Family Flowerpeckers (Dicaeidae)

Least Concern

Midget Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aeneum)

figure, drawing, illustration of Midget Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aeneum)

Taxonomy

French: Dicée des Salomon German: Bronzemistelfresser Spanish: Picaflores de las Salomón
Taxonomy:

Dicaeum aeneum

Pucheran

, 1853,

San Jorge, near Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands

.

In study using mtDNA markers#R, up to at least 7% difference found between subspecies. Race malaitae the most divergent genetically, and notably distinctive for its thinner, longer bill#R, suggesting different ecology, although plumage differences seemingly minor; study of voice required#R. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution
  • D. a. aeneum Pucheran, 1853 – Midget Flowerpecker – N & C Solomons (Buka, Bougainville, Fauro, Shortland, Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Buena Vista, Florida Is).
  • D. a. becki E. J. O. Hartert, 1929 – Guadalcanal, in SW Solomons.
  • D. a. malaitae Salomonsen, 1960 – Malaita Flowerpecker – Malaita I, in E Solomons.

    • Descriptive notes

    8 cm; male 7·1–8·8 g, one female 8·5 g. Male nominate race has crown and upperparts, including upperwing, slaty grey with metallic blue gloss, side... read more

    Voice

    Rapid “tik-tik-tik-tik”, short, high-pitched squeaks, and very high-pitched “... read more

    Habitat

    Recorded in all available forest and scrub habitats, usually in canopy but also frequently in... read more

    Food and feeding

    Insects and fruits. Forages usually in canopy, but frequently also in undergrowth and lower parts of forest. Often hovers to feed.... read more

    Breeding

    Laying in Nov, and females with enlarged ovaries in Jul. Nest oval in shape, with side entrance, constructed of grass and fine vegetable... read more

    Movements

    None recorded.  

    Status and conservation

    Not globally threatened. Restrictedrange species: present in Solomon Group EBA. Common.  

    Recommended citation

    Cheke, R. & Mann, C. (2017). Midget Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aeneum). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/60145 on 14 July 2017).