The Flores flowerpecker is a species of passerine bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae that is found in mountainous regions of the Indonesian island of Flores, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its natural habitats is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the blood-breasted flowerpecker, now renamed the Javan flowerpecker.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forest on the island of Flores. It uses primary forest, forest edges, and mature secondary growth, foraging from the midstory to canopy. The species often tracks flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs, including mistletoes. It may also visit gardens or clearings adjacent to forest when suitable food is available.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is confined to the montane forests of Flores in Indonesia. Males typically show a distinctive crimson patch on the throat to upper breast, while females are duller and olive-gray. Like other flowerpeckers, it is an important disperser of mistletoe seeds, often wiping sticky seeds onto branches after feeding. It was formerly treated as part of the blood-breasted (now Javan) flowerpecker complex before being recognized as distinct.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; may join mixed-species flocks when foraging. Pairs defend rich fruiting or flowering resources. The nest is a small, pear-shaped or purse-like structure suspended from foliage; both sexes contribute to nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin tseep notes and short, sweet twittering phrases. Calls are quick, repeated, and can be easily overlooked amid insect noise.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with smooth, clean plumage; male shows a bright crimson throat to upper breast against darker upperparts and pale underparts, female dull olive-gray above and paler below.
Diet
Primarily small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes (Loranthaceae), along with other tiny drupes and figs. Also takes nectar from flowers and occasionally small arthropods, especially during breeding for added protein. Often swallows berries whole and helps disperse seeds by wiping sticky seeds onto branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of montane forest, along edges, and in semi-open secondary growth. Frequently visits fruiting and flowering trees and mistletoe clumps along forest margins and ridgelines.
