Olive-capped flowerpecker

The olive-capped flowerpecker (Dicaeum nigrilore) is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest.

Olive-capped flowerpecker
Nominate subspecies seen in South Cotobato.
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Dicaeidae
Genus:	Dicaeum
Species:	D. nigrilore
Binomial name
Dicaeum nigrilore Hartert, 1904

Description and taxonomy

EBird describes the bird as "A small, rather long-billed bird of montane forest on Mindanao. Olive-green on the back, darker on the edge of the wing, with a golden-olive head, a pale gray throat separated from the head color by a black line, a pale gray chest, and pale yellow on the sides and under the base of the tail. Note the black legs and the red eye. Somewhat similar to olive-backed flowerpecker, but has a longer bill and a yellowish lower belly. Voice includes a high-pitched upslurred whistle and a rough 'jiik!'"^[2] Often seen feeding on fruiting and flowering trees.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized.

• Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore found in West, Central and Southern Mindanao has a more visible yellow rump
• Dicaeum nigrilore diuatae found in Northeast Mindanao has an overall darker green and drabber color and a greenish yellow rump.

A possible third subspecies which has a yellowish-green head is found in Southeast Mindanao. Further study is needed on this potential subspecies.^[3]

Ecology and behavior

Feeds on small fruits, the nectar of mistletoes and flowers. Found singly, in pairs or mixed species flocks with other flowerpeckers and small birds. Often observed near fruiting and flowering trees especially kamang-kamang (Heptapleurum ovoideum) Nesting has been recorded from May to September. Nest is made out of moss and other dried plant material and suspended by fibers from small twigs. Nest in September contained 2 chicks although average clutch size has yet to be quantified. ^[4]

Habitat and conservation status

It inhabits tropic moist sub-montane and montane forest above 900 masl.

IUCN has assessed this bird as a least-concern species. Despite a limited range, it is said to be locally common in its range. As it occurs in rugged and inaccessible mountains, this has allowed a large portion of its habitat to remain intact. However, there it is still affected by habitat loss through deforestation, mining, land conversion and slash-and-burn - just not to the same extent as lowland forest. ^[5]