The scarlet-backed flowerpecker is a species of passerine bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae. Sexually dimorphic, the male has navy blue upperparts with a bright red streak down its back from its crown to its tail coverts, while the female and juvenile are predominantly olive green. It is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and occasionally gardens in a number of countries throughout South and East Asia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia into southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical and subtropical lowland forests, secondary growth, forest edges, mangroves, plantations, and gardens. It favors areas with abundant fruiting mistletoe and other berry-producing shrubs and trees. Often found from the mid-canopy to the treetops but readily visits lower shrubs in open habitats. Common in both primary and disturbed habitats where small fruits are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tiny flowerpecker is a key disperser of mistletoe and other small-berried plants; its sticky droppings help seeds adhere to branches where they can germinate. It adapts well to human-modified habitats and is often seen in parks and gardens with fruiting shrubs. Males are strikingly colored, while females are much more subdued, aiding camouflage at the nest.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may join mixed-species flocks when foraging in fruiting trees. Nests are small, purse-like structures of plant fibers and spider silk suspended from twigs. Both sexes participate in nesting, and the species often defends fruiting resources against other small birds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin, and buzzy notes delivered in rapid sequences, often a repeated tsee-tsee or tinkling chatter. Calls are frequent while foraging and can carry surprisingly well for such a small bird.
Plumage
Male with glossy dark blue to blackish upperparts crossed by a vivid scarlet stripe from crown to upper tail coverts; underparts grayish to whitish. Female and juvenile olive-green above with paler underparts and lack the bright red stripe. Feathers are smooth and compact, giving a neat, sleek appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes small berries, especially mistletoe, along with other soft fruits. Supplements diet with nectar and small arthropods gleaned from foliage and flowers. Plays an important role in seed dispersal, with sticky seeds being wiped onto branches or passed intact through the gut.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, and plantations. Often concentrates on fruiting shrubs and parasitic mistletoes on host trees.
