OLIVE-BACKED FLOWERPECKERS of Mindanao

[Ramon Quisumbing]

OLIVE-BACKED FLOWERPECKER (Prionochilus olivaceus)
Uncommon endemic. This is presumably the olivaceus subspecies of Mindanao. Unlike the parsonsi ssp of Luzon (captured by Romy Ocon previously) which has black streaks on its throat and breast, this olivaceus ssp of Mindanao has gray streaks.

Two weeks ago, I went birding in Bislig, Surigao del Sur for the first time, with ultimate birdguide Zardo Goring. I was lucky to see 2 different OBFP's in 2 different places -- a LIFER!


Canon 1DX camera, 800 mm lens, tripod. F/5.6, ISO-5000, 1/800 second.


Canon 1D Mark IV camera, 300 mm lens, 1.4x extender, handheld. 420 mm, F/4, ISO-1000, 1/200 second.

This was the second OBFP, which I captured in PICOP forest in Agusan del Sur, just across the border from Surigao del Sur. Unlike the first OBFP, this OBFP has olive-green streaks on the sides of its belly instead of gray streaks.

Canon 1DX camera, 800 mm lens, tripod. F/5.6, ISO-3200, 1/1000 second.

[Ely Teehankee]

The PBPF "Site Ranking" located on the left hand side of this thread indicated that it is now 112 from the top birding 1000 list. At one time it ranked 40 for a long time. One reason for this is because Romy who is the administrator is working full time attending to his work. He and the company is doing very well and I am happy for him.
I am certain that when he finds the time to go birding again this site will have more participants. In the meantime let us help him keep this forum alive by sharing our bird pictures with our fellow birders.

This is the first time for me to see the Olive-backed Flowerpecker. Had you not posted these pictures I would not have known that such a bird exist. Thank you for sharing. Well done Ramon & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Ely.

[Bobby Kintanar]

Very nice captures Ramon!

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Bobby.

[Neon Rosell II]

Wow! Excellent captures of this uncommon endemic, Ramon! I have yet to see this species.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Neon!

[Adri Constantino]

Super captures Ramon. Looks like you had a grand time in PICOP. Lots of birds! Sadly, alot of deforestation also.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Adri.

I agree with you -- it is very sad that in my estimation, 90+% of the forest is gone. It seems that most of the population there is involved in logging.