White-bellied Minivet

The White-bellied Minivet, scientifically known as Pericrocotus erythropygius, is a striking bird with a distinctive appearance. The male boasts a glossy black head, neck, tail, and mantle, contrasted by a white collar and underparts. Its throat radiates with an orange hue, and the rump shares this vivid color, adorned with white wing markings. The female, though less vibrant, has dark gray upperparts, black wings, and tail, complemented by a white collar and similar wing markings to the male. Both sexes measure between 18.5 and 20 cm in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-bellied Minivet, look for the male's shiny black upperparts and the characteristic white and orange coloration on the underparts. The female can be recognized by her more subdued gray and black plumage with a contrasting white collar. The orange rump and white wing markings are key features for both sexes.

Habitat

This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, favoring dry deciduous forests. It is also found in open savannas with sparse acacia, dry grasslands, and human-modified landscapes such as agricultural areas.

Distribution

The White-bellied Minivet has a broad range across Nepal and India, with a substantial area of occurrence exceeding 20,000 km².

Behaviour

These minivets are social birds, often seen moving in small flocks and occasionally mingling with other bird species. They are adept at catching insects in flight and foraging in the tree canopy.

Song & Calls

The call of the White-bellied Minivet is a delightful whistle, adding a musical note to their dry forest habitat.

Breeding

Nesting high in the treetops, these birds construct cup-shaped nests woven from twigs and reinforced with spider webs. Typically, a clutch of four eggs is laid, incubated primarily by the female for 17 to 18 days. Both parents participate in rearing the young.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of the White-bellied Minivet:

• P. e. albifrons, found in the plains of central Myanmar.
• P. e. erythropygius, residing in peninsular India, from Punjab and Rajasthan to Bihar and Mysore.

Conservation status

The White-bellied Minivet is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with a stable population trend.