Mistletoebird Mistletoebird
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
EndemicStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Mistletoebird (*Dicaeum hirundinaceum*) is a tiny, compact bird found throughout most of mainland Australia, absent only from Tasmania and the driest deserts. As Australia’s only flowerpecker, it is closely tied to the presence of mistletoe plants, playing a vital role in their seed dispersal.
Fun Facts
Mistletoebirds are expert seed dispersers: the sticky seeds they excrete often germinate successfully on tree branches, helping maintain mistletoe populations.
1. Extremely short, square tail and compact body
2. Males: glossy blue-black above, scarlet throat and chest, black belly stripe
3. Females: brownish-grey above, pale underparts, both sexes with red undertail patch
Mistletoebirds inhabit a wide range of wooded habitats across mainland Australia, including eucalypt forests, rainforests, acacia shrublands, and mangroves-anywhere mistletoe grows on trees. They are most often seen high in the canopy, foraging among mistletoe clumps. Listen for their high-pitched “dzee” call, which often gives away their presence before they are seen. They are typically solitary or in pairs, but may be found in small family groups when food is plentiful.
The Pitjantjatjara people, know the Mistletoebird as “Maningka”. It is recognised for its role in spreading mistletoe-an important plant for traditional medicine and ceremony.
Physical Attributes
Height
10 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds0%
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