The Sunda minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs on secondary forests of Sumatra and Java.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in secondary and primary forests, forest edges, and well-wooded plantations on Sumatra and Java. It favors mid- to upper-level canopy strata, often along ridges and mature secondary growth. The species adapts well to regenerating forests and edges, provided there is a connected canopy. It may also visit gardens and agroforests near forest margins.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, striking minivet of the canopy, the Sunda minivet shows strong sexual dimorphism: males are black with vivid orange-red patches, females are gray-olive with yellow. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving actively through mid to upper forest layers. By consuming caterpillars and other arthropods, it helps control forest pests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other canopy insectivores. Builds a small, neat cup nest placed on horizontal branches, typically well camouflaged with lichens. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and brief trills, often delivered while foraging. Calls are contact-oriented, keeping flock members together, with sharper chips when alarmed.
Plumage
Male is glossy black above with bright orange-red panels on the wings, tail edges, and underparts; female is gray-olive above with yellow underparts and subtler yellow wing edgings. Both sexes have sleek, compact plumage suited to active canopy foraging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on arthropods, especially caterpillars, beetles, and small flying insects. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies out to catch insects in mid-air. Small berries may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of secondary and primary forests, along edges, and in tall roadside or plantation trees. It often tracks insect swarms and follows mixed flocks to exploit disturbed foliage.
