Thick-billed Flowerpecker

Pachyglossa agilis

厚嘴啄花鸟

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Introduction

A tiny bird species in the flowerpecker family (Dicaeidae). Taxonomically formerly placed in genus Dicaeum but moved to Pachyglossa based on molecular phylogenetic studies that found Dicaeum to be paraphyletic. Ranges widely across tropical southern Asia from India east through Indonesia to Timor. Inhabits the tops of trees in forests. Distinctive for its heavy, stout bill and active behavior in canopy. Eleven subspecies are recognized, some of which may represent distinct species. Resident (non-migratory) throughout its range. Conservation status not assessed in this article.

Description

A very small bird measuring approximately 10 cm in length. Characterized by a dark, stout, heavy bill and a short tail. The upperparts are dark grey-brown, while the underparts are dull greyish with diffuse streaking on light buffy ground color. The rump shows a slightly more olive tone in the nominate race. The iris is reddish. Sexes are not distinguishable in the field. Juveniles have a paler base to the mandible and reduced streaking on the underparts. Whitish spots are present at the tips of the tail feathers.

Identification

Similar in size and general appearance to other flowerpecker species. Distinguished from the pale-billed flowerpecker by its heavier, darker bill and notably different feeding behavior: this species does not swallow Loranthus (mistletoe) berries but instead wipes the seeds on branches. In Sri Lanka, this species forages at greater heights in the canopy compared to the pale-billed flowerpecker. The Sri Lankan subspecies (zeylonica) is smaller and darker above than mainland populations. Identification to subspecies level can be challenging given geographic overlap and variable plumage.

Distribution & Habitat

Widely distributed across tropical southern Asia, ranging from India eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia to Timor and the Philippines. Eleven subspecies are recognized across this range: the nominate race (P. a. agilis) occurs in northeast Pakistan and peninsular India; P. a. zeylonica in Sri Lanka; P. a. pallescens from Bangladesh to north Thailand and Vietnam; P. a. modesta in southern Thailand, Malay Peninsula, and Borneo; P. a. atjehensis in Sumatra; P. a. finschi in Java; P. a. tincta in the central Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumba, Flores, Alor); P. a. obsoleta in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor, Wetar); and three subspecies in the Philippines (P. a. striatissima in Luzon, P. a. aeruginosa in Mindoro, West Visayas, and Mindanao, and P. a. affinis in Palawan). Most subspecies inhabit dense lowland forests, though the nominate race prefers cultivated areas and open forest.

Behavior & Ecology

Feeds predominantly on berries and nectar, with occasional insect consumption. Many subspecies are found in dense lowland forests; the nominate race occupies cultivated areas and open forest. Uniquely among flowerpeckers, this species does not swallow Loranthus (mistletoe) berries whole but instead wipes the seeds on branches after feeding on the epicarp, thereby dispersing the parasitic mistletoe locally rather than distantly. Foraging birds produce a frequent 'spick' call and jerk their tails from side to side while perched. Males perform courtship displays involving twittering and fluttering over females, with crown feathers erected to reveal white bases. The song is rambling and includes notes resembling the ash prinia. Nests are pendant purse-like structures made of cobwebs or fine plant fibers, camouflaged to resemble dry leaves, suspended 3 to 15 meters high from thin horizontal branches. Frequently nests among colonies of Oecophylla smaragdina ants. Both parents participate in building. Clutch size typically 3 eggs (range 2-4). Incubation approximately 13 days, fledging about 18 days. Breeding season in southern India is December to March.

Conservation

No conservation assessment or population information provided in this article.

Culture

No cultural significance, folklore, or mythological references provided in this article.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

Order
Passeriformes
Family
Dicaeidae
Genus
Pachyglossa
eBird Code
thbflo1

Subspecies (11)

  • Pachyglossa agilis aeruginosa

    central and southern Philippines (Cebu, Negros, Mindoro, and Mindanao)

  • Pachyglossa agilis affinis

    southwestern Philippines (Palawan)

  • Pachyglossa agilis agilis

    northeastern Pakistan and peninsular India

  • Pachyglossa agilis atjehensis

    northern and southern Sumatra

  • Pachyglossa agilis finschi

    western Java

  • Pachyglossa agilis modesta

    southern peninsular Thailand, Malay Peninsula, and Borneo

  • Pachyglossa agilis obsoleta

    Timor (eastern Lesser Sundas)

  • Pachyglossa agilis pallescens

    Bangladesh to Myanmar, northern Thailand, and northern Vietnam

  • Pachyglossa agilis striatissima

    northern Philippines (Lubang, Luzon, Romblon, Sibuyan, and Catanduanes)

  • Pachyglossa agilis tincta

    Lesser Sundas (Sumba, Flores, and Alor)

  • Pachyglossa agilis zeylonica

    Sri Lanka

Data Sources

AviList 2025 eBird (thbflo1) Avibase

Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.

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