The yellow-rumped flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia on the island of Borneo, to which it is endemic. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs across the island of Borneo in Brunei, Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and Indonesian Kalimantan. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland evergreen forest, heath and peat-swamp forest, and lower montane forest. The species also uses forest edges and fruiting trees within selectively logged areas. It can venture into gardens or plantations adjacent to forest when small fruits are abundant. Local movements track fruiting mistletoes and other resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is endemic to the island of Borneo and is a key disperser of mistletoe and other small-fruited plants. It often wipes sticky seeds onto branches, helping parasitic plants establish and shaping forest dynamics. Sexes are subtly dimorphic, with females generally duller than males, and the species is most easily recognized by its bright yellow rump.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley - Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small, pendant purse-like structures made from plant fibers and spider silk, suspended from slender branches. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin, and tinkling notes delivered in short series. Calls include sharp tseep or tsit contact notes, often given while foraging in the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed flowerpecker with olive-green to dark olive upperparts and a conspicuous bright yellow rump; underparts pale buff to yellowish with cleaner throat. Wings are dark with pale edging; females are duller with a less vivid rump.
Diet
Primarily consumes tiny berries—especially mistletoes—swallowing them whole and dispersing the seeds. Also takes other small fruits, nectar, and occasionally small arthropods for protein, particularly during the breeding season. Frequently wipes sticky seeds on branches, aiding mistletoe establishment.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy at fruiting trees and mistletoe clumps. Also forages along forest edges and in secondary growth, sometimes visiting flowering shrubs in adjacent gardens.
