White-bellied Minivet

Overview

The white-bellied minivet (Pericrocotus erythropygius) is a species of minivet found in India, Nepal, and Myanmar. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its stable population and extensive range.

Identification

• The male has a shiny black head, neck, tail, and mantle with a white collar, orange throat, and white underparts.
• The female features duller dark gray upperparts, black wings, and a black tail, but retains the white collar and orange rump.
• Both sexes display white markings on the wings and measure between 18.5 and 20 cm in length.
• Its voice is described as a pleasant whistle.

Habitat

Native to Nepal, India, and central Myanmar, this species mainly inhabits dry deciduous forests. It also occupies open savanna with sparse acacia shoots, dry grasslands, and agricultural land, covering an area of over 20,000 km².

Diet

The white-bellied minivet feeds primarily on insects, which it catches either in flight or by perching in the canopy of trees.

Did you know?

The nest is constructed as a cup-shaped structure woven with small twigs and spider webs, specifically to increase the strength of the nest.