The red-capped flowerpecker is a small passerine bird endemic to, and widespread within, New Guinea and adjacent islands. It has recently been split from the olive-crowned flowerpecker Dicaeum pectorale.
Region
New Guinea and adjacent islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and hill forests across New Guinea, including offshore islands, inhabiting primary and secondary rainforest, forest edge, and riverine woodland. Frequently visits village trees, gardens, and plantations where small berries are abundant. Also uses mangroves and coastal scrub locally. Its adaptability to disturbed habitats contributes to its widespread presence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-capped flowerpecker is a tiny, fast-moving frugivore that plays a key role in mistletoe seed dispersal by wiping sticky seeds onto branches. Males show a distinctive red crown and rump that flash as they flit through the canopy. It is widespread across New Guinea and nearby islands and was recently split from the olive-crowned flowerpecker (Dicaeum pectorale). Its tolerance of secondary growth and gardens helps keep it common in many areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, pendant, purse-like structures bound with plant fibers and spider silk, suspended from foliage. Both sexes participate in nesting and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of thin, high-pitched tsee or tsip notes, often delivered in quick sequences. Calls are sharp and metallic, frequently given while foraging high in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with a stout bill. Male shows a bright red crown and rump contrasting with dark olive to blackish upperparts and pale grayish underparts; female is more uniformly olive-green above with paler underparts and a less vivid or absent cap.
Diet
Primarily consumes small berries, especially mistletoe, swallowing them whole and wiping sticky seeds onto branches to aid dispersal. Also takes nectar from small flowers and supplements with tiny insects and spiders for protein. Foraging is rapid and methodical among fruiting foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid to upper canopy of forest and forest edge. Common in fruiting trees in gardens, village areas, and plantations where small berries are abundant.
