Endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay in the central Philippines, this pigeon is instantly recognizable by the vivid crimson patch on its white breast, which looks eerily like a fresh wound. This striking feature gives it its evocative name, the “bleeding-heart.” But beyond its dramatic appearance, the Negros bleeding-heart is a symbol of fragility—a forest spirit fighting for survival in a world where its home is rapidly disappearing.

Physically, the Negros bleeding-heart is a medium-sized ground-dwelling pigeon. Its plumage is an exquisite blend of colors: iridescent green and blue feathers cover its head, back, and wings, while its underparts are pure white, dramatically marked by the deep red or blood-colored patch that appears to “bleed” from its chest. The neck has a delicate violet sheen, and its wings and tail are edged in soft gray. Its eyes are dark and gentle, and its legs and bill are pinkish. While it spends most of its life on the forest floor, walking gracefully through the leaf litter in search of fallen fruits and seeds, it can fly swiftly if startled—darting into the understory with a flash of color and a sound like the rustle of silk.

The behavior of the Negros bleeding-heart is as secretive as its beauty is bold. It prefers the dense, lowland rainforests of its native islands, often in shaded valleys or along riverbanks where fruit trees abound. Unlike many pigeons, it rarely perches high in trees; instead, it lives mostly on the ground, foraging quietly for seeds, fallen berries, and small invertebrates. When alarmed, it freezes completely, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend into the forest floor. Its call is a low, mournful coo, often described as sounding like “hoo-oo,” which echoes softly through the forest—a sound that, once heard, is rarely forgotten.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Philippines

70-400

Official estimate

CR

2020

Panay, Negros