Asian fairy-bluebird - Philippines Cultural Significance

The Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella) is a species of passerine bird that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the family Irenidae, which includes a number of species of brightly colored, insect-eating birds.

The Asian fairy-bluebird is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 23-26 cm and a wingspan of around 32-35 cm. It has a distinctive appearance, with a long, thin beak and brightly colored plumage. 

Asian fairy-bluebirds are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and other areas with trees. They are known for their beautiful, melodic songs, which they use to communicate and attract mates. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of insects, fruit, and nectar.

Asian fairy-bluebird is native to South and Southeast Asia. In India, these birds are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and other areas with trees. They are widely distributed throughout the country, including in the states of Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

In the Tagalog culture of the Philippines, the Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella) is believed to be the omen bird of the supreme god Bathala. It is believed that the direction in which a fairy-bluebird flies at the beginning of a journey can predict the outcome of the journey. If the bird flies to the right, the expedition is believed to be successful, while if it flies to the left, the travelers are believed to never return. This belief is recorded in San Buenaventura's 1613 Dictionary of the Tagalog Language. The term "labay," meaning "proceed," is still used in some Filipino languages to refer to this belief.



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