Mistletoebird
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Dicaeidae
About
The mistletoebird, also known as the mistletoe flowerpecker, is a species of flowerpecker native to most of Australia and also to the eastern Maluku Islands of Indonesia in the Arafura Sea between Australia and New Guinea. The mistletoebird eats mainly the berries of the parasitic mistletoe and is a vector for the spread of the mistletoe's seeds through its digestive system.
Fun Fact
The only other known frugivore with a similar degree of dietary specialization is Pesquet's parrot (or vulturine parrot) of New Guinea that feeds almost exclusively on strangler figs.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occur in forests and woodlands dominated by any species of Eucalyptus from the dry interior to the coastal rain forests, but they do not frequent high altitude areas in winter as they adopt a torpid state when cold.
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance