The scarlet minivet is a small passerine bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. This minivet is found in tropical southern Asia from Northeast India to southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are common resident breeding birds in forests and other well-wooded habitats including gardens, especially in hilly country. While the male of most subspecies are scarlet to orange with black upper parts, the females are usually yellow with greyish olive upper parts. Several former subspecies have been elevated to a species status in recent works. These include the orange minivet. All subspecies have the same habits of gleaning for insects and are often seen in mixed-species foraging flocks, usually foraging in small groups, high up in the forest canopy.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern India and the Himalayan foothills through Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, and widely across Indochina to the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Prefers well-wooded habitats including primary and secondary evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and large tree-filled gardens. Most frequently forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to forest edges and clearings. Common in hilly country and along ridges where tall trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Scarlet minivets show striking sexual dimorphism: males are vivid scarlet to orange-red with black upperparts, while females are yellow with grey-olive upperparts. They often join mixed-species foraging flocks high in the canopy and glean insects from leaves and twigs. Several former subspecies have been elevated to full species in recent taxonomic revisions (e.g., orange minivet). They are adaptable within wooded landscapes, including hill forests and large gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting movements between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Often travels in small parties and regularly joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build neat cup nests placed high on exposed branches. They defend the immediate nest area but are otherwise tolerant of other small insectivores.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are clear, high-pitched whistles and sharp chips, often delivered in short series. The song is a sweet, ringing sequence of notes that carries well through the canopy.
