The larger birds around the University of the Philippines Los Baños were often easier to notice because of their size, calls, or striking plumage. Many perched openly on exposed branches, making them some of the most memorable sightings during the birdwatching trip.

1. Luzon Hornbill (Penelopides manillae)

The Luzon Hornbill was one of the highlights of the day. Its large curved bill and casque made it unmistakable even from a distance. Watching this Philippine endemic perched among high branches felt especially rewarding given its importance in the country’s forests.

2. Coleto (Sarcops calvus)

The Coleto stood out because of its glossy black plumage and bare pink facial skin around the eyes. Under sunlight, its feathers reflected subtle blue-green tones. Its posture and loud calls gave it a strong presence among the trees.

3. Balicassiao (Dicrurus balicassius)

The Balicassiao appeared elegant with its glossy dark plumage that shimmered blue in the light. A pair was observed near nesting material high in the canopy. Their long tails and alert behavior made them particularly impressive to watch.

4. Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater added vibrant colors to the trip with its golden head, green body, and long tail streamers. Perched openly against the sky, it occasionally flew out to catch insects before returning to the same branch.

5. Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus)

The Coppersmith Barbet remained partly hidden among branches, but its red forehead and throat patches still stood out. Its thick bill and colorful plumage gave it a distinctive appearance despite remaining relatively still.

6. Philippine Boobook Owl (Ninox philippensis)

The Philippine Boobook Owl provided one of the most fascinating encounters of the trip. Perched quietly among tangled branches, it stared directly outward with intense yellow-green eyes. Its brown-and-white streaked plumage blended naturally with the forest surroundings, showing how effectively owls rely on camouflage during the day.

7. Guiabero (Bolbopsittacus lunulatus)

The Guiabero was one of the more unusual sightings during the trip. This small green parrot blended remarkably well among the fruiting branches where it fed quietly. In fact, we almost missed it entirely because of its excellent camouflage among the leaves and figs. Its short tail, stout body, and curved bill gave it a very different appearance from the other birds in the area. Only after watching the branches carefully did its movements become noticeable among the clusters of fruit.