The pygmy flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Philippines.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across multiple Philippine islands in lowland to foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is frequently found in the midstory and canopy where fruiting mistletoes and small berries are abundant. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats, including plantations and wooded gardens near forest. It favors areas with scattered trees and vine tangles and will move along forest margins in search of fruit.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This is one of the tiniest birds in the Philippines, often detected by its thin, high-pitched calls rather than by sight. It plays a key role in dispersing mistletoe seeds and visits small berries and flowers for food. The species can briefly hover to pluck fruit or sip nectar. Despite its size, it is remarkably active in the forest canopy and edge.
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Builds a small, pendant, purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider silk suspended from foliage. Both parents typically attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched tsi-tsi or seep notes, often delivered in quick series. Calls are sharp and piercing, carrying well through foliage, while song phrases are simple and repetitive.
Plumage
Very small, compact flowerpecker with dark olive-brown to dusky upperparts and pale buffy to whitish underparts; short tail and stubby bill. Underparts may show a faint yellowish wash on the belly and slight dusky mottling on the flanks. Lacks wing bars and has a clean, pale throat.
Diet
Primarily consumes tiny berries, especially mistletoe fruits, which it often swallows whole and later disperses the seeds. Also takes nectar from small flowers and supplements with small insects and other arthropods for protein. It forages methodically among foliage and will make short sallies or brief hovers to reach food.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory and canopy of forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with fruiting shrubs and vines. Readily uses semi-open habitats and wooded gardens where mistletoes are present.
