The Sumba flowerpecker is a species of passerine bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae that is found on the Indonesian island of Sumba, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist forest. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the blood-breasted flowerpecker, now renamed the Javan flowerpecker.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumba)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forested habitats on Sumba, favoring subtropical or tropical moist lowland and hill forest, edges, and secondary growth. It also visits fruiting and flowering trees in degraded forest and sometimes gardens near forest margins. The species forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy, often moving quickly between fruiting mistletoes. It can be locally common where intact habitat persists but is sensitive to extensive forest loss.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sumba flowerpecker is a tiny canopy-dwelling fruit specialist restricted to the Indonesian island of Sumba. Males typically show a bright reddish patch on the throat or breast, while females are plainer and more olive. It was formerly treated as part of the blood-breasted flowerpecker complex, which has since been split with the Javan population now treated separately. Like many flowerpeckers, it plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe and other small-fruited plants.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; may join mixed-species flocks when trees are fruiting. Breeding pairs defend small territories around nest sites and key fruiting/flowering trees. The nest is a small, pendant purse-like structure woven from plant fibers and spider silk, typically suspended from a thin branch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, sibilant notes and short buzzy trills delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp tsit or tsee notes given frequently while foraging.
