Dicaeum nigrilore
The Olive-capped Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nigrilore) is a diminutive and vibrant passerine bird, a jewel of the Philippine montane forests. Measuring approximately 9-10 cm in length, it exhibits a striking olive-green plumage across its upperparts, transitioning to a rich yellowish-green on the flanks and a brighter yellow on the belly and vent. A distinguishing field mark, and the source of its scientific epithet, is the prominent blackish lore – the area between its eye and short, decurved bil...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane primary and secondary forests, typically found at elevations above 1,000 meters. It favors the canopy and mid-story of dense tropical forest environments.
The diet predominantly consists of mistletoe berries, nectar, and small arthropods such as spiders and insects. It forages actively by gleaning and probing flowers and foliage.
Olive-capped Flowerpeckers are active and restless birds, often observed solitarily or in pairs as they flit rapidly through the forest canopy. Their foraging strategy is highly specialized, involving quick, agile movements to locate and consume mistletoe berries, nectar from flowers, and small i...
The Olive-capped Flowerpecker is strictly endemic to the Philippines, with its primary distribution centered on the island of Mindanao. It is also found on several smaller satellite islands, including Basilan, Dinagat, and Siargao. Within these islands, its presence is confined to suitable montan...
Least Concern
- The Olive-capped Flowerpecker is endemic to Mindanao and a few adjacent islands in the Philippines, meaning it's found nowhere else on Earth. - Its scientific name, 'nigrilore', literally translates to 'black lore', referring to the distinctive dark patch between its eye and bill. - Like many f...