Pericrocotus igneus
The Fiery Minivet (Pericrocotus igneus) is a dazzling gem of Southeast Asian forests, renowned for the male's spectacular plumage that truly lives up to its name. Measuring approximately 13-14.5 cm (5-5.7 inches) in length and weighing a mere 9-14 grams, this small passerine bird exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males boast a glossy black head, back, and wings, vividly contrasted by fiery orange-red underparts, rump, and a prominent patch on the wings. Females, while equally beautiful, di...
Primarily inhabits lowland and lower montane evergreen and deciduous forests, including secondary forests, forest edges, and mature plantations. Typically found from sea level up to around 1,200 meters in elevation, occasionally higher.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and ants, supplemented occasionally with small berries. Forages primarily by aerial hawking and gleaning from foliage.
The Fiery Minivet is a highly active, diurnal insectivore, often observed flitting through the forest canopy. It employs a dynamic foraging strategy, primarily sallying out from a perch to catch flying insects in mid-air (fly-catching), but also gleans caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods ...
The Fiery Minivet's distribution spans across Southeast Asia, primarily residing in the Sundaic region. Its core breeding and year-round range includes southern Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and several smaller adjacent islands. In mainland Southeast Asia, it is found from southe...
Least Concern
- The male's 'fiery' plumage is so vibrant it seems to glow when caught by sunlight in the dense forest canopy, a truly unforgettable sight. - Despite their vivid colors, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot as they often forage high in the canopy and move very quickly. - Fiery Minivets are...