The whiskered flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss. This species was formerly placed in the genus Dicaeum.
Region
Mindanao (southern Philippines)
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane and mossy forests on Mindanao, favoring mature forest and well-vegetated edges. It is most frequently encountered in the mid to upper canopy where mistletoes are abundant. The species may also use secondary growth if fruiting resources are present, but is most regular in intact montane habitats. It can be local and inconspicuous, often detected by call.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The whiskered flowerpecker is a tiny canopy-dwelling bird that specializes in mistletoe berries, helping disperse their sticky seeds. It shows subtle pale 'whisker' markings near the bill that give the species its name. Pairs often forage quietly in the mid to upper canopy and are more often detected by their thin, high-pitched calls than by sight.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are small, pendulous, pouch-like structures constructed from plant fibers, moss, and spider silk. Breeding behavior is discreet within dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Call is a series of thin, high-pitched see or tzip notes, often delivered from the canopy. Song consists of soft, rapid, squeaky phrases that can be easily overlooked in forest noise.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, grayish to buff underparts and fine, sometimes faint streaking below. Short, stubby bill typical of flowerpeckers; subtle pale malar 'whiskers' near the bill. Overall plain but with clean contrasts between the dusky upperparts and lighter underparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits, especially mistletoe berries, which it swallows whole and later disperses via sticky seeds. Supplements its diet with nectar and small arthropods gleaned from foliage. Plays an important ecological role in mistletoe seed dispersal within montane forests.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy where fruiting mistletoes and other small berries are available. Also visits forest edges and gaps with fruiting shrubs or lianas.
