'Ibong Adarna' spotted in Mt. Apo

A real-life "Ibong Adarna" has been spotted in Mindanao!

On Facebook, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Davao region shared photos of a female Philippine 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 shelters on tree hollows. Being reluctant to people, they found bliss in the darker portions of our forests."

Due to its color, the bird has been associated with the fictional Ibong Adarna.

While Ibong Adarna lived in Mt. Tabor in the Kingdom of Berbania, the Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens) is endemic to the Philippines.

"Ibong Adarna" is a Filipino epic poem about a legendary bird that has healing powers. However, the bird's song can put someone to sleep and turn them into stone.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News