The plain flowerpecker is a bird in the family Dicaeidae. The species was described and given its binomial name by Robert Swinhoe in 1870. It is found in the central Himalayas, through western Indonesia to Taiwan.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the central Himalayas through northeastern India and Bangladesh into Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, extending south through Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo, and east to southern China, Hainan, and Taiwan. It frequents lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, second-growth, plantations, and well-wooded gardens. Often common in disturbed habitats where mistletoes are abundant. It can be locally numerous in mosaic landscapes of woodland and cultivation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny member of the flowerpecker family, it is widespread from the central Himalayas across mainland Southeast Asia to Taiwan and parts of western Indonesia. It plays an important role in forest regeneration by dispersing the seeds of mistletoes and other small-berried plants. Its appearance is notably plain, which makes it easy to overlook despite its sharp, high-pitched calls.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with a fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, purse-like structures suspended from foliage, bound with plant fibers and spider silk with a side entrance. Both parents typically participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin tsee-tsee notes delivered in short series. Calls are sharp chips and squeaks, often given while foraging and useful for detection in dense foliage.
