The white-bellied minivet is a species of minivet found in India, mostly in dry deciduous forest.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Primarily found in central and northwestern India in dry deciduous forest, thorn scrub, and open woodland with scattered trees. It favors teak and acacia-dominated habitats, groves, and forest edges near cultivation. The species adapts to lightly degraded woodland and roadside tree lines, provided enough canopy remains. It typically avoids dense evergreen forest and very open treeless plains.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied minivet is a small, active passerine of dry woodlands, often seen in lively pairs or small parties. Males show a striking contrast of black upperparts and a clean white belly with a bright reddish rump, while females are greyer with subtler orange tones. They frequently join mixed-species flocks and forage by gleaning insects from foliage and making short sallies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Breeding pairs are monogamous, building a neat cup nest high on a horizontal branch fork. They communicate with soft contact calls while moving through the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and twittering notes, delivered in short phrases. Calls include sharp chips and soft trills used to keep contact within roaming parties.
Plumage
Male with glossy black head and upperparts, clean white underparts, and a vivid reddish rump and undertail; bold white wing panels contrast with black wings. Female is grey-brown above with whitish underparts and a reduced orange or yellowish wash on the rump and wing edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, caterpillars, bugs, and flies gleaned from leaves and twigs. It frequently makes short sallies to snatch aerial prey and probes clusters of dry leaves for hidden insects. Occasional consumption of small berries may occur but is minor compared to insect prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of open woodland, along forest edges, and in groves of scattered trees near fields. It also uses roadside avenues and scrubby patches where tree cover is patchy.
