The brown-backed flowerpecker is a species of passerine bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae. The scientific name commemorates the British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found primarily in northern Borneo (including Sabah and adjacent areas) and parts of the nearby Sulu Archipelago. It frequents lowland and foothill habitats, thriving in forest edges, secondary forests, and plantations, and occasionally visits gardens. The species forages from the mid-story to the canopy, where small fruiting trees and mistletoes are abundant. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats so long as fruiting shrubs and trees remain. In more intact forests, it often joins mixed-species flocks along sunny edges and gaps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny passerine is a member of the flowerpecker family (Dicaeidae) and is named in honor of Alfred Hart Everett, a British colonial administrator and zoological collector. It plays an important role in forest ecology by dispersing mistletoe and other small-seeded plants. Both sexes look quite similar, and the species is often first detected by its sharp, high-pitched calls. It adapts well to forest edges and secondary growth, making it a regular in mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but often associates with mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Breeding pairs build a small, hanging purse-shaped nest from plant fibers and spider silk. Both parents participate in feeding the young and defend a small area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched tsee and seep notes, often delivered in quick sequences. Song is a soft, tinkling series of rapid notes that can be hard to locate in the canopy.
Plumage
Plain warm-brown upperparts with a contrasting pale gray to whitish throat and underparts; short tail and compact, round-bodied silhouette.
Diet
Feeds largely on small berries and drupes, especially mistletoe, swallowing them whole and later dispersing the seeds. Supplements its diet with nectar from small blossoms and occasional small insects or spiders. Often wipes its bill after feeding on sticky fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of forest edges, secondary woodland, and plantations. Will also visit fruiting shrubs in gardens and along roadsides where suitable small fruits are available.
