The mistletoebird, also known as the mistletoe flowerpecker, is a species of flowerpecker native to most of Australia and also to the eastern Maluku Islands of Indonesia in the Arafura Sea between Australia and New Guinea. The mistletoebird eats mainly the berries of the parasitic mistletoe and is a vector for the spread of the mistletoe's seeds through its digestive system.
Region
Australia and eastern Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Found across most of mainland Australia, from tropical north to temperate south, wherever mistletoes are present in woodlands and open forests. It frequents eucalypt and acacia woodlands, riparian corridors, and wooded urban parks with host trees. It is scarce in treeless deserts and dense closed forests. Also occurs on nearby Arafura Sea islands of eastern Maluku. Movements track mistletoe fruiting, leading to local nomadism.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is a key vector for mistletoe, swallowing the berries whole and passing the sticky seeds rapidly so they adhere to branches and germinate. Its nest is a delicate, hanging purse woven from plant fibers and spider silk, usually suspended high in foliage. Males show striking red patches, while females are much subtler and harder to spot.
Mistletoe in Eucalyptus woodland. Central New South Wales.
Deposited mistletoe seed. Sticky, to facilitate propagation in the host tree.
Temperament
active and mobile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but small loose groups form at fruiting mistletoes. Pairs construct a pendant, purse-shaped nest from plant down and spiderweb. Both parents feed the young, often adding small insects for protein. Territoriality is modest and often centered on fruit resources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, tinkling notes and rapid seet calls delivered from canopy perches or in flight. The song is simple and repetitive, carrying surprisingly well for such a small bird.
