Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

Overview

The scarlet-backed flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) is a small passerine bird in the family Dicaeidae, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It exhibits notable sexual dimorphism, with males displaying navy blue upperparts and a bright red back, while females are predominantly olive green. This species is distributed across South and East Asia.

Identification

• Males feature a navy blue face, wings, and tail with a broad bright red stripe running from the crown to the upper tail coverts.
• Females are predominantly olive green with a black tail and scarlet upper tail coverts and rump.
• Both sexes have creamy white underparts, black eyes and legs, and a short tail; the species measures 9 cm in length and weighs 7 to 8 grams.
• Juveniles resemble females but possess an orange bill and lack the bright red rump.

Habitat

Found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, wooded areas, and occasionally gardens at elevations up to 1000 m. Its range spans Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is thought to be common throughout most of its range, particularly in Thailand, though considered rare in Bhutan and Nepal.

Diet

Observed feeding on the figs of Ficus fistulosa and F. grossularoides in Singapore, as well as visiting Syzygium jambos in urban Hong Kong.

Did you know?

The genus name Dicaeum was claimed by Cuvier to derive from an Ancient Greek word for a small Indian bird mentioned by the Roman author Claudius Aelianus, but it likely referred to the scarab beetle Scarabaeus sacer.