Region

Micronesia

Typical Environment

This species is confined to the islands of Palau, where it occupies lowland and hill forests, secondary growth, and forest edges. It readily uses thickets, coastal strand, and mangrove margins, and often ventures into plantations and village gardens. Birds typically forage from the understory to the canopy, moving quickly through foliage. Its adaptability to semi-disturbed habitats has aided its persistence on populated islands.

Altitude Range

0–250 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often travels in small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season and frequently joins mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during breeding, building a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or slender tree branches. Both parents participate in rearing the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A thin, high-pitched series of twittering notes interspersed with soft trills. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant zee or tsip sounds given frequently while foraging.

Diet

Feeds on small insects, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar and small fruits, aiding in pollination and seed dispersal. Occasionally hawks tiny flying insects during bursts of activity.

Preferred Environment

Forages in forest edges, secondary scrub, and gardens, from understory to canopy. Often follows flowering shrubs and fruiting trees and may join mixed-species flocks to exploit food patches.