The white-cheeked bullfinch (Pyrrhula leucogenis) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
It is found in mountain regions of the Philippines, mainly on the two largest Philippine islands, Luzon and Mindanao.[1] It has also been reported on the island of Panay.[2] Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests above 1,250 meters above sea level.
EBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized bird of low- to mid-elevation montane forest and edge on Luzon, Panay and Mindanao. Overall pale brown with a slightly paler belly, a black face, crown, tail, bottom half of the wing, and shoulder patch, a white rump, and a prominent white cheek. Note the thick black bill. Feeds on berries and flowers and joins mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. No similar birds occur in its range. Voice includes medium-pitched clear, downslurred piping calls, “piuu! piuu,” sometimes with a flat first note: “piii! piuu!”"[3]
Known to feed on small berries and Viburnum and Dendrocnide plants. Otherwise, diet is unknown.[4]
It occupies montane mossy forest above 1,250 meters above sea level. It is known to descend to lower altitudes in the breeding season and form large feeding flocks of up to 40 birds.
IUCN has assessed this bird as Least-concern as a lot of its montane habitat is difficult to access and it also has a wide range. However, it is still affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - just not to the same extent as lowland forest.[5]