Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker – immature male and mistletoe

“A number of Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers (Dicaeum cruentatum cruentatum) at this site (adults and young birds) feeding on nectar and fruit of various, different Mistletoe species including Malayan Mistletoe (Dendrophthae pentandra).

“Image shows an immature male feeding on the nectar (above) and fruit (below) of the Malaysian Mistletoe (Dendrophthae petendra). Both images show the same bird. I notice that there are a few images in OBI database labelled as ‘female or immature male’. Any bird with some red plumage developing on the head or blue gloss on wings is a male (both seen in this bird).

The image below shows an adult male with a fruit.

Wells (2007) noted the subspecies of Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker as D. c. cruentatum while Cheke & Mann (2008) use D. c. ignitum.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
16th January 2018

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth at city fringe

References:
1. Cheke, R. A. & C. F. Mann, 2008. Family Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & D. A. Christie (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 13. Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 350-389.
2. Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.