Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Western Visayas Region
Negros Occidental Council
Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School
BIRD STUDY MERIT BADGE
Prepared by: DWEN G. BAYON-ON
INTRODUCTION
I acquired my knowledge of birds primarily through meticulous research and
direct observation. My initial exploration began with delving into a myriad of books about
birds, which provided me with comprehensive insights into various bird species, their
habitats, habits, and distinguishing features. The literary resources offered a profound
understanding of avian life, enabling me to distinguish between different species and
comprehend their roles in the ecosystem.
In addition to extensive reading, visiting museums played a pivotal role in
enhancing my knowledge. The meticulous displays and detailed exhibitions in museums
provided a closer look at bird anatomies and offered contextual information on their
evolutionary history, behavioral patterns, and ecological preferences. It was in museums
that I could study the physical characteristics of birds in detail, comparing the intricacies
of their features and understanding the nuances of their existence.
However, my understanding of birds was substantially deepened through direct
observation in their natural habitats. Witnessing birds in the wild allowed me to observe
their behaviors, interactions, and adaptations in real-time, adding a practical dimension
to my theoretical knowledge. Experiencing their existence in various ecosystems offered
a more holistic and authentic perspective, complementing the information gleaned from
books and museums.
By synthesizing information from books, insights from museums, and
observations from natural habitats, I cultivated a multifaceted understanding of birds,
appreciating their diversity and significance in the natural world.
1. Maya (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) (Lonchura atricapilla)
- Description: Often found in urban and rural areas, these small birds are one
of the most common in the Philippines. They have a stout body, brown and
white plumage, and a distinct black cheek patch.
2. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
- Description: This critically endangered and majestic bird is endemic to the
Philippines and is one of the world's largest and most powerful birds of prey. It
serves as the national bird of the Philippines and symbolizes the rich
biodiversity of the country.
3. Heron (referred to as Tulabong locally) - Family: Ardeidae
- Description: Herons are tall, wading birds often found near water bodies.
Different species exhibit varying plumage, and they primarily feed on aquatic
creatures like fish and amphibians, using their sharp bills.
4. Kalapati (Pigeon/Dove) - Family: Columbidae
- Description: Kalapati refers to various species of stout-bodied birds with short
necks and slender bills with a fleshy cere. They are adaptable and are found
in almost every habitat, from coastal areas to high mountains.
5. Uwak (Crow/Raven) - Genus: Corvus
- Description: Uwak are intelligent and adaptable birds known for their
predominantly black plumage. They have strong, stout bills and are
opportunistic feeders, with diets including fruits, seeds, small animals, and
carrion.
6. Itik (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
- Description: Itik are waterfowl birds, usually smaller than their relatives, the
swans and geese. They have webbed feet and a broad flat bill. They can be
found in both freshwater and seawater and are known for their dabbling
behavior.
7. Manok (Chicken) – (Gallus domesticus)
- Description: Manok are domesticated fowls kept for their eggs and meat.
They are among the most common and widespread domestic animals and
have various breeds differing in size, color, and type.
8. Pabo (Turkey) - Genus: Meleagris
- Description: Pabo are large, robust birds, native to North America but
domesticated in many parts of the world. They have a distinctive fan-shaped
tail and a bare head and neck, which can change color with the turkey's
mood.
9. Pugo (Quail) - Family: Phasianidae
- Description: Pugo are small, ground-nesting game birds, known for their
distinct call. They have a compact body and are valued for their meat and
eggs, which are considered delicacies.
10. Pato (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
- Description: Similar to "Itik," Pato refers to ducks in Filipino. They are known
for their adaptability to various aquatic habitats and are commonly kept for
their meat, eggs, and down feathers. They exhibit a variety of colors and
patterns in their plumage, depending on the species.
DOMESTICATED AND MIGRATORY BIRDS
Among the birds listed, many are resident species, meaning they stay in the
same place year-round, especially the domesticated ones like chickens (Manok), ducks
(Itik and Pato), and turkeys (Pabo).
However, some species of Herons and Quails might exhibit migratory behavior,
depending on the specific species and local environmental conditions.
1. Herons (Tulabong) - Family: Ardeidae
- Some heron species are migratory and may leave during adverse weather
conditions or in search of food, usually in the winter seasons. However, many
also reside year-round in suitable habitats with sufficient food availability.
2. Pugo (Quail) - Family: Phasianidae
- Some quail species are migratory and will move to different regions based on
food availability and breeding needs, often in response to changing seasons.
Many species in colder regions migrate during the winter to warmer areas.
The actual presence or absence of these species would be dependent on local
ecological conditions, availability of food, and specific environmental requirements of
the individual species. It's worth noting that many birds can adapt to local conditions and
might not exhibit strict migratory patterns if their needs are met in their current location.
SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATIONS
1. Maya (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) (Lonchura atricapilla)
- Sizing: Small, around 14–16 cm in length.
- Coloring: Brown, white, and black, with a distinctive black cheek patch.
- Habits: Social, often found in groups; omnivorous, feeding mainly on seeds
and insects.
- Nesting: Prefer holes and crevices in buildings or trees.
- Movement: Agile fliers, often seen hopping on the ground.
2. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
- Sizing: Large, wingspan around 2.2 meters.
- Coloring: Brown and white with a strong hooked beak.
- Habits: Solitary or in pairs, feeds mainly on monkeys, bats, and other small
mammals.
- Nesting: High elevations, often in tall trees.
- Movement: Soaring and gliding over forests.
3. Heron (Tulabong) - Family: Ardeidae
- Sizing: Varies; generally large with long legs and neck.
- Coloring: Different species have varying colors; many have gray, white, black,
or brown plumage.
- Habits: Wading in shallow waters, feeding on fish and amphibians.
- Nesting: Usually in trees or reed beds, often in colonies.
- Movement: Slow and deliberate when wading; powerful and direct flight.
4. Kalapati (Pigeon/Dove) - Family: Columbidae
- Sizing: Medium; size varies with species.
- Coloring: Varies; many have gray, white, or multicolored plumage.
- Habits: Generally granivorous, some species also consume fruits and insects.
- Nesting: Simple nests in trees, ledges, or on the ground.
- Movement: Strong and fast fliers; often seen walking or running on the
ground.
5. Uwak (Crow/Raven) - Genus: Corvus
- Sizing: Large; length can be up to 66 cm.
- Coloring: Mostly glossy black.
- Habits: Intelligent and opportunistic feeders; diet includes fruits, seeds, small
animals, and carrion.
- Nesting: In trees or on cliffs; nests made of sticks and lined with softer
materials.
- Movement: Often seen soaring, gliding, or hopping on the ground.
6. Itik (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
- Sizing: Medium to large.
- Coloring: Various; often with a mix of bright and dull plumage.
- Habits: Omnivorous; dabbling on the water surface for food.
- Nesting: Ground nests, usually hidden in reeds or tall grass.
- Movement: Strong fliers; often seen swimming or dabbling in the water.
7. Manok (Chicken) – Gallus domesticus
- Sizing: Medium; varies with breed.
- Coloring: Diverse; includes white, brown, black, and multicolored.
- Habits: Omnivorous; domesticated for eggs and meat.
- Nesting: In nest boxes or secluded ground areas; often broody.
- Movement: Primarily terrestrial; capable of short flights.
8. Pabo (Turkey) - Genus: Meleagris
- Sizing: Large; males larger than females.
- Coloring: Generally iridescent bronze with bare-headed neck.
- Habits: Omnivorous; often seen foraging on the ground.
- Nesting: Ground nests, usually in dense vegetation.
- Movement: Primarily terrestrial; capable of flight but prefer running.
9. Pugo (Quail) - Family: Phasianidae
- Sizing: Small; around 12–28 cm in length.
- Coloring: Varied; often brown, black, and white with patterns.
- Habits: Omnivorous; often seen foraging on the ground.
- Nesting: Ground nests, usually hidden in dense vegetation.
- Movement: Capable of fast, direct flight; often seen walking or running on the
ground.
10. Pato (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
- Sizing: Medium to large; size varies with species.
- Coloring: Various; can be dull or brightly colored depending on the species.
- Habits: Omnivorous; many species dabble or dive for food.
- Nesting: Ground nests, usually near water and concealed in vegetation.
- Movement: Strong and agile fliers; frequently seen swimming in water bodies.
OBSERVATION AREA LIST
1. Maya (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) (Lonchura atricapilla)
a. From our House
2. Philippine Eagle – (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
a. In a Museum in Dumaguete City
3. Heron (Tulabong) - Family: Ardeidae
a. At the campus (Dr. Vicente F. Gustillo Memorial National High School)
4. Kalapati (Pigeon/Dove) - Family: Columbidae
a. Brgy Mabini, Cadiz Negros Occidental
5. Uwak (Crow/Raven) - Genus: Corvus
a. Brgy Mabini, Cadiz Negros Occidental
6. Itik (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
a. Brgy. Mabini, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
7. Manok (Chicken) (Gallus domesticus)
a. Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
8. Pabo (Turkey) - Genus: Meleagris
a. Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
9. Pugo (Quail) - Family: Phasianidae
a. Sagay City, Negros Occidental
10. Pato (Duck) - Family: Anatidae
a. Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
Documentations
Picture 1. Discussing the different type of birds and how to secure its biodiversity.
Picture 2. Here is the bird life in their habitat that I observed during my studies.
Picture 3. An observational analysis on the habits of the birds.
Picture 4. Further exploration areas where birds commonly search for food.
