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The Buzzing Flowerpecker (Dicaeum hypoleucum) is a small passerine bird endemic to the Philippines. It is characterized by its relatively plain plumage, with olive-green upperparts and whitish underparts, and a short, stout bill. Its name derives from its distinctive buzzing call.
Size & lifespan
- Length
- 8-9 cm
- Wingspan
- 12-14 cm
- Weight
- 6-8 g
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years (estimated in wild)
- Diet
- Frugivore, Nectarivore, Insectivore
Physical characteristics
- Plumage
- Adults have olive-green upperparts, including the crown, nape, mantle, back, and rump. The wings and tail are dusky with olive-green edgings. Underparts are dull white to pale greyish-white, often with a faint yellowish wash on the flanks. The undertail-coverts are white. There are no prominent markings or streaks.
- Beak shape
- Short, stout, and slightly decurved conical bill, typical of flowerpeckers. The bill is dark horn-colored to blackish.
- Eye color
- Dark brown
- Leg color
- Dark grey to blackish
- Distinguishing features
- Small size, plain olive-green upperparts, and whitish underparts. Lacks the bright red or yellow patches seen in many other flowerpecker species. The buzzing call is a key auditory identifier.
- Juvenile appearance
- Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage, sometimes with a faint yellowish tinge on the underparts, and a slightly paler bill base.
- Seasonal changes
- No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Males and females are monomorphic in plumage, appearing identical.
How to identify
- 1
Size and Shape
Look for a very small, plump, short-tailed bird with a short, stout bill. Its overall silhouette is compact.
- 2
Plumage Coloration
Observe the plain olive-green upperparts and dull whitish underparts. Note the absence of any bright patches or strong markings on the body.
- 3
Vocalization
Listen for its characteristic high-pitched, sharp 'zit' or 'tsip' call, often repeated, which sounds distinctly 'buzzing'.
- 4
Behavior
Watch for its active foraging behavior, flitting rapidly among branches in the canopy, often seen feeding on small berries or probing flowers.
- 5
Habitat
Confirm its presence in lowland to montane forest and forest edge habitats within the Philippines.
Habitat & range
- Biomes
- Tropical moist lowland forests, tropical moist montane forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and sometimes cultivated areas with scattered trees.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to the Philippines, found on various islands including Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Negros, Panay, and others.
- Elevation range
- Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters (occasionally higher, up to 2,000 meters in some areas).
- Preferred environments
- Prefers the canopy and sub-canopy of forests, often foraging among flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs. Also found in disturbed forest habitats and plantations.
Behavior
- Activity time
- Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.
- Feeding habits
- Primarily feeds on small fruits, especially mistletoe berries, which are a staple for many flowerpeckers. Also consumes nectar from flowers and small insects (spiders, caterpillars) gleaned from foliage. It is an important disperser of mistletoe seeds.
- Social behavior
- Usually observed singly or in pairs. May join mixed-species foraging flocks, especially with other small insectivorous or frugivorous birds.
- Flight pattern
- Flight is typically fast and direct, often with rapid wing beats, characteristic of small passerines moving between trees.
- Migration pattern
- Resident and sedentary throughout its range, with no known migratory movements.
- Territoriality
- Likely territorial, especially during the breeding season, defending nesting and foraging areas, though specific details are not extensively documented.
Song & calls
- Song
- The song is a series of high-pitched, rapid, and often buzzing or trilling notes. It can be described as a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'zit-zit-zit' often delivered quickly.
- Call
- The most characteristic call is a sharp, high-pitched 'zit' or 'tsip', often repeated, which gives the bird its common name 'Buzzing Flowerpecker'. Also produces softer 'chip' notes.
- When they vocalize
- Vocalizes throughout the day, particularly when foraging or interacting with conspecifics. Calls are more frequent during the breeding season.
Breeding & reproduction
- Breeding season
- Breeding season varies geographically within the Philippines, generally occurring between March and July, coinciding with periods of abundant food resources.
- Nesting habits
- Builds a small, pendulous, purse-shaped nest suspended from a twig or branch, typically in a tree or shrub. The nest is constructed from fine plant fibers, cobwebs, and moss, often camouflaged with lichen.
- Clutch size
- Usually 2-3 eggs.
- Egg description
- Eggs are typically plain white, sometimes with a faint gloss. Specific dimensions are not widely published but are consistent with other small flowerpeckers.
- Incubation period
- Approximately 12-14 days (estimated, based on similar species).
- Fledging period
- Chicks fledge around 12-15 days after hatching (estimated).
- Parental care
- Both parents are believed to participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young.
Where to find
Forest Canopy
Often found high in the canopy of trees, making it challenging to spot. Look for movement among leaves.
Fruiting/Flowering Trees
Concentrate efforts around trees and shrubs that are currently fruiting (especially mistletoe) or flowering, as these are primary food sources.
Forest Edges and Secondary Growth
Can be found at the edges of primary and secondary forests, and in disturbed areas where food plants are available.
Field tips
- Listen for Calls. Its distinctive buzzing call is often the first indication of its presence. Learn to recognize this call to locate the bird.
- Scan Fruiting Plants. Spend time observing fruiting mistletoe or other berry-producing plants. Flowerpeckers are often attracted to these food sources.
- Use Binoculars. Due to its small size and tendency to stay in the canopy, good binoculars are essential for a clear view.
- Patience. These are active but often inconspicuous birds. Patience and quiet observation will increase your chances of a sighting.
Similar species
Pygmy Flowerpecker
Dicaeum pygmaeum
The Pygmy Flowerpecker is generally smaller and has a more distinct pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and often a slightly more yellowish wash on the underparts. Its upperparts can be a brighter green. The calls also differ.
Olive-backed Flowerpecker
Dicaeum nigrilore
The Olive-backed Flowerpecker is found at higher elevations, has a more prominent black loral stripe (between the eye and bill), and often a more yellowish belly. Its calls are also distinct.
Plain Flowerpecker
Dicaeum minullum
The Plain Flowerpecker (not found in the Philippines) is very similar in appearance but is geographically separated. The Buzzing Flowerpecker was formerly considered a subspecies of the Plain Flowerpecker, but is now recognized as a distinct species based on vocal and genetic differences.
Quick facts
- Endemic to:
- Philippines
- Diet:
- Mistletoe berries, nectar, small insects
- Key ID Feature:
- Buzzing call, plain olive-green and whitish plumage
- Habitat:
- Lowland to montane forests
- Conservation Status:
- Least Concern
Fun facts
- The Buzzing Flowerpecker plays a crucial ecological role as a disperser of mistletoe seeds. Mistletoe berries have a sticky pulp that helps the seeds adhere to branches after being excreted by the bird, facilitating their growth.
- Its scientific name 'hypoleucum' means 'white underneath', referring to its pale underparts.
- Despite its small size, flowerpeckers are known for their energetic and acrobatic foraging, often hanging upside down to reach berries.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicaeidae
- Genus
- Dicaeum
- Species
- Dicaeum hypoleucum
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