ABOUT THE BIRDING

Mindoro has been heavily deforested like many islands in the Philippines. The main birding site is the Sablayan Penal Colony and the forested hills behid it. These hills hold some of the best remaining forest on the island. There are currently eight species of birds endemic to the island, namely Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Mindoro Imperial-Pigeon, Black-hooded Coucal, Mindoro Scops-Owl, Mindoro Boobook, Mindoro Hornbill, Mindoro Racquet-tail, and Mindoro Bulbul. Of these, the critically endangered Mindoro Bleeding-Heart is very rare and very difficult to see due to habitat destruction. The endangered Mindoro Imperial-Pigeon and Mindoro Scops-Owl are found at higher elevation such as on Mount Halcon, which can only be reached via several days serious trekking up steep trails. The other species, including the critically endangered Black-hooded Coucal, can still be found at the site.

LOCATION OF SITE

Mindoro Island is located southeast of Luzon and is usually reached via a short flight from Manila.

OTHER LOCALES

• Bohol Island
• Cebu Island
• Luzon Island
• Mindanao Island
• Mindoro Island Occidental
• Mindoro Island Oriental
• Negros Island
• Palawan Island
• Visayan Islands