Scarlet-collared flowerpecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scarlet-collared flowerpecker |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Dicaeum
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| Species: |
retrocinctum
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The scarlet-collared flowerpecker (Dicaeum retrocinctum) is a small, colorful bird. It is only about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. This bird belongs to the flowerpecker family. It is endemic to the Philippines, which means it lives nowhere else in the world!
You can find this bird on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. It usually lives in forests, often in the treetops or at the edge of the forest. Sometimes, it can be seen in open areas with scattered trees. It prefers places below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) in height. Its call sounds like two stones tapping together, plus a high-pitched "zeet zeet zeet." This bird is related to the red-keeled flowerpecker. However, the scarlet-collared flowerpecker has a longer, thinner, and more curved beak.
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What Does the Scarlet-Collared Flowerpecker Look Like?
This small bird has a slightly shiny black body. Its belly and the sides of its chest are white. It has bright red patches on its throat and upper back. There is also a red stripe that goes from the center of its chest down its belly.
Its beak is quite long, thin, and slightly curved. It looks a bit like the Pygmy Flowerpecker. But you can tell the scarlet-collared flowerpecker apart because it has a black chest and those distinct red patches. When it sings, it makes a high-pitched, fast, and somewhat jumbled sound. These birds are often seen eating from flowering and fruiting trees.
Where Does the Scarlet-Collared Flowerpecker Live?
Its Forest Home
The scarlet-collared flowerpecker lives in tropical forests. These are warm, wet forests found in lowlands and foothills. They can live up to 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level. They prefer primary forest (old, untouched forests) and secondary forest (forests that have grown back after being disturbed). Sometimes, they even visit farms and coconut plantations.
Why Is This Bird Vulnerable?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says this bird is a vulnerable species. This means it faces a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Experts believe there are only about 6,000 to 15,000 adult birds left.
The biggest threat to these birds is the loss of their forest homes. This is especially true for forests at lower altitudes. These areas are often cleared for logging, mining, or to create farmland.
Protecting the Scarlet-Collared Flowerpecker
Places Where They Are Protected
Some areas are working to protect these special birds. They can be found in a few protected places. These include Mt. Siburan, which is an Important Bird Area. They also live in Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park. This park is also a very important place for the Tamaraw, another endangered animal.
What Can Be Done to Help?
To help save the scarlet-collared flowerpecker, several actions are suggested:
- Create more official protected areas. These areas would help save the remaining lowland forests in places like Malpalon and Puerto Galera.
- Make Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park bigger. This would include more of the lowland forest where these birds live.
- Create and follow a plan to manage the forest at Mt. Siburan. This plan would focus on protecting all the different plants and animals that live there.
