The olive-crowned flowerpecker is a small passerine bird in the flowerpecker family, Dicaeidae. It is found in far western New Guinea and on adjacent islands.
Region
Western New Guinea and adjacent West Papuan islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the far west of New Guinea and nearby islands, especially within the Raja Ampat group and the Bird’s Head Peninsula. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and foothill rainforest, forest edges, and wooded gardens. Most often seen in the canopy or upper midstory where small fruits are abundant. It adapts to lightly disturbed habitats provided fruiting shrubs and trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A tiny, active flowerpecker of the far western New Guinea region, it frequents the canopy and edges of lowland forests. It plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe and other small-fruited plants. Its high, thin calls often reveal its presence before the bird is seen. Pairs or small family groups may join mixed-species flocks in fruiting trees.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often moving methodically through fruiting trees. Will associate with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, well-hidden purses or domes suspended in foliage, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched tseep and tinkling notes delivered in brief series. Songs are soft and can be easily masked by insect noise, but frequent contact calls betray its presence as it forages.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with olive-green upperparts and an olive-toned crown; underparts are pale grayish to buff with a light yellow wash, cleaner on the throat and belly.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes and other hemi-parasitic plants. Also takes nectar from small flowers and supplements its diet with tiny insects and spiders. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and upper midstory of forest and at edges where fruiting plants are common. Will visit secondary growth, gardens, and village trees when fruit is available.
