Passeriformes / Dicaeidae / Dicaeum
Fire-throated Flowerpecker
Dicaeum luzoniense · 火喉啄花鸟
Introduction
A species of bird in the flowerpecker family Dicaeidae, endemic to the Philippines. It inhabits tropical moist montane forests, typically above 1,000 meters, though one subspecies occurs in lowland areas. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Description
Adult males are dark blue above and pale creamy white below, featuring a black stripe running down the belly from a brilliant red patch on the breast and lower throat. Females are plainer, with brownish-olive upperparts and pale buff underparts. The Samar subspecies male has a darker head, while the Visayas and Mindanao subspecies exhibits glossier head and neck sides, brighter vent and undertail, and darker abdomen sides.
Identification
Differentiated from the fire-breasted flowerpecker by a less extensive red patch confined mostly to the throat, slightly larger size, and a slower-paced, lower-pitched song. Distinguished from the Pygmy Flowerpecker by bill structure; the latter has a bicolored, more slender, downcurved bill. Vocalizations include a thin, high-pitched 'tsee'ee' and short, high-pitched series.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in the Philippines on Luzon, Mindanao, Western Visayas, and Samar, but absent from Mindoro, the Palawan group, and the Sulu Archipelago. Three subspecies are recognized: D. l. luzoniense in montane Luzon; D. l. apo in Western Visayas and Mindanao; and D. l. bonga in Samar. Habitat is primarily tropical moist montane forest above 1,000 meters, with the Samar subspecies recorded in primary moist lowland forest between 100 and 200 meters.
Behavior & Ecology
Presumed diet consists of small fruits, insects, and nectar, especially from mistletoes. Typically observed singly or in pairs, it does not form large conspecific groups but joins mixed-species flocks. Often forages at flowers blooming in the canopy.
Conservation
Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN despite being uncommon across its range. Threats include deforestation driven by slash-and-burn farming, land conversion, and mining. Although protection is considered lax, the species occurs in multiple protected areas including Mount Banahaw, Mount Kitanglad, Mount Apo, Mount Pulag, Samar Island Natural Park, and Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
