The yellow-crowned flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to Luzon Island in the Philippines. It was formerly conspecific with the Flame-crowned flowerpecker of Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and mossy forests of Luzon, favoring mid-elevation to high-elevation ridges and slopes. It frequents the canopy and edges where mistletoes and other small-fruited plants are abundant. Birds also visit forest gaps, clearings with shrubs, and fruiting trees along trails and roads. It is generally scarce to uncommon and patchily distributed where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1000–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is confined to the highlands of Luzon in the Philippines and was formerly treated as conspecific with the Flame-crowned Flowerpecker of Mindanao. It specializes on mistletoe berries and is an important seed disperser in montane forests. Its preference for intact mossy forest makes it sensitive to logging and habitat fragmentation.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often associates loosely with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small, purse-like hanging nest with a side entrance from plant fibers and lichens. Breeding likely follows local seasonal peaks in fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched seeps and rapid tinkling notes, often delivered from the canopy. Vocalizations are soft but frequent while foraging, with short series of sharp tsip calls.
