Small Minivet

Overview

The small minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) is a small passerine bird found in tropical southern Asia. It is a widespread and common resident breeding bird ranging from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia.

Identification

• 16 cm long with a strong dark beak and long wings.
• Male has grey upperparts and head, with orange underparts fading to yellow on the belly, and orange tail edges, rump, and wing patches.
• Female is grey above with yellow underparts, including the face, tail edges, rump, and wing patches.
• Call is a high, thin swee swee swee.

Habitat

This species inhabits thorn jungle and scrub across tropical southern Asia. Its range extends from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia.

Diet

The small minivet catches insects in trees by flycatching or while perched. It also forms small flocks.

Did you know?

The female builds the nest, which is a cup-like structure containing two to four spotted eggs. There is significant racial variation, with the male of the southern race having more extensive scarlet underparts than the pale northern race.