The grey-bellied flowerpiercer is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in the Bolivian Andes and far northwestern Argentina.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Bolivian Andes extending into far northwestern Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán). It inhabits humid montane and cloud forest edges, elfin forest, and shrubby second growth, often with patches of Polylepis or Alnus. The species readily uses hedgerows and flowering gardens near forest. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy, especially along edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
2000–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Flowerpiercers obtain nectar by piercing the base of flowers with their fine, slightly upturned bill, often bypassing the normal pollination route. The grey-bellied flowerpiercer also takes small insects, especially when feeding young. It frequents edges of cloud forests and shrubby elfin woodlands where tubular flowers are abundant. Pairs defend small feeding territories around productive flowering shrubs.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovers at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Pairs maintain small feeding territories around flowering shrubs. The cup nest is placed in dense vegetation, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high, twittering series of notes given from a perch within shrubs. Calls include sharp tsit and seet sounds, often delivered while foraging. Vocalizations can be persistent during the breeding season.
Plumage
Male is dark slaty to blackish above with a contrasting gray belly and flanks; female is browner above with dull grayish underparts. Both sexes show a neat, compact appearance with smooth, unpatterned plumage and slightly darker wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar obtained by piercing the base of tubular flowers such as Fuchsia and other montane shrubs. Also hawks or gleans small insects and spiders from foliage, particularly when provisioning nestlings. Occasionally takes small fruits or berries. Foraging is quick and methodical, moving between flowering plants and sallying short distances.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in shrubby clearings, elfin woodland, and gardens with abundant flowering plants. Often forages at mid-levels but will hover or perch to access nectar and arthropods.
