Pale-billed Flowerpecker

Overview

The pale-billed flowerpecker, also known as Tickell's flowerpecker, is a tiny bird found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar. It is a common resident of urban gardens with berry-bearing trees and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Tiny bird measuring approximately 8 cm in length.
• Plain brownish to olive green plumage with a buff olive underside that lacks strong contrast or head markings.
• Features a distinctive pinkish curved beak.
• Produces a rapid chipping call.

Habitat

Found in forested areas and urban gardens, particularly those containing berry-bearing trees. Its range extends across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar.

Diet

Feeds on nectar and berries, swallowing fruits like those of Muntingia calabura whole or crushing ripe ones to access the pulp. It also sips nectar from flowers such as Sterculia colorata and Woodfordia floribunda, aiding in pollination.

Did you know?

The bird aids in seed dispersal by voiding seeds after a rapid three-to-four-minute passage through its gut; it applies its vent to a perch to deposit the sticky-coated seed, which then sticks to the branch to germinate.