The golden-rumped flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands. This species was named in honour of Anna Weber-van Bosse.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland to foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, where fruiting and flowering trees are abundant. It frequents the canopy and midstory, moving quickly between trees in search of small berries and nectar. The species also ventures into wooded gardens and agroforests when suitable food is available. Intact and lightly disturbed evergreen and semi-evergreen habitats are preferred, but it can tolerate some habitat mosaic.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-rumped flowerpecker is a tiny canopy-dwelling songbird named in honor of Dutch botanist Anna Weber-van Bosse. It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia and is most easily recognized by its striking golden rump. Like other flowerpeckers, it plays an important role in mistletoe seed dispersal. Its rapid, high-pitched calls often reveal it long before it is seen.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs build a small, pendant purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider silk. Both parents typically participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits high, thin tseet and tsip notes interspersed with brief trills. The song is fast and sibilant, often delivered from concealed perches in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with dark upperparts and pale underparts, highlighted by a bright golden rump patch. Feathers appear smooth and glossy above with cleaner, paler tones below.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, which it often swallows whole and later disperses. Also takes nectar from flowering trees and occasionally small insects for protein. Rapid foraging and frequent short hops between fruiting branches are typical.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy and midstory of forest edges, secondary growth, and orchards with fruiting or flowering trees. Will use semi-open habitats when key food plants are present.
