How to identify the Scarlet Minivet

To correctly identify the Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

19-22 cm

Wingspan

25-28 cm

Weight

18-29 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males are glossy black on the head, back, and upper breast, with brilliant scarlet-orange underparts, rump, and patches on the wings and tail. Adult females have a grey head and upperparts, yellow underparts, rump, and wing/tail patches, with a yellow forehead and supercilium. Both sexes have a long, graduated tail.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, pointed, and slightly hooked; black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The stark contrast between black and scarlet in males, and grey and yellow in females, along with their slender build and active foraging behavior, are key features. The long, graduated tail is also characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble females but are duller, with more mottled or streaky plumage, especially on the underparts. Young males gradually acquire scarlet patches as they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though wear and tear can make colors appear slightly duller before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are black and scarlet; females are grey and yellow. This is one of the most striking examples of sexual dimorphism among passerines in its range.

Key field marks

• Male Plumage. Look for the unmistakable combination of glossy black upperparts and brilliant scarlet-orange underparts, rump, and wing/tail patches. The contrast is very striking.
• Female Plumage. Identify females by their grey upperparts, bright yellow underparts, yellow rump, and yellow patches on the wings and tail. A distinct yellow forehead and supercilium are key.
• Shape and Size. Observe its slender body, relatively long, graduated tail, and active movements in the canopy. It's a medium-sized passerine.
• Behavior. Watch for its active foraging style, gleaning insects from foliage or sallying for flying insects. They often move in small, chattering groups.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its high-pitched, clear, whistling 'swee-swee-swee' song or sharp 'chip' calls, which are often given while foraging.

Explore the Scarlet Minivet