The pink-breasted flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae that is native to the south and southeast Maluku Islands of Indonesia. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the mistletoebird.
Region
Southern Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Found on islands such as Tanimbar, Kei, and nearby smaller islets. Occupies coastal scrub, mangroves, lowland forests, secondary growth, and village gardens. Often uses forest edges and disturbed habitats where mistletoes and other berry-bearing plants are common.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small flowerpecker is confined to the south and southeast Maluku Islands of Indonesia, where it favors edge habitats and gardens. It was long treated as a subspecies of the mistletoebird but is now recognized as a distinct species. Like many flowerpeckers, it is an important disperser of mistletoe and other small-fruited plants.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small family groups at fruiting shrubs and trees. Builds a small pouch-like nest suspended from foliage, with both parents involved in care. Territorial around rich fruit sources during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, tinkling notes interspersed with sharp chip calls. Song is a quick series of squeaky whistles delivered from the canopy or midstory.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with olive to dusky upperparts and pale grayish underparts washed pink across the breast; undertail often tinged reddish. Bill short, stout, and slightly decurved.
Diet
Primarily consumes small berries, especially mistletoes, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds via droppings. Also takes other soft fruits, a little nectar, and small arthropods for protein. Forages methodically among foliage and fruiting clusters.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, and gardens with abundant berry-bearing plants. Often visits parasitic mistletoes high in the canopy but also drops to lower shrubs.
