#mistletoebird

the mistletoebird, also known as the mistletoe flowerpecker, is a member of the flowerpecker family native to the majority of australia as well as the eastern portion of the maluku islands of indonesia. these frugivorous birds are intensely specialized feeders that solely consume mistletoe berries, and are primarily responsible for spread of mistletoe seeds through their droppings. males have a dark blue upperside and a scarlet chest, while females are primarily soft gray. these swift fliers are often shy and tend to keep limited to pairs or small groups.

On my travels

The Mistletoebird, also known as the Mistletoe Flowerpecker, is so-named for its diet of mistletoe berries, and helps to spread the mistletoe's seeds through it's digestive system. It is native to most of Australia, though absent from most of the drier desert areas.

The only flowerpecker species in Australia, these birds are found throughout most of the country, as well as in Papua New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. They can enter a state of torpor during cold weather, slowing down their metabolism to save energy. Specially adapted to a diet of mistletoe berries, they have simple digestive systems, which allow the sticky seeds to pass through quickly and be deposited onto branches. This helps spread the partially parasitic plants, maintaining the birds’ food supply. They also capture insects, mostly to feed to their chicks. Females build the pear-shaped hanging nests from plant down and spiderweb and incubate the eggs alone. Both parents feed the chicks.

© Terence Alexander

ヤドリギハナドリ　2019．12