The crimson-crowned flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across Sulawesi in both lowland and montane evergreen forests, using primary forest, forest edge, and well-vegetated secondary growth. It forages high in the canopy but will descend to midstory along fruiting shrubs and edges. The species also visits gardens and plantations where suitable small fruits and blossoms are available. It tends to be most numerous where mistletoes and other small-berried plants are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker plays a key role in forest dynamics by dispersing mistletoe and other small-fruited plants; the sticky seeds often pass through the gut and are wiped onto branches. Males show a distinctive crimson crown that can look subdued in poor light but flashes brightly when the bird is excited. They are agile canopy feeders and frequently join mixed-species flocks around fruiting or flowering trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family parties and regularly joins mixed-species flocks at fruiting or flowering trees. Builds a small pendant, purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider silk, usually suspended from a thin branch. Clutch size is typically two to three eggs, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of high, thin tseet and tzip notes given in quick bursts. Also produces soft metallic ticks while foraging, with brief trills when agitated.
