Leafbirds

Leafbirds are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the family Chloropseidae, with most species placed in the genus Chloropsis. They are native to tropical Asia, ranging from the Indian subcontinent across Southeast Asia to southern China and the Indonesian archipelago. Leafbirds typically inhabit forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens, where their green plumage provides effective camouflage among foliage.

Most leafbirds are predominantly green or olive, often with yellow or bluish highlights on the throat, crown, or wings. They are generally compact birds with a relatively short bill suited to gleaning insects and picking fruit. Across species, there is little pronounced sexual dimorphism, and males and females usually look alike or differ only subtly.

Ecology and behavior: Leafbirds feed primarily on a mixture of insects, fruit, and berries. They tend to forage in the mid- to upper levels of trees, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups and can be vocal, with a range of calls and songs.

Breeding: Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in a fork of a tree or dense shrub. Clutches commonly contain 2–4 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the chicks, though breeding biology can vary among species.

Status and conservation: Many leafbird species are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting broad ranges and relatively stable populations. However, habitat loss and fragmentation in parts of Asia threaten those with restricted ranges, highlighting the importance of forest conservation and habitat protection.