The black-belted flowerpecker, or Visayan flowerpecker, is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Philippines where it is restricted to Panay, Negros and Guimaras islands. It was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the more widespread red-keeled flowerpecker. Sometimes the name red-keeled flowerpecker is used for D. haematostictum and D. australe is then known as the red-sided flowerpecker.
Region
Philippine Visayas
Typical Environment
Occurs in remaining lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth on Panay, Negros, and Guimaras. It frequents fruiting trees and mistletoe-laden branches in the mid- to upper canopy. The species adapts to degraded habitats where suitable food plants persist, including wooded farmlands and gardens near forest. However, it is most common in forest patches with intact canopy structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Visayan flowerpecker, it is restricted to the Philippine islands of Panay, Negros, and Guimaras. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the more widespread red-keeled flowerpecker. Like other flowerpeckers, it plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe seeds. Habitat loss in the Western Visayas is the main threat to its survival.
Feeding on a hagimit (Ficus minahassae)
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small, pear-shaped pendant nest from plant fibers and spider silk, suspended from thin branches. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of high, thin tseet and tik notes, often given in quick sequences. Song is simple and tinkling, repeated from exposed canopy perches.
Plumage
Compact flowerpecker with glossy dark upperparts and pale underparts accented by a bold black breast band and fine reddish spotting. Females are duller, olive above and buffy below, with a weaker or obscured band and reduced red speckling.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe drupes, which it swallows whole and later wipes the sticky seeds onto branches. Also takes nectar and occasionally small arthropods. By dispersing mistletoe seeds, it influences canopy plant dynamics.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded plantations where mistletoes and fruiting trees are abundant. Will visit gardens near forest if suitable food plants are present.
