The scarlet-collared flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae, about 10cm long and is endemic to the Philippines where it found only in the tropical moist lowland forests in Mindoro, usually occurring below 1000m in the canopy and edge of the forest and in open country with scattered trees. Along with the critically endangered Cebu flowerpecker, it is one of the two threatened flowerpeckers in the Philippines and is declining primarily due to habitat loss.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mindoro Island, primarily in tropical moist lowland forest. It uses forest edges, second-growth, and open country with scattered trees, but is most frequent in the canopy of intact or semi-intact forest. The species often tracks fruiting and flowering trees, including mistletoes. It is generally found below 1000 m, with highest densities in foothill forests and low elevations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is confined to Mindoro in the Philippines and favors lowland forest canopies. Males show a striking scarlet "collar" that contrasts with otherwise dark plumage, while females are much duller. It feeds heavily on mistletoe berries and small fruits, playing an important role in seed dispersal. Habitat loss has caused declines, making it one of the country’s threatened flowerpeckers.
A Scarlett-collared flowerpecker feeding on berries
Temperament
active but somewhat inconspicuous in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief bounding hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally associates with mixed-species flocks. Nests are typical flowerpecker purse-like structures made from plant fibers and spider silk, suspended from foliage. Territorial during breeding, with males displaying and calling from mid to upper canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsip and tsee notes, often delivered in quick sequences. Song is a simple, squeaky twitter, easily overlooked against insect noise. Calls are frequent while foraging among fruiting trees.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with glossy dark upperparts and contrasting underparts. Male shows a vivid scarlet collar across the upper breast and around the nape, with dark head and back and whitish underparts. Female is olive-brown above and pale buff to whitish below, lacking the bright collar, with a faint reddish wash sometimes present on the breast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes (Loranthaceae), which it swallows whole and later disperses the sticky seeds. Also takes nectar from blossoms and supplements its diet with small insects and spiders. Foraging is methodical, gleaning and snipping fruit in the canopy and subcanopy.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the upper levels of lowland forest, including edges and degraded stands with fruiting trees. Will visit secondary growth, riparian strips, and scattered trees in open country when fruiting resources are available.
