The Cebu flowerpecker is a small passerine bird. It is endemic to Cebu Island in the Philippines. Feared to have become extinct early in the 20th century, it was rediscovered in 1992 in a small patch of limestone forest in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. It has since been found at three other sites, namely the Nug-as forest of Alcoy, Mount Lantoy of Argao and the forests of Dalaguete. While sightings until the 2000s were frequent, this species became rarer and rarer and some now believe that this species is now extinct. There are unverified sightings in Tabunan with the latest claimed in 2024.
Region
Central Visayas
Typical Environment
Now restricted to small forest remnants on Cebu Island, especially within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, and also reported from Nug-as forest (Alcoy), Mount Lantoy (Argao), and forests in Dalaguete. It favors lowland to foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen limestone forests with abundant fruiting mistletoes. The species will use mature secondary growth and forest edges but requires tall trees and a semi-closed canopy. Habitat is highly fragmented, and movements between patches are likely limited.
Altitude Range
100–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny, elusive flowerpecker is found only on Cebu Island in the Philippines and was rediscovered in 1992 after decades without confirmed records. It persists in a few tiny forest fragments, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Like many flowerpeckers, it relies heavily on mistletoe berries and helps disperse their seeds. Field detection is often by its thin, high-pitched calls rather than by sight.
Temperament
secretive and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, hanging purse-like structures typical of flowerpeckers, placed high in foliage. Breeding is presumed to align with peak fruiting periods when mistletoes are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched tseep and sibilant notes that can be easily overlooked in insect noise. Song is a short series of sharp, squeaky phrases interspersed with soft contact calls.
Plumage
Male is striking with dark bluish to black upperparts, bright scarlet patches on the crown and rump, and pale underparts with a faint yellowish wash; bill short and stout. Female is duller, olive-brown above with buffy to whitish underparts and less contrast overall. Both sexes have compact bodies, short tails, and a stubby bill typical of flowerpeckers.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes (Loranthaceae), swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds. It also takes nectar from flowers and opportunistically gleans small insects and spiders. Foraging is deliberate and focused on fruiting or flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and along forest edges where mistletoes and other fruiting plants are abundant. It will use tall secondary growth but requires remnant mature trees and vine tangles that host mistletoes.
