Several of the illustrations in this issue were directly referenced from his photographs, including the green racket-tail, northern rufous hornbill, North Philippine dwarf kingfisher, Negros bleed- ing-heart, rufous-crowned bee-eater, and most importantly, the cover star—the Palawan peacock-pheasant. ARTIST FEATUR
In March 2025, his work was featured at the Quantum Skyview LED ceiling in Gateway Mall 2. The exhibit, Quantum Wildlife: The Flight of Haring Ibon, showcased his photos and videos in motion, creating an immersive space where urban visitors could look up and be surrounded by birds in flight. Outside of photography, Vinz is also active in design and conservation events, helping to bring more visibility to the world of Philippine birding. E “You don’t need to travel far or have expensive gear. Some of my favorite shots were taken just walking around the neighborhood. The trick is to slow down, listen, and let the birds come to you.” Portfolio: vinzpascua.com ntact: vcppascua@gmail.com —Vinz Pascua Instagram: @vinzpascua ”15
Did you know one of the Philippines’most iconic folk dances is actuallyinspired by a bird? Tinikling, which originated in the Visayas during the Spanish colonial era, is named after the tikling—a type of rail bird known for its quick, nimble movements. Farmers once considered this bird a pest in rice fields, as it skillfully dodged bamboo traps meant to keep it away from the crops.The dance mimics the bird’s agility: two people rhythmically clap long bamboo poles together, while danc- ers skip and leap between them barefoot—just like a tikling weaving through danger. Tinikling is not just acultural gem; to the grace of one of our native birds.it’s also a tributeand cunningPhoto ref by David Irvingpluma