The small minivet is a small passerine bird. This minivet is found in tropical southern Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from Pakistan and India through Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia. It favors open deciduous woodland, dry scrub, forest edges, and cultivated areas including orchards and gardens. The species is most often seen in the canopy or subcanopy, where it actively gleans foliage. It avoids dense, closed-canopy rainforest but uses secondary growth and plantations readily.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The small minivet is a tiny, active canopy-gleaner that often joins mixed-species flocks, making it easier to spot by movement than by sound. Males are fiery orange below while females are lemon-yellow, a striking example of sexual dimorphism. It adapts well to open woodlands, orchards, and scrub, and is common across much of South and Southeast Asia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small parties, frequently joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small cup nest placed on a horizontal branch; both sexes participate in nesting duties. Outside the breeding season it can form loose flocks that move steadily while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and twitters, often a repeated swee-swee or see-see delivered from the canopy. Calls are subdued but persistent while foraging.
