The flame-crowned flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines. The yellow-crowned flowerpecker, which is endemic to Luzon, was formerly considered conspecific.
Region
Southern Philippines (Mindanao highlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in montane and mossy forests, favoring edges, clearings, and secondary growth where mistletoes and small fruiting trees are abundant. It forages from the mid-canopy to the treetops and will descend to lower strata when shrubs are in fruit. The species tolerates light disturbance and may visit flowering or fruiting trees in forest-fringe gardens. Riparian forest patches within upland zones are also used when mistletoes are present.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker specializes on mistletoe berries and helps disperse their seeds by swallowing the fruits whole. Males show a vivid flame-orange to yellow crown that can glow in good light, while females are duller. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Yellow-crowned Flowerpecker found on another Philippine island, but is now recognized as distinct by many authorities.
Preserved specimen at Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. The species builds a small, pear-shaped pendant nest from plant fibers and spider silk, typically suspended from a thin branch. Both parents participate in care around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched tsee and tsip notes, often delivered in quick series. The song is a rapid, tinkling sequence of buzzy, sibilant notes that can be hard to locate high in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with dark slate-olive upperparts and clean pale underparts; crown shows a bright flame-orange to yellow patch in males, duller and smaller in females. Feathers are smooth and glossy above with a neat, unmarked belly.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small fruits, especially mistletoe berries, which it swallows whole and later ejects seeds, aiding plant dispersal. Also takes other tiny berries and soft fruits, nectar from blossoms, and occasionally small arthropods for protein. Foraging is deliberate, moving between fruiting clumps and flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of montane and mossy forests, especially where mistletoes are common. Frequently uses forest edges, gaps, and secondary growth, and may visit fruiting trees near forest margins and ridgelines.
