The mottled flowerpecker or white-mottled flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to Makira in the Solomon Islands. It inhabits primary forest and secondary growth, most commonly in the mountains.
Region
Makira Province, Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Makira in primary rainforest and well-regenerated secondary growth, with a preference for forested foothills and montane slopes. It forages along forest edges, clearings, and in the mid- to upper canopy where fruiting trees and mistletoes are abundant. It can also appear in old gardens and along ridgelines if suitable fruit is available. While present from lowlands upward, it is most frequently recorded at higher elevations where undisturbed forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mottled flowerpecker, also called the white-mottled flowerpecker, is a tiny canopy frugivore restricted to Makira in the Solomon Islands. It frequents fruiting trees and mistletoe clumps and is most often encountered on forested mountain slopes. Like other flowerpeckers, it builds a small, purse-like hanging nest. Its quiet, high-pitched calls can make it hard to detect despite being locally fairly common.
Temperament
active but rather shy in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain small territories around key fruiting trees. The species constructs a small pendant nest of plant fibers and spider webs, typically suspended from a slender branch. Both parents likely participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin tseep notes and short, wiry trills delivered from the canopy. The song is soft and easily overlooked amid insect noise. Contact calls are rapid, high-pitched chips given while foraging.
