Cebu flowerpecker

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size10–11 cm

Wing Span15–18 cm

Male Weight0.01 kg

Female Weight0.009 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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