Jerdon's minivet is a species of minivet found in Myanmar, mostly in dry deciduous forest. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the white-bellied minivet.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in Myanmar’s central dry zone, inhabiting dry deciduous forest, open woodland, and wooded scrub with scattered tall trees. It uses forest edges, riparian groves, teak and mixed broadleaf stands, and mosaics of degraded forest and agriculture. The species forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy but also works along edges and clearings. It is patchy and local where suitable open woodland persists.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Jerdon's minivet is a slender canopy insect-hunter named after the British naturalist T. C. Jerdon. It is largely confined to Myanmar’s dry zone, where it frequents open deciduous woods and wooded farmland. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the white-bellied minivet, but differs in details of plumage and range. It often joins mixed-species flocks, which can make it easy to overlook despite its contrasting colors.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies in the canopy
Social Behavior
Often travels in small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks of insectivores. Pairs nest high in trees, building neat cup nests on horizontal branches. Territorial during breeding but otherwise tolerant of conspecifics and other canopy gleaners.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, sweet whistled phrases and clear piping notes. Contact calls are high, sharp chips and twitters used to keep groups together.
Plumage
Slim minivet with clean contrasts; males are glossy black above with white forehead and underparts and bright orange-red rump and wing patches; females are grey-brown above with whitish underparts washed buff and yellowish wing panel.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, hemipterans, and flies. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and makes short sallies to snatch insects from the air. Occasionally hawks out from exposed perches and may probe clusters of dead leaves. Fruit intake is minimal but it may take small berries opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid to upper canopy of open deciduous woodland, along forest edges, and in trees scattered in farmland. Also uses riverine groves and secondary growth where tall trees remain. Frequently feeds within mixed flocks, moving methodically along branches.
