Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Quezon City, the largest city in the Philippines, is not only home to a vibrant urban landscape but also a surprising haven for diverse bird species. Here are the birds that I have encountered during my birdwatching in Quezon City.

Yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier)

The yellow-vented bulbul, a prevalent species of urban bulbul in Southeast Asia, is a charming melodist frequently encountered in urban areas, parks, plantations, as well as open forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. With its brown upper plumage and whitish underparts, adorned by a vivid yellow vent and a prominent black line extending from the bill to the eye, this delightful bird also showcases a slightly elevated crest with a dark front edge. Its repertoire consists of diverse, rolling songs and lively multi-note calls resembling bubbles.

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)

The zebra doves, also known as barred ground doves, possess a small and slender physique complemented by a lengthy, narrow tail. Their upper plumage showcases a brownish-grey hue intricately adorned with black-and-white barring. The underparts exhibit a pinkish tone with black bars adorning the sides of the neck, breast, and belly. Notably, their faces feature a blue-grey coloration accompanied by bare blue skin encircling the eyes. Additionally, the tail feathers bear white tips. Juvenile zebra doves appear duller and paler compared to the adult plumage. These avian creatures measure approximately 20-23 centimeters in length, boasting a wingspan spanning 24-26 centimeters. Their vocalization manifests as a sequence of soft, staccato cooing notes.

Olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis)

The olive-backed sunbirds, renowned for their petite size and energetic nature, inhabit forest edges, parks, and gardens, making them the predominant sunbird species in urban areas across their range. In terms of appearance, both males and females exhibit an olive-colored back, complemented by a yellow belly and distinctive white tail edges that fan out gracefully during flight. The male sunbirds dazzle observers with their shimmering blue throats, whereas the females display a yellow throat and eyebrow, adding a touch of vibrancy to their features.

Little egret (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret, the smallest egret species in the Philippines, is abundantly distributed throughout the country, making it a familiar sight. It can be readily identified by its distinct yellow feet and its long, slender bill.

Pacific swallow (Hirundo tahitica)

The Pacific swallow, a frequently seen species in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, is commonly observed in urban areas, towns, as well as above fields, lakes, and forests. As adults, they possess an iridescent blue coloration on their upper parts, while their underparts appear grayish buff, with an orangish throat and forehead. Although similar in appearance to the Barn Swallow, the Pacific swallow can be distinguished by its shorter outer tail feathers and the absence of a dark line separating the throat and breast. It is often spotted perching on telephone lines, sometimes in the company of other swallow species.

And of course, the most common domesticated rock pigeons.