The buzzing flowerpecker or white-bellied flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Philippines (Southeast Asia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippine archipelago, where it occupies tropical moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also frequents wooded gardens and plantations near forests. The species uses the mid- to upper canopy, moving rapidly between fruiting shrubs and small trees. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains most abundant in well-vegetated areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the white-bellied flowerpecker, this tiny bird is named for its insect-like, buzzing calls. It plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe and other small-seeded plants. It is a quick, canopy-foraging species often seen in pairs or small groups at forest edges and secondary growth.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a small, pendant purse-like nest of plant fibers and spider silk suspended from twigs. Both sexes partake in foraging; breeding territories are defended primarily during the nesting period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin, insect-like buzzes and short tsee notes delivered in quick sequences. The calls are frequent and carry well through the canopy, often betraying the bird’s presence before it is seen.
Plumage
Male with glossy dark blue-black upperparts and a clean white belly; female duller with olive-brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts. Compact, stubby-bodied with short tail and stout bill. Plumage shows a sharp contrast between dark upperparts and pale underparts, especially in males.
Diet
Feeds on small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, along with nectar from flowers. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage and twigs. Its fruit-eating habits aid in seed dispersal for several native plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy of forest, forest edge, and regenerating secondary growth. Also visits fruiting shrubs in gardens and plantations adjacent to forested areas.
