The fiery minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. Its range includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Its natural habitats are broadleaf, secondary and coastal forests. It is threatened by forest clearance and has been assessed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia through Singapore and coastal/lowland regions of Sumatra, Borneo, and nearby islands, with scattered records in the Philippines. It inhabits evergreen lowland and coastal forests, including secondary growth, mangroves, and peat-swamp forest. The species favors forest edges and the mid- to upper canopy where it can sally for insects. It is largely absent from heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The fiery minivet is a strikingly dimorphic minivet: males are black with blazing orange panels, while females are grey-olive with yellow tones. It forages high in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks, making it more often heard than seen. The species is sensitive to lowland forest loss and fragmentation, especially in coastal and swamp forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small groups and regularly joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Builds a neat cup nest high in a forked branch, typically well camouflaged with lichens. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and sweet, piping notes. Contact calls are sharp, repeated see-see or tsip phrases given while foraging aloft.
