The cinnamon-bellied flowerpiercer is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from the highlands of southern Mexico south through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. It favors montane pine–oak and cloud forests, forest edges, second growth, and flowering gardens and coffee plantations. The species is frequently seen along shrubby edges and in clearings where tubular flowers are abundant. It is generally resident but may make local elevational movements following blooms.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the tanager family (Thraupidae), it is adapted for nectar robbing: its short, hooked bill pierces the base of flowers to sip nectar without pollinating. It also takes small insects and can thrive in human-altered habitats like shade coffee. Pairs often defend rich flowering shrubs, driving off other nectar-feeders. Despite its nectar-robbing reputation, it may still transfer some pollen incidentally.
Temperament
active and territorial around flowering shrubs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darting flights
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests. Pairs may defend nectar sources vigorously. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubbery or low trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of squeaky twitters and buzzy phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp, sibilant tsiit notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Male with dark slaty to blackish upperparts and rich cinnamon underparts; female duller, olive-brown above with warm cinnamon to rufous wash below. Both sexes have a short, sharply hooked bill typical of flowerpiercers.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar by piercing the bases of tubular flowers, a behavior known as nectar robbing. Also gleans small insects and spiders from foliage and occasionally takes small fruits or berries. It follows flowering cycles and defends productive plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering shrubs and trees along forest edges, second growth, gardens, and shade coffee. Frequently works mid-levels to canopy-height blooms and will descend to low hedges in human-modified landscapes.
