The yellow-vented flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. While most species have vestigial outermost primary feathers, those of the yellow-vented flowerpecker are elongated. This species was formerly placed in the genus Dicaeum.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia to the Greater Sundas. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest and extends into hill and lower montane forest. The species also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and fruit-rich gardens near forest. It is typically most numerous where mistletoes and small-fruited figs are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny flowerpecker is notable for its bright yellow vent and for having unusually elongated outermost primary feathers compared to most of its relatives. It plays an important role in dispersing mistletoe and other small-seeded plants by swallowing berries whole and passing or regurgitating the seeds. Often encountered high in the canopy, it is active and fast-moving, making brief visits to fruiting trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups, often associating with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs build a small purse-like pendant nest using plant fibers and spider silk. They are territorial around rich fruiting trees during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and tzip notes, often delivered in quick series. Vocalizations are sharp and contact-like, carrying well through the canopy despite the bird’s small size.
