Birdwatching in Moalboal, Cebu
​Moalboal Eco Lodge Birds

Birdwatching at Moalboal Eco Lodge

Our gardens attract a variety of resident and visiting bird species throughout the year. While we are not a dedicated bird sanctuary, guests regularly enjoy observing birds directly from their balcony, terrace, or while exploring the grounds.

Early morning is often the most active time, as calls carry through the bamboo, fruiting trees, and open garden spaces. Many species are easier to identify by sound before they are seen.

A Note About Wildlife Sightings

All birds featured on this page are wild visitors or residents observed at Moalboal Eco Lodge. As with all wildlife experiences, sightings can never be guaranteed, and activity varies with the seasons, weather, food availability, and natural behaviour.

Some birds are seen regularly, while others are occasional visitors. Part of the experience is the unpredictability – each morning brings something different.

Guests can also view a simple wildlife poster in the shared area highlighting some of the birds and butterflies found at Moalboal Eco Lodge.
Moalboal Eco Lodge record our sightings on eBird which are then shared with the global birdwatching community. As a private eco-lodge, these bird records are for guests, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, showcasing the species found on or around the property and the rich birdlife that can be enjoyed during a stay in Moalboal.

Live eBird Feed - Recent Bird Sightings at Eco Lodge

Live Hotspot Feed
Scanning the canopy for live bird data and imagery...
Observed Species Index
A curated guide to the resident birds frequently sighted within our lodge grounds and surrounding canopy.
Black-Naped Oriole
Scientific Name: Oriolus chinensis
Cebu Local Name: Antolihao 
Description
A striking yellow bird with black markings, often moving high through bamboo grass and canopy trees. 

Behaviour Notes
A pair is regularly observed in the bamboo area of the resort between 5:30am and 7am. We hear their early morning calling which often indicates territorial activity or pair bonding.

Their flute-like descending whistle is one of the most recognisable sounds around the property, and can also be heard throughout the day. We have nicknamed them the "drop birds" because one call begins with a higher note that drops sharply in pitch.
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Interesting Facts
  • Known for rich, musical whistling calls
  • Often easier to hear than see
  • Important seed disperser in tropical ecosystems
Philippine Coucal (Endemic)
Scientific Name: Centropus sinensis
Cebu Local Name: Kukuk
Description
A large, distinctive bird with glossy black plumage, chestnut wings, and striking red eyes. Moves deliberately through trees and dense vegetation.

Behaviour Notes
A mating pair regularly visits the property. They are often seen hopping through branches before gliding between trees in short, controlled movements while hunting for insects and small prey. Deep, resonant calls are usually heard before visual confirmation.

Interesting Facts
  • Sometimes called the “Crow Pheasant”
  • Builds its own nest (unlike many cuckoos)
  • Deep calls are often the first sign of presence
Long-Tailed Shrike
Scientific Name: Lanius schach
Cebu Local Name: Tibalas, Mamumunggut, Amumunggut, Amulunggut or Manumangot
Other Names: Butcher Bird, Rufous-backed Shrike
Description
A striking bird with a black facial mask, chestnut tones, and a long tail. Commonly seen perched in open areas scanning for prey.

Behaviour Notes
Frequently uses exposed perches to hunt. Known to impale prey such as insects or small reptiles on thorns or sharp branches for later consumption. Calls are sharp and repetitive, often heard from open viewpoints.

Interesting Facts
  • Nicknamed “Butcher Bird” for its feeding behaviour
  • Often returns to the same hunting perch
  • Highly territorial during breeding season
Garden Sunbird (Endemic)
Scientific Name: Cinnyris jugularis
Cebu Local Name:  Tamsi or Pipit
Other Names: Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Olive-Backed Sunbird
Description
A very small, fast-moving bird with iridescent colouring in males. Frequently seen moving between flowers and flowering trees.

Behaviour Notes
Commonly observed around the central acacia tree in the resort.  Although tiny, the Garden Sunbird has a remarkably high-pitched voice. Its rapid, squeaky calls often reveal its location long before it's seen.

Interesting Facts
  • Important pollinator of tropical plants
  • Nectar feeder with rapid hovering movement
  • Males show iridescent blue-black throat patches in sunlight
​Yellow-Vented Bulbul
Scientific Name: Pycnonotus goiavier
Cebu Local Name: Pirok Pirok or Pirukpiruk 
Other Names: YVB
Description
A medium-sized garden bird with olive-brown upperparts, a pale underside, and a distinctive yellow patch beneath the tail. Active and vocal, it is often seen moving through trees, shrubs, and fruiting plants around the property.

