Whiskered Flowerpecker
Pachyglossa propria
A tiny bird of lower montane forest and edge on Mindanao, where it feeds on mistletoe. Glossy black above and brown below, with a whitish moustache stripe bordered below by a thin black line, a thin white throat patch, and a white line on the sides. Female has a blackish-brown crown and upperparts. Distinguished from all other flowerpeckers by its brown underparts. Voice is a soft “chup” or harsh “juk!”
Identification
The whiskered flowerpecker (Pachyglossa propria) is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss. This species was formerly placed in the genus Dicaeum.
Taxonomy
EBird describes the bird as "A tiny bird of lower montane forest and edge on Mindanao, where it feeds on mistletoe. Glossy black above and brown below, with a whitish moustache stripe bordered below by a thin black line, a thin white throat patch, and a white line on the sides. Female has a blackish-brown crown and upperparts. Distinguished from all other flowerpeckers by its brown underparts. Voice is a soft 'chup' or harsh 'juk!'" Often seen feeding on fruiting and flowering trees where it feeds on fruit, nectar, and pollen. They are apparently dependent on mistletoe flowers.<p>Two subspecies are recognized<p>and a possible third subspecies found in Southeast Mindanao which has a yellowish-green head. Further study needed on this potential subspecies.
- Scientific name
- Pachyglossa propria
- Authority
- Ripley & Rabor, 1966
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicaeidae
- Genus
- Pachyglossa
Range and habitat
It inhabits tropical moist primary and secondary sub-montane and montane forest and forest edge 1,000 masl where they are dependent on mistletoe flowers.<p>IUCN has assessed this bird as a least-concern species. Despite a limited range, it is said to be locally common in its range. As it occurs in rugged and inaccessible mountains, this has allowed a large portion of its habitat to remain intact. It is also able to tolerate degraded forest. However, the population is still said to be declining, it is still affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - just not to the same extent as lowland forest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Bamboo Antshrike
Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae
Small antshrike of bamboo thickets in lowland rainforest. Found primarily in bamboo forests, but occasionally also in other densely vegetated thickets such as vine tangles and cane stands. Males are finely barred black-and-white. Females are reddish brown above and dull yellow below, with black barring throughout. Both sexes have a prominent crest and hook-tipped bill. Similar to Fasciated Antshrike, but separated by brown eye (not red), less heavy bill, and voice; listen for its song, a series of loud, metallic “chink” notes, given at an even pace of about three notes per second.
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Psittacula krameri
Vibrantly bright green parakeet, frequently found in woodland, parks, and gardens, where it feeds mainly in trees. Nests in cavities, including holes in buildings. Easily overlooked if quiet, as the bright green plumage blends easily with foliage. Note the very long slender tail and bright red bill; male has narrow black-and-pink neck ring. Closely resembles the larger Alexandrine Parakeet, which has a wine-red patch on each shoulder. Like other parakeets, raucous and social, often appearing in noisy groups giving sharp screeching calls. Native to Africa and South Asia, introduced locally around the world, from Europe and the Caribbean to Japan and Hawaii.
Arrowhead Piculet
Picumnus minutissimus
Common piculet of coastal forests. Note short-tailed profile, large feet, and cone-shaped bill. Found in mangroves, gardens, abandoned plantations, and disturbed areas. Creeps quietly through vine tangles and bores into dead twigs at lower and middle levels. Similar to Golden-spangled and White-barred Piculets, but Arrowhead has chevron-shaped spots (not barring) on the breast and belly, and is strictly confined to coastal habitats.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.