Mount Arayat National Park

Birds

Mount Arayat National Park is also an important site for birdlife in Central Luzon, especially species adapted to lowland dipterocarp and upland forest, as well as those nesting in limestone and rocky outcrops.

Philippine Bulbul
One of the most vocal and widespread forest birds in the park, the bulbul feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects and is often seen flitting through the mid-canopy in small family groups.

White-eared Brown Dove
This endemic dove prefers shaded forest trails and ground-level foraging for seeds and fruit. Its soft cooing adds to the park’s early morning soundscape.

Philippine Coucal
A stealthy predator of lizards and insects, this glossy-feathered bird moves through dense underbrush. Its deep, booming call can be heard at dawn or after rain.

Tarictic Hornbill (Luzon subspecies)
This fruit-eating hornbill is vital to seed dispersal in the park. It nests in tree cavities and flies between forest patches, often vocalizing with sharp honks.

Guaiabero
A small green parrot endemic to Luzon, the guaiabero feeds on fruit and blossoms and is typically seen in pairs or small groups in the canopy.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
This tiny woodpecker clings to trunks and branches, pecking for insects. It is often found in the company of other small birds in mixed feeding flocks.

Lowland White-eye
These energetic birds forage for nectar, insects, and fruit in flocks, often moving quickly through forest shrubs and lower tree branches.

Philippine Serpent Eagle
Soaring over Mount Arayat’s ridges and treetops, this raptor hunts snakes, lizards, and rodents. Its whistled call is often heard echoing across the slopes.

Barn Swallow
Seen near open areas and rocky trails, barn swallows catch flying insects in midair and may nest under sheltered cliffs or tree roots.

Swiftlets (Cave-nesting species)
Nesting in rocky cavities and small caves around the mountain, these swift, aerial insectivores feed on flying insects and contribute to the park’s complex cave ecosystem.

Mount Arayat National Park is a solitary mountain rising above Luzon’s plains—a biodiverse island of forest and stone where native wildlife and birds persist among steep slopes, warm winds, and the volcanic legacy of Central Luzon’s natural heritage.

Popular

Mount Arayat National Park, located in Pampanga in Central Luzon, is centered around the extinct volcano Mount Arayat, which rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. The park features steep forested slopes, seasonal streams, caves, and rock outcrops. As an isolated peak, Mount Arayat acts as a biodiversity island, supporting a range of native and endemic wildlife, especially species adapted to dry tropical forests and upland habitats.

Philippine Warty Pig (Luzon subspecies)
This elusive wild pig roams the park’s forested slopes, rooting for tubers, fallen fruits, and insects. It plays a vital role in ecosystem health by tilling the soil and dispersing seeds.

Philippine Deer (Luzon Brown Deer)
Typically active at dawn and dusk, this shy deer feeds on grasses, leaves, and low-growing shrubs. It seeks cover in dense vegetation and may emerge to graze in clearings.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
Frequently seen in troops near the park’s lower trails and streams, this intelligent monkey forages for fruit, insects, leaves, and occasionally small animals. It is well-adapted to the seasonal forest.

Common Palm Civet (Musang)
This nocturnal omnivore quietly moves through trees and undergrowth, feeding on fruit, birds, and insects. It uses tree hollows or dense foliage for daytime shelter and contributes to seed dispersal.

Philippine Forest Rat
A native rodent that is active at night and often found in undergrowth and rocky crevices. It feeds on seeds, fruit, and insects and is prey for snakes and raptors in the park.

Tokay Gecko
This large, vividly colored gecko clings to cliffs, caves, and tree trunks. Its loud, repeated calls are a common nighttime sound. It feeds on insects, lizards, and small birds.

Water Monitor Lizard
Seen near streams or basking on rocks, this powerful reptile preys on frogs, fish, carrion, and eggs. It is a skilled swimmer and often retreats quickly into the forest when approached.

Common House Gecko
A small, agile lizard often found near human structures or rocky outcrops. It is nocturnal and insectivorous, helping reduce mosquito and insect populations.

Skinks (Various endemic species)
Quick, shiny-scaled reptiles found darting among rocks, forest floors, and sunlit patches. They feed on insects and contribute to the park’s natural pest control system.

Reticulated Python (possible presence)
This large constrictor may be found near the park’s streams or forested slopes, preying on rodents, birds, and small mammals. It is secretive and rarely seen.

Birds

Mount Arayat National Park is also an important site for birdlife in Central Luzon, especially species adapted to lowland dipterocarp and upland forest, as well as those nesting in limestone and rocky outcrops.

Philippine Bulbul
One of the most vocal and widespread forest birds in the park, the bulbul feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects and is often seen flitting through the mid-canopy in small family groups.

White-eared Brown Dove
This endemic dove prefers shaded forest trails and ground-level foraging for seeds and fruit. Its soft cooing adds to the park’s early morning soundscape.

Philippine Coucal
A stealthy predator of lizards and insects, this glossy-feathered bird moves through dense underbrush. Its deep, booming call can be heard at dawn or after rain.

Tarictic Hornbill (Luzon subspecies)
This fruit-eating hornbill is vital to seed dispersal in the park. It nests in tree cavities and flies between forest patches, often vocalizing with sharp honks.

Guaiabero
A small green parrot endemic to Luzon, the guaiabero feeds on fruit and blossoms and is typically seen in pairs or small groups in the canopy.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
This tiny woodpecker clings to trunks and branches, pecking for insects. It is often found in the company of other small birds in mixed feeding flocks.

Lowland White-eye
These energetic birds forage for nectar, insects, and fruit in flocks, often moving quickly through forest shrubs and lower tree branches.

Philippine Serpent Eagle
Soaring over Mount Arayat’s ridges and treetops, this raptor hunts snakes, lizards, and rodents. Its whistled call is often heard echoing across the slopes.

Barn Swallow
Seen near open areas and rocky trails, barn swallows catch flying insects in midair and may nest under sheltered cliffs or tree roots.

Swiftlets (Cave-nesting species)
Nesting in rocky cavities and small caves around the mountain, these swift, aerial insectivores feed on flying insects and contribute to the park’s complex cave ecosystem.

Mount Arayat National Park is a solitary mountain rising above Luzon’s plains—a biodiverse island of forest and stone where native wildlife and birds persist among steep slopes, warm winds, and the volcanic legacy of Central Luzon’s natural heritage.