Behaviour Notes
Yellow-vented Bulbuls are regularly observed around fruiting trees and garden edges. They move actively between branches in search of fruit, insects, and nectar, often appearing singly, in pairs, or as family groups.

Their cheerful chattering calls are a familiar part of the garden soundscape and often reveal their presence before they come into view. Curious and adaptable, they are frequently seen feeding close to guest areas.​

Interesting Facts
  • One of the most common garden birds in the Philippines
  • Feeds on fruit, insects, nectar, and small invertebrates
  • Often among the first birds to begin calling at dawn
Zebra Dove
Scientific Name: Geopelia striata
Cebu Local Name: Kurokutok, or Korokotok 
Description
A small, elegant dove with fine zebra-like barring across the body. Often seen on the ground.

Behaviour Notes
Commonly forages along garden paths and leaf litter areas, moving slowly while searching for seeds and insects. Soft, rhythmic cooing is a constant background sound around the property.

Interesting Facts
  • Walks more than it flies or hops
  • Can raise multiple broods annually
  • One of the most familiar garden doves in Southeast Asia
​White-Breasted Waterhen
Scientific Name: Amaurornis phoenicurus
Cebu Local Name: Tikugas or Kuruwakwak
Description
The White-breasted Waterhen is a distinctive ground-dwelling bird with a white face and breast, dark slate-grey body, and long yellow legs. 

Behaviour Notes
White-breasted Waterhens are spotted early mornings near the frangipani tree moving through undergrowth and along the ground before disappearing through the fence. They forage for insects, snails, seeds, and other small food sources, but are very shy, quickly disappearing into cover when disturbed.

They are often heard before being seen, producing a series of loud, raspy croaks and repeated "kak-kak-kak" calls from dense cover.

Interesting Facts
  • Despite being able to fly, it spends much of its time walking or running on the ground
  • Known for its surprisingly loud and distinctive calls
  • Often remains hidden in vegetation, making it easier to hear than to spot
  • Commonly found near water but adapts well to garden environments with suitable cover
​Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
Scientific Name: Treron vernans
Local Cebu Name: Punay
Description
A colourful fruit pigeon with green body plumage and pinkish tones on males. Often blends into foliage despite bright colouring.

Behaviour Notes
Frequently feeds on fruiting trees at the lodge, particularly the Jamaican Cherry (locally known as Aratiles or Mansanita). Often seen in small groups moving between the bamboo grass and Aratiles.

Interesting Facts
  • Strong camouflage despite bright colouring
  • Almost entirely fruit-eating
  • Important seed disperser in tropical habitats
​Philippine Magpie-Robin (Endemic)
Scientific Name: Copsychus mindanensis
Cebu Local Name: Siloy itom / puti
Description
A confident black-and-white bird commonly seen in open garden spaces and near human activity.

Behaviour Notes
Highly territorial and frequently sings from exposed perches throughout the day. A distinctive behavioural trait has been observed at Moalboal Eco Lodge where individuals react to reflective surfaces such as mirrors and windows in the semi-open bathrooms, mistaking reflections for rivals.

Interesting Facts
  • Strong vocal mimic capable of copying environmental sounds
  • Frequently repeats songs from the same perch
  • One of the most vocal birds around the lodge
​Pied Fantail (Endemic)
Scientific Name: Rhipidura javanica
Cebu Local Name: Maria Capra or Baliala
​Description
A small black-and-white bird with a distinctive fan-shaped tail that is frequently spread while moving through trees and gardens. Agile and energetic, it is often seen darting between branches in search of insects.

Behaviour Notes
Pied Fantails are active insect hunters, regularly moving through trees and shrubs while making short aerial flights to catch prey. Their constantly fanned tail and restless movements make them one of the easier birds to identify around the garden.

