Scarlet Minivet

Overview

The scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus) is a small passerine bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. It is a common resident breeding bird found throughout tropical southern Asia. Several former subspecies have recently been elevated to species status, including the orange minivet.

Identification

• Males typically feature black upperparts and head with scarlet underparts, tail edges, rump, and wing patches, though shades of orange vary across populations.
• Females are grey above with yellow underparts, including the face, tail edges, rump, and wing patches.
• Measures 20–22 cm in length with a strong dark beak and long wings.
• Song is described as a pleasant whistling.

Habitat

Found in tropical southern Asia from Northeast India to southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They inhabit forests and other well-wooded habitats, including gardens, particularly in hilly country. The species has a wide geographic variation with several disjunct populations across the region.

Diet

Feeds on insects by flycatching or while perched, often flushing insects out of foliage by beating its wings hard. It is frequently seen in mixed-species foraging flocks and usually forages in small groups high up in the forest canopy.

Did you know?

The nest is a cup-like structure woven with small twigs and spiders' webs to increase its strength. Incubation is primarily performed by the female, although both parents assist in raising the offspring.