Genus Erythrura Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Estrildidae Scientific name Erythrura viridifacies Higher classification Parrotfinch Order Passerine | |
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Similar Parrotfinch, Tawny‑breasted parrotfinch, Papuan parrotfinch, Red‑eared parrotfinch, Bird | ||
The green-faced parrotfinch (Erythrura viridifacies) is a species of estrildid finch found in northern Philippines, around Luzon, Negros and Panay. Its local name is mayang-kawayan in Tagalog.
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Identification
The green-faced parrotfinch is approximately 12–13 cm long. This species green plumage except for its bright red uppertail-coverts and tail and darker fringes to the primaries. It has a long pointed tail. The female is slightly shorter and shows buff on the lower belly and vent. Both sexes have a large, dark bill. The green-faced parrotfinch makes a short, high-pitched tsit tsit, chattering and grating notes.
Habitats
It inhabits tropical moist forest (including degraded areas), forest edge and even savannah, often above 1,000 m, but is occasionally found in the lowlands. It is usually found together with flowering or seeding bamboos, which are its food supply.
Threats
This species is threatened by deforestation which removes its food supply (bamboo seeds). The cage-bird trade has also affected its population as large numbers of green-faced parrotfinch in many districts of Manila have been caught and exported to the United States.
Conservation measures
This species is currently conserved in two protected areas, the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and Bataan Natural Park/Subic Bay. However, due to its nomadic habits, occurrence in protected areas does not necessarily confer continual protection. It was also proposed to conduct research on the distribution of the bamboos upon which it relies, and assess its response to deforestation and attempt to understand its movements, then afford protection to key sites found to support populations and favoured bamboos.
