The Louisiade flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is found on Tagula, Misima and Rossel islands.
Region
Louisiade Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on Tagula (Sudest), Misima, and Rossel Islands in tropical lowland and hill forests. It uses primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and sometimes gardens with fruiting shrubs and trees. The species forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy but also drops to lower strata when small fruits are abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided fruit resources remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is restricted to the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea, where it occupies forests from coastal lowlands into the hills. Like many flowerpeckers, it is an important disperser of mistletoe and other small-fruited plants. Its quick, high-pitched calls often reveal it as it darts between fruiting trees in the canopy.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats with quick darting flights between perches
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Nests are typically small, purse-like structures of plant fibers bound with spider silk, suspended from foliage. Breeding behavior likely follows seasonal peaks in fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsip and tsee notes, often in quick series. Song is a soft, tinkling sequence delivered from the canopy and can be hard to locate.
Plumage
Small, compact flowerpecker with short tail and stout bill; upperparts typically olive-brown with paler underparts and a clean, plain look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, and supplements its diet with nectar and tiny arthropods. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Opportunistic at fruiting trees and shrubs, shifting locally as resources change.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of forest edges, secondary growth, and village gardens with fruiting plants. Frequently visits mistletoe clumps and small-fruited trees.
