Small Minivet

Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

Order:

Passeriformes

Family:

Campephagidae

Size:

16 to 18 centimeters (6.3 to 7.1 inches)

Weight:

10 to 16 grams (0.35 to 0.56 ounces)

Taxonomy:

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Short Description:

Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) is a charming passerine bird characterized by its vibrant plumage and slender build. Males exhibit striking colors, with a crimson crown, black mask extending from the eyes to the nape, and contrasting yellow underparts. Females, on the other hand, display more subdued hues, featuring grayish-brown upperparts and yellowish underparts. Both sexes have distinctive wing markings and a slender, slightly curved bill adapted for capturing small insects, which constitute a significant portion of their diet.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Small Minivet is widely distributed across Pakistan, particularly in forested areas, woodlands, and scrublands. Its range extends from the foothills of the Himalayas in the north to the coastal regions of the Arabian Sea in the south. This bird species is also found in various habitats, including parks, gardens, and rural landscapes, where it forages for insects and nests in tree canopies.

Small Minivets are highly social birds often observed in small groups or pairs. They are agile fliers, darting between branches and foliage in search of prey. Their diet primarily consists of insects such as beetles, flies, and caterpillars, which they capture on the wing or glean from foliage. During the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to August, Small Minivets construct cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, often concealed within the dense foliage of trees. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young, demonstrating cooperative breeding behavior. Vocalizations play a crucial role in communication among individuals, with melodious calls and chirps used for maintaining contact within the group and signaling alarm in response to potential threats. Overall, the Small Minivet’s behavior reflects its adaptability to diverse habitats and its importance as an insectivorous species contributing to ecosystem health in Pakistan.