The Cambodian flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae that is native to east Thailand and Cambodia. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the fire-breasted flowerpecker.
Region
Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs in Cambodia and adjacent eastern Thailand, mainly in lowland to foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It frequents areas with abundant mistletoe, along riparian corridors and in mixed woodland mosaics. The species also ventures into orchards and gardens where small-fruited trees and shrubs are available. It typically forages from the midstory to the canopy but will descend to lower strata when food is plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker was long treated as a subspecies of the fire-breasted flowerpecker but is now recognized as distinct based on range and subtle plumage and vocal differences. It plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe and other small-fruited plants by swallowing berries whole. Its quick, darting movements and high-pitched calls make it easy to overlook in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups that track fruiting or mistletoe-laden trees. Builds a neat, pendant, purse-like nest of plant fibers and spider silk suspended from foliage. Breeding is timed to peaks in fruit availability, often during or just after the wet season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tsee and seeep notes interspersed with short trills. Vocalizations are rapid and sibilant, often given while foraging high in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with smooth, glossy upperparts and cleaner, paler underparts. Males show a small fiery to orange breast patch set on otherwise pale yellow underparts, with darker upperparts. Females are duller, olive above and yellowish below, lacking the bright breast patch. Both sexes have a short, stout, slightly downcurved bill.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, which it often swallows whole and later disperses. Also takes nectar from blossoms and occasionally gleans tiny insects and spiders for protein. Its rapid digestive passage helps spread seeds across forest patches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, at edges, and in secondary growth. Will use fruiting garden trees and roadside vegetation when resources are available.
