The red-banded flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Occurs on major islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, including New Britain and New Ireland, as well as nearby islets. It inhabits lowland and foothill rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth, and also visits plantations and village gardens. The species primarily forages in the mid- to upper canopy but will drop to lower levels along edges and clearings. It avoids extensive treeless areas but readily uses disturbed forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is endemic to Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago and is a key disperser of mistletoe and other small-seeded plants. Males show a distinctive red band across the breast, while females are duller and may have a faint or absent band. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. The species tolerates secondary growth and gardens, aiding its persistence near human settlements.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. The nest is a small, pear-shaped hanging pouch woven from plant fibers with a side entrance, suspended from fine twigs. Both sexes are involved in nesting duties and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseep and tzik calls, often delivered in quick series from the canopy. Song is a short, tinkling sequence of high notes interspersed with soft trills, carrying modestly through the forest edge.
Plumage
Compact, with olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts crossed by a narrow crimson band on the upper breast; wings and tail dusky. Males show a brighter, cleaner red band and can show a reddish rump; females are duller with a faint or absent band and buffy wash below.
Diet
Primarily consumes small berries and drupes, especially mistletoe fruits, which it swallows whole and later disperses. Supplements its diet with small arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Occasionally takes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees. Plays an important role in seed dispersal within forest and edge habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- and upper canopy of primary and secondary forest, along edges, and in tall garden trees. Frequently visits fruiting mistletoes and other small-fruited plants. Will exploit village plantings and plantations when suitable fruiting resources are available.
