The little minivet, also known as the Flores minivet, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to Flores Island, where it inhabits subtropical to tropical moist lowland and foothill forests. It uses primary forest, edges, and well-developed secondary growth with a tall canopy. The species typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy, often along forest margins and ridgelines. It may venture into lightly wooded plantations and roadside forest strips when tree cover remains connected.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little minivet (Flores minivet) is a small, canopy-dwelling cuckooshrike that often joins mixed-species flocks as it forages. Males show vivid orange-red patches that stand out against dark upperparts, while females are more subdued yellow-olive for better camouflage. It is endemic to Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia and favors intact and lightly disturbed lowland forests. Like other minivets, it gleans insects from foliage and makes short sallies to catch prey.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Often found in pairs or small family parties, frequently joining mixed-species flocks with other canopy insectivores. Builds a neat cup nest high on exposed branches. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding but range more widely while flocking outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills, often delivered from the canopy. Contact calls are sharp, clipped 'tchip' notes exchanged between flock members.
Plumage
Male shows glossy dark upperparts with bright orange-red patches on the forehead, rump, wing panel, and on the underparts; the female is grey-olive above with yellow underparts and a yellowish wing panel. Both sexes have sleek, compact plumage suited to agile canopy foraging. Tail is fairly long and slightly graduated.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, hemipterans, and other small arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and makes short aerial sallies to catch flying insects. Occasional small fruits or berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of lowland and foothill forest, especially along edges and gaps where insect activity is high. Also uses secondary growth and tall wooded plantations when canopy continuity is present.
