Ashy flowerpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashy flowerpecker |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Dicaeum
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| Species: |
vulneratum
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The ashy flowerpecker (Dicaeum vulneratum) is a tiny bird from the Dicaeidae family. It lives only in Indonesia, mainly on islands like Seram and Ambon. These birds prefer to live in warm, wet forests, both in lowlands and on mountains.
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Meet the Ashy Flowerpecker
The ashy flowerpecker is a small bird, usually about 8 to 8.5 centimeters long. That's about the size of your thumb!
What Do They Look Like?
Male and female ashy flowerpeckers look a bit different. This is called sexual dimorphism. Both have brown feathers on their backs and gray feathers underneath. They also have black legs and a black beak. A bright red patch can be seen on their rump (the lower back). Young birds have a yellowish-green patch instead.
Male birds have an extra splash of color: a red patch on their chest. Females, however, have a plain white throat and chest.
Their Song
These little birds have a thin, high-pitched song. It changes depending on where they live. For example, on Ambon Island, their song has three notes. But on Seram Island, it has only two notes.
Where Do They Live?
The ashy flowerpecker is found on the island of Seram in Indonesia. It also lives on nearby islands like Saparua, Boano, Ambon, and the Gorong archipelago.
These birds like to live in forests. But they can also be found in places where trees are less dense, like gardens or the edges of farms. You can spot them from sea level all the way up to 2100 meters high. They are most common between 300 and 600 meters elevation.
How They Live Their Lives
Building Nests
Ashy flowerpeckers are clever builders. They create round nests using plant fibers and leaves. These nests are safe homes for their young.
What Do They Eat?
These birds mostly drink nectar from flowers. Nectar is a sweet liquid that gives them energy. They might also eat pollen from mistletoe plants and some fruits.
They look for food both high up in the forest canopy and closer to the ground. Sometimes, they join "mixed-species flocks." This means they forage with other types of birds. Other times, they search for food alone.
Are They Safe?
The ashy flowerpecker is a common bird in the areas where it lives. Even though its home range is small, it is not considered to be in danger. This means their population is stable and healthy.
Gallery
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A male ashy flowerpecker.
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A female ashy flowerpecker.
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An immature ashy flowerpecker.
