The midget flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is found in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Solomon Islands archipelago, including larger islands and some satellite islets. It inhabits primary and secondary moist lowland forest, mangrove edges, and forest edges, and also ventures into montane forest. The species adapts to disturbed habitats such as gardens and plantations where fruiting shrubs are available. It forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy, moving rapidly between fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest passerines in its range, the midget flowerpecker is a quick, canopy-dwelling frugivore that helps disperse mistletoe and other small-fruited plants. It often uses spider silk and plant fibers to bind its tiny, hanging nest. Its high, thin calls can make it easier to detect than to see in dense foliage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, purse-like structures suspended from foliage, bound with spider silk and lined with soft fibers. Breeding behavior includes quiet, close pair association and discreet nest placement.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of high, thin tseet and see notes, often delivered in quick sequences. Also gives soft ticking and seep calls while foraging, which can carry surprisingly far in forest.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with smooth, plain plumage; upperparts olive to bronzy-olive, underparts pale buff to whitish with a slight yellowish wash on the flanks and vent. Females and immatures are duller and more uniformly olive, males slightly glossier above. Wings and tail are dark with no obvious wingbars.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, which it swallows whole and later disperses. Also takes nectar from small flowers and supplements its diet with tiny insects and spiders gleaned from foliage. The species plays an important role in seed dispersal for hemiparasitic plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of forest, mangroves, secondary growth, and gardens with fruiting shrubs. Frequently visits fruiting trees and mistletoe clumps along forest edges and in clearings.
