Nilgiri flowerpecker

The Nilgiri flowerpecker is a tiny bird in the flowerpecker family. Formerly a subspecies of what used to be termed as the plain flowerpecker although that name is now reserved for Dicaeum minullum. Like others of the group, it feeds predominantly on nectar and fruits. They forage within the canopy of forests and are found in India. They are non-migratory and the widespread distribution range includes several populations that are non-overlapping and morphologically distinct, some of which are recognized as full species. They are important pollinators and dispersers of mistletoes in forests.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

Western Ghats, South India

Typical Environment

Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shola–grassland mosaics, and wooded plantations across the Western Ghats. It frequents forest edges, canopy gaps, and shade-tree corridors in coffee and cardamom estates. The species often visits gardens and parks where mistletoes or small-fruited trees are present. It is typically non-migratory and maintains year-round territories.

Altitude Range

300–1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size8–9 cm

Wing Span12–15 cm

Male Weight0.008 kg

Female Weight0.008 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This tiny Western Ghats endemic is a key pollinator and seed disperser of mistletoes, often wiping sticky seeds onto branches after swallowing the berries. Its high, thin calls make it easier to detect than to see, as it forages high in the canopy. Formerly treated within the broad 'plain flowerpecker' complex, it is now recognized as a distinct species.

Gallery

Nligiri flowerpecker from Western Ghats, Kerala

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups, and it readily joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs defend small feeding territories when mistletoes are fruiting. The nest is a small purse- or pouch-like structure of plant fibers and spider silk, suspended from a slender twig with a side entrance.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives very high, thin tseep and tsee notes in quick series, often delivered from within foliage. Song is a rapid, tinkling sequence that can be easily overlooked amid insect noise.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Nilgiri flycatcher

The Nilgiri flycatcher is an Old World flycatcher with a very restricted range in the hills of southern India. It was formerly referred to as the Nilgiri verditer flycatcher because of its similarity to the verditer flycatcher, a winter migrant to the Nilgiris, which, however, has distinct dark lores and a lighter shade of blue. There are two small white patches at the base of the tail. It is found mainly in the higher altitude shola forests of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.

Nilgiri laughingthrush

The Nilgiri laughingthrush is a species of laughingthrush endemic to the high elevation areas of the Nilgiris and adjoining hill ranges in Peninsular India. The mostly rufous underparts, olive brown upperparts, a prominent white eyebrow and a black throat make it unmistakable. It is easily detected by its loud series of nasal call notes and can be hard to spot when it is hidden away inside a patch of dense vegetation. The species has a confusing taxonomic history, leading to a range of names. In the past the species was considered to have two subspecies, the nominate form in the Nilgiris and jerdoni with a grey upper breast and found in the Brahmagiris of Coorg and Banasura range of Wayanad. They are omnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, berries and nectar.

Nilgiri pipit

The Nilgiri pipit is a distinctive species of pipit that is endemic to the high altitude hills of southern India. Richer brown in colour than other pipits in the region, it is distinctive in having the streaking on the breast continuing along the flanks. It is non-migratory and has a tendency to fly into low trees when disturbed and is closely related to the tree pipits Anthus hodgsoni and Anthus trivialis.

Nilgiri wood pigeon

The Nilgiri wood pigeon is a large pigeon found in the moist deciduous forests and sholas of the Western Ghats in southwestern India. They are mainly frugivorous and forage in the canopy of dense hill forests. They are best identified in the field by their large size, dark colours and the distinctive checkerboard pattern on their nape.