Legge's flowerpecker , also known as the white-throated flowerpecker, is a small passerine bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae. It is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka. It is named after the Australian ornithologist William Vincent Legge. This species was formerly placed in the genus Dicaeum.
Region
South Asia (Sri Lanka)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sri Lanka’s wet and intermediate zones, frequenting lowland and submontane rainforests, forest edges, and wooded gardens. It forages mainly in the canopy and upper mid-story but will descend to fruiting shrubs. The species is particularly associated with mistletoe-rich habitats and other small-berried trees. It also occurs in selectively logged forests and plantations with good canopy connectivity. In urban and village areas it persists where mature trees and flowering/fruiting plants are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Legge's flowerpecker is a tiny Sri Lankan endemic that often reveals itself by its crisp white throat and high, tinkling calls. It plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe seeds by swallowing the berries whole and wiping the sticky seeds onto branches. Typically seen high in the canopy, it also visits gardens with fruiting or flowering trees. The species honors the Australian ornithologist William Vincent Legge.
D. vincens male and female above compared with Dicaeum melanozanthum below.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with a fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in forest canopies. Pairs maintain small territories around key fruiting and mistletoe resources. The nest is a tiny hanging purse-shaped structure with a side entrance, suspended from a twig. Breeding coincides with periods of high fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched tsee and tzip notes given in quick bursts. It also emits soft metallic tinkling calls while foraging high in the canopy.
