Greater flowerpiercer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Greater flowerpiercer
Feeding from Orectanthe sceptrum
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Thraupidae
Genus:	Diglossa
Species:	D. major
Binomial name
Diglossa major
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The greater flowerpiercer (Diglossa major) is a type of bird that belongs to the Thraupidae family. These birds are found in the unique flat-topped mountains called tepuis. You can spot them in western Guyana, eastern Venezuela, and the northern parts of Brazil. They live in moist montane forests and high-altitude shrublands in tropical and subtropical areas.

About the Greater Flowerpiercer

The greater flowerpiercer is a medium-sized bird, growing to about 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) long. It is the largest bird in its group, the Diglossa genus. Adult greater flowerpiercers have a black mask around their eyes. The rest of their body is a bluish-slate color. They also have shiny, silvery streaks on their crown (top of the head) and mantle (back). A special feature is their chestnut-colored crissum, which is the area around their tail. It's easy to tell them apart from other similar birds because no other species like them live in the same places.

Where Greater Flowerpiercers Live

Greater flowerpiercers live around the tepuis. These are tall, flat-topped mountains found in southeastern Venezuela. They also live in nearby parts of northern Brazil and western Guyana. These birds can be found at different heights, from about 1,300 to 2,800 meters (4,265 to 9,186 feet) above sea level. However, they are most common above 1,800 meters (5,905 feet). They prefer open areas and the edges of mountain forests. You can also find them in shrublands and areas with small, stunted trees.

How Greater Flowerpiercers Live

This bird usually looks for food alone or with a partner. Sometimes, it might join small groups of different bird species. The greater flowerpiercer eats both insects and nectar. It gets nectar by poking its beak into flowers and piercing them. Their nest is shaped like a cup and is made from grasses and thin twigs. They often build their nests among rocks, sometimes under a rocky overhang for protection.

Conservation Status of the Greater Flowerpiercer

The greater flowerpiercer lives in a somewhat limited area. Even though we don't know the exact number of these birds, their population is thought to be decreasing. This is because their natural home is slowly losing its quality. Experts describe the bird as "fairly common" but found in scattered areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the greater flowerpiercer as a "least concern" species. This means that, for now, it is not considered to be in immediate danger of disappearing.