Nilgiri Flowerpecker

Overview

The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) is a tiny bird in the flowerpecker family that is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the plain flowerpecker but has been recognised as a distinct full species by some taxonomists.

Identification

• Dicaeum concolor is a tiny bird approximately 9 cm long with no marked difference between males and females.
• The upperside is pale brown and the underside is whitish.
• It features a whitish brow in front of the eye that is wider than that of Dicaeum erythrorhynchos.
• The call consists of a sharp check or a rapid series of ticks, while the song is a high-pitched trill.

Habitat

This non-migratory species is found in the hill forests of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri hills of southern India. It inhabits woodland edges, cultivation, and isolated stands of trees, often in hilly country.

Diet

Feeds predominantly on nectar, soft berries, and small insects. It uses a feathery tongue to sip nectar and forages within the canopy of forests.

Did you know?

As a vital pollinator and disperser of mistletoes in tropical forests, the Nilgiri flowerpecker plays a significant ecological role beyond just its own survival. Its widespread distribution includes several non-overlapping populations that are morphologically distinct, some of which have been elevated to full species status.