The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor), also known as dicée concolore, belongs to the order Passeriformes and the family Dicaeidae. It is a small flowerpecker species from the genus Dicaeum.
They have subspecies that were earlier called the plain flowerpecker and are now renamed as Dicaeum minullum. The Dicaeum concolor, Nilgiri flowerpecker, mostly feeds on nectar and fruits and their distribution range inhabits various populations.
They are among the smallest birds in the world, and more than half of their population can be found in a specific region of India. They are visibly cute to watch as they are tiny in size and also appear like sparrows due to their small size.
Males and females appear almost the same and their subspecies range from India to Myanmar. As per information provided in 2021, the Nilgiri flowerpecker, Dicaeum concolor, has been called, or named, differently in different regions. These birds are not vulnerable or endangered since their current population is stable.
You can also check out other bird species such as Alexandrine parakeet facts and Anna's hummingbird facts.
Nilgiri Flowerpecker Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Nilgiri Flowerpecker?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) is a type of bird, which is tiny in size, belonging to the Dicaeidae family. The species of flowerpecker birds are the smallest bird species in India, mainly found in resort trees. Their voice is a thin note call and they are important pollinators and dispersers of mistletoes in tropical forests.
What class of animal does a Nilgiri Flowerpecker belong to?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) belongs to the class of Aves, order Passeriformes and phylum Chordata.
How many Nilgiri Flowerpeckers are there in the world?
The exact population size of the Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) is not known. They have a stable population and their conservation status is of Least Concern according to the IUCN. A wide range of population distribution has been observed for this species of birds.
Where does a Nilgiri Flowerpecker live?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) lives in the Western Ghats region and Nilgiri hills. Their population can be greatly observed and found in the southern region of India, especially among forests habitats.
They have a pale brown texture on their upperside body and underparts are somewhat white in color.
Subtropical and tropical regions, forest areas, moist lowland, moist montane, and arable land, plantations, rural gardens of the artificial and terrestrial range also suit them, as they have been found to reside in such regions. They build a purse-like nest on trees, where they also lay their eggs.
What is a Nilgiri Flowerpecker's habitat?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker's habitat includes Northeastern India extending into Myanmar, Laos, and southern China. They are mostly found at the middle and upper levels of foothills, often around mistletoe. The population of this species is stable and not near to extinction or vulnerable and therefore, the species is stated as least concern.
Who do Nilgiri Flowerpeckers live with?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) usually lives in groups like other birds and feeds on nectar and fruits. Sometimes, they lead a solitary life, while other times they stay in small groups or as a family when the young hatch. They have darker coloration compared to other flowerpecker species.
How long does a Nilgiri Flowerpecker live?
The exact lifespan of Nilgiri flowerpeckers (Dicaeum concolor) is not known.
How do they reproduce?
Dicaeum concolor, Nilgiri flowerpecker, is a breeding bird found among woodland edges, cultivation,s and isolated stands of trees, often in hilly country. Their breeding season begins from January to April, possibly with a second brood in May and June.
They build a purse-like nest on a tree or bush in which the Nilgiri flowerpecker eggs are two to three at a time.
The Nilgiri flowerpecker's feather-like tongue helps it to suck nectar from flowers and feed on berries and small insects. The adult flowerpecker feeds the young flowerpecker at an early stage every two to five minutes.
What is their conservation status?
Their current population is stable because this species is declared Least Concern by IUCN 2021. They have a wide range of distribution across the world, and they are particularly found in India. These birds of the family Dicaeidae are also related to sparrows in appearance, but they are even smaller and tinier than them.
Nilgiri Flowerpecker Fun Facts
What do Nilgiri Flowerpeckers look like?
Nilgiri flowerpeckers (Dicaeum concolor) have a pale brown shade on their upperparts and a whitish shade on their underparts. They have whitish brown eyes, a black-colored bill, which is fine and slightly curved, with a darker speckling on its crown, and a pale yellow bright patch on the center of their belly.
Their tongue is feathery, which allows them to sip nectar. Nilgiri flowerpeckers are one of the smallest birds in the world and among its other family of birds, found mostly in India.
How do they communicate?
Calls made by Nilgiri flowerpeckers (Dicaeum concolor) are quite sharp, in a rapid series of ticks, while their song is high-pitched. They communicate via song, calls, and gestures, and are particularly active during the breeding season.
How big is a Nilgiri Flowerpecker?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) has a small body length since they are among the smallest birds in the world. Their total body length is around 3.5 in (9 cm), which is twice as big as a gypsy moth.
How fast can a Nilgiri Flowerpecker fly?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker's flight speed is good, even though they are among the world's smallest birds. However, their exact flying speed is unknown.
How much does a Nilgiri Flowerpecker weigh?
This Nilgiri flowerpecker weighs around 4 g-8 g (0.14 oz-0.28 oz). They weigh 10 times more than a butterfly.
What are the male and female names of the species?
There are no sex-specific names for males and females.
What would you call a baby Nilgiri Flowerpecker?
They are called chicks.
What do they eat?
The Nilgiri flowerpecker's diet consists of fruit, insects like ambush bugs, spiders, and mistletoe nectar.
Are they dangerous?
They are not dangerous and are small in size.
Would they make a good pet?
Usually, they are not kept as pets since they are too small and sensitive to cater to.
Did you know...
Berries are are the favorite food of the non-migratory Nilgiri flowerpecker. They can be found greatly in regions where berries are present.
Are Nilgiri Flowerpeckers endangered?
Nilgiri flowerpeckers are not endangered as they have a stable population.
What role do Nilgiri Flowerpeckers play in the ecosystem?
These birds help in the pollination of flowers and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our Hawaiian honeycreeper facts and flycatcher facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Nilgiri flowerpecker coloring pages.