Interesting Facts
  • Often follows people or animals to catch insects disturbed by movement
  • Uses its tail to help flush insects from vegetation
  • Known for its agility and frequent changes of direction while hunting
  • “Pied” means “black and white” in birding language
Asian Glossy Starling
Scientific Name: Aplonis panayensis
Cebu Local Name: Starling or Galansiang
Description
This sleek, dark bird has a glossy plumage with striking red eyes. It appears black from a distance, but sunlight reveals an iridescent sheen that shimmers with green and purple tones in good light,  

Behaviour Notes
Regularly observed in small groups around Moalboal Eco Lodge, often perched in trees or moving through the gardens. They are particularly attracted to fruiting trees and can sometimes be seen feeding alongside other species. Their noisy chattering calls often reveal their presence before they come into view.

Interesting Facts
  • The bright red eyes are one of their most distinctive features
  • Their feathers display green and purple iridescence in sunlight
  • Often gather in small flocks, especially around fruiting trees
​Pied Triller
Scientific Name: Lalage nigra
Cebu Local Name: Bugaongon
Description
A small black-and-white bird often seen in mid-level canopy movement.

Behaviour Notes
Moves actively through trees in pairs or small groups. Quick, energetic flight makes it easy to lose sight of once it enters foliage. Soft trilling calls are often heard before visual detection.

Interesting Facts
  • Named after its trilling vocalisation
  • Often mistaken for small flycatchers
  • Prefers garden edges and lightly wooded areas
Collared Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Todiramphus chloris
Cebu Local Name: Tikarol 
Other Names: White-collared Kingfisher or Mangrove Kingfisher
Description
A striking blue-green and white bird commonly found in coastal areas, gardens, open woodland, and coconut groves throughout the Philippines. Often spotted perched on exposed branches as it scans the ground for prey.

Behaviour Notes
At Moalboal Eco Lodge, Collared Kingfishers have been observed around the bamboo grass area. More often than not, they are heard before they are seen, announcing their presence with a loud distinctive sound more like a burst of laughter or a rattling alarm call from high in the trees.

Unlike many kingfisher species, the Collared Kingfisher does not rely solely on water for hunting. It regularly feeds on insects, small lizards, crabs, and other small prey found in gardens and woodland habitats.

Interesting Facts
  • One of the most widespread kingfishers in the Philippines
  • Often heard before it is seen thanks to its loud, distinctive call
  • Hunts insects and lizards as well as aquatic prey
  • Frequently uses the same favourite perches for hunting and calling
​Brahminy Kite
Scientific Name: Haliastur indus
Cebu Local Name: Banog (a general term used for birds of prey)
Description
A large raptor with chestnut body and white head, often seen gliding high above open areas.

Behaviour Notes
An occasional visitor above the resort. Usually seen soaring on warm air currents before drifting toward coastal or forested areas. Sightings are irregular but notable.

Interesting Facts
  • Also known as the “Red-backed Sea Eagle”
  • Commonly associated with coastal habitats
  • Known for smooth, effortless gliding flight patterns
​Philippine Nightjar (Endemic)
Scientific Name: Caprimulgus manillensis
Cebu Local Name: Tagolilong
Description
A medium sized nocturnal bird endemic to the Philippines. Spends daylight hours resting motionless amongst vegetation, relying on its excellent camouflage to remain hidden. At night it becomes active, hunting flying insects in open areas and along forest edges.

Although rarely seen, its presence is often revealed by its distinctive calls after dark.

Behaviour Notes
At Moalboal Eco Lodge, Philippine Nightjars are heard during the evening and night time hours, although they have not yet been visually confirmed on the property. Their calls form part of the resort's night time soundscape and are one of the more intriguing sounds for guests spending time outdoors after sunset. Like many nightjars, they are far easier to hear than to see.

Interesting Facts
  • A nocturnal insect hunter that feeds primarily on moths and other flying insects
  • Relies on camouflage rather than nest-building to protect its eggs
  • Often detected only by its calls
  • Despite the name, it is neither a hawk nor a jar-drinking bird; the unusual name comes from old folklore
Birdwatching Notes
  • Best time: 5:30am–7:30am
  • Peak activity: Year-round early morning
  • Highest diversity: Wet season (June–November)
  • Fruiting trees such as Jamaican Cherry (also known as Mansinita or Aratiles) strongly increase pigeon and sunbird activity
  • Sound is often the first indicator before visual sightings
Nature Doesn't Stop With Birdwatching!

Discover South Cebu's mountain scenery, waterfalls and other outdoor adventures during your stay with us. If you are a bird watcher who also enjoys action activities, we can help you explore hiking and outdoor adventures.

Have a question? Visit our FAQs (Before You Book) page here