Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
The Small Minivet, *Pericrocotus cinnamomeus*, is a vibrant and active passerine, renowned for its striking sexual dimorphism and agile arboreal behavior. Males are characterized by a glossy black head and back, contrasting sharply with brilliant orange-red underparts, rump, and a distinctive patch on the primary feathers, often appearing cinnamon-orange depending on the subspecies. Females, while sharing the same pattern, display soft yellow to orange-yellow on their underparts and rump, wit...
This adaptable species primarily inhabits a variety of open woodlands, secondary forests, scrublands, plantations, and even large gardens and orchards, from lowlands up to about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, their diet consists mainly of caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and other small invertebrates, which they catch deftly in flight or glean from leaves and branches.
Small Minivets are highly active and diurnal, typically foraging energetically from dawn until dusk. They are arboreal insectivores, employing a mix of foraging strategies including aerial hawking, gleaning insects from foliage, and sallying from exposed perches. During the breeding season, pairs...
The Small Minivet boasts a vast distribution across tropical and subtropical Asia, predominantly resident throughout its range. It is found across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Its range extends eastward into Southeast Asia, covering Myanmar, ...
Least Concern
- The name 'Minivet' is thought to be an onomatopoeic representation of their delicate, high-pitched calls. - Despite their brilliant coloration, their nests are incredibly well-camouflaged, often looking like a natural knob or knot on a branch due to the intricate use of lichen and cobwebs. - Sm...