Buzzing flowerpecker
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The buzzing flowerpecker (Dicaeum hypoleucum) or white-bellied flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and or tropical moist montane forest.[1]
Description and taxonomy
Ebird describes it as "A tiny bird of forest and scrub from the lowlands to low elevations in the mountains. Darker above and paler below, with a fairly long, thin, slightly curved bill. Races differ in color. Northern birds have brownish bellies, while southern birds are black or dark brown above and whitish or pale gray below. Females are duller. Similar to Bicolored Flowerpecker, but White-bellied has a longer, thinner bill. Also known as Buzzing Flowerpecker, as it gives a high-pitched insect-like buzz."[2]
Subspecies
Five subspecies are recognised:[3]
- D. h. hypoleucum – Found in the Sulu Archipelago
- D. h. mindanense – Found in Zamboanga Peninsula
- D. h. pontifex – Found in Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Panaon, Bohol, Dinagat, and Mindanao except the Zamboanga Peninsula
- D. h. cagayanense – Found in Northeast Luzon
- D. h. obscurum – Found in Luzon except Northeast Luzon and Catanduanes
Ecology and behavior
Not much is known about its diet but it is presumed to have the typical flowerpecker diet of small fruits, insects, nectar especially from mistletoes. Typically seen singly, pairs and small groups but joins mixed species flocks.[4]
Habitat and conservation status
Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest, montane forest and second growth up to 1,800 meters above sea level.
The IUCN has classified the species as being of Least Concern as it has a large range and it is common throughout. However, the population is declining due to deforestation in the Philippines throughout the country due to slash and burn farming, mining, illegal logging and habitat conversion.
It is found in multiple protected areas such as Pasonanca Natural Park, Mount Banahaw, Mount Kitanglad. Mount Apo, Mount Pulag and Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park but like all areas in the Philippines, protection is lax and deforestation continues despite this protection on paper.[5]
References
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