A real-life “Ibong Adarna” has been spotted in Mindanao after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Davao Region shared photos of a female Trogon captured in the tropical forests surrounding Mt. Apo.
“While the male Philippine Trogon displays bright colors, the female ones possess subdued shades of mustard-yellow underparts and an olive-brown head,” the caption read.
“They feed on insects and fruits and shelter on tree hollows. Being reluctant to people, they found bliss in the darker portions of our forests.”
The bird’s color has led to its association with the fictional Ibong Adarna.
According to the epic poem, Ibong Adarna is known to have lived in Mt. Tabor in the Kingdom of Berbania. However, the Philippine Trogon (Harpactes Ardens) is endemic to the Philippines.
The 16th-century Filipino epic poem is about a legendary bird with healing powers. The birds’ song can also put someone to sleep and turn them into stone.
The story of Ibong Adarna is known all over the Philippines and has been told in different languages and media.
Multiple films have been produced throughout the years, with its first Filipino film, which came out in 1941 featuring actress Mila del Sol, actor Fred Cortes, Ester Magalona Deanna Prieto, and Ben Rubio.
Meanwhile, the latest one was released in 2014, starring Rocco Nacino and Karen Gallman.
The Philippine Trogon’s habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests.
The bird is also commonly found in forests and secondary growth. It is usually found alone or in pairs perched 5 to 10 meters from the ground in a dark recess on a vine or branch in the understory. – WhatALife!/Val
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