For years i have wondered why this bird was named Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis moluccensis because it doesn't have blue wings, just a slight patch of blue that is very easily overlooked when the bird is in a tree. now just recently i have learned it has been reclassified as a separate species, Jerdon's leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni in honor of Thomas Jerdon, an english pioneer ornithologist who classified many birds in India in the 1800s.
it's a lovely bird to have as a resident, often heard imitating the calls and songs of other birds but not easy to spot as it blends in perfectly with the leaves of the trees. but when they come to the ground for a quick bath or as this handsome male here, to feed on a fallen chickoo, they stand out with its bright green body with a yellow tinge around the head and neck, the black throat with the blue patch make for easy identification. females have blue throats and likely less yellow around the head. we gladly let some fruit lie under the trees to attract these and other wonderful feathered friends that brighten our days.
