Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus), male
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Male

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker

Dicaeum ignipectus

The Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, a diminutive avian species, is adorned with a strikingly vibrant orange breast patch in males, setting it apart from its female counterpart, which boasts a more subdued coloration. The male's upperparts glisten with a glossy blue-black sheen, while the underside is a soft buff, interrupted by the fiery breast patch and a central black stripe extending towards the belly. Females, on the other hand, display a dark olive hue above and a lighter buff below, with olive flanks and a pale base to the bill. This species, weighing a mere 7-9 grams and measuring less than 7 centimeters in length, is one of the tiniest within the flowerpecker family.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for the male's distinctive bright red breast patch and glossy upperparts. The female is more cryptically colored, making her identification more challenging. Both sexes possess a small, dark bill, ideal for their frugivorous diet.

Habitat

The Fire-breasted Flowerpecker is typically found at the canopy level, favoring mistletoes as their preferred perch.

Distribution

This species graces the sub-Himalayan regions, extending from India and Nepal through Southeast Asia, reaching as far as Indonesia and the Philippines. They are most commonly found in high mountains above 1000 meters, although in China, they may descend to lower altitudes during winter.

Behaviour

These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal, particularly for mistletoes. They are agile and often remain concealed within the treetops, making their presence known through their distinctive calls.

Song & Calls

The call of the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker is a sharp, high-pitched sound, reminiscent of snipping scissors or a staccato "tsit."

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the summer months, with nests being delicate, purse-like structures attached to branches. Both parents are involved in incubation and rearing the young.

Similar Species

The Fire-breasted Flowerpecker can be confused with other flowerpeckers, but its size and the male's breast patch are distinctive features.

Diet and Feeding

This species primarily feeds on fruits, contributing significantly to the dispersal of fruiting plants.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Flowerpeckers

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.