Buzzing Flowerpecker

The buzzing flowerpecker (Dicaeum hypoleucum) or white-bellied flowerpecker is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and or tropical moist montane forest.

Subspecies: Five subspecies are recognised:

• D. h. hypoleucum – Found in the Sulu Archipelago
• D. h. mindanense – Found in Zamboanga Peninsula
• D. h. pontifex – Found in Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Panaon, Bohol, Dinagat, and Mindanao except the Zamboanga Peninsula
• D. h. cagayanense – Found in Northeast Luzon
• D. h. obscurum – Found in Luzon except Northeast Luzon and Catanduanes

Ecology and behavior: Not much is known about its diet but it is presumed to have the typical flowerpecker diet of small fruits, insects, nectar especially from mistletoes. Typically seen singly, pairs and small groups but joins mixed species flocks.

Habitat and conservation status: Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest, montane forest and second growth up to 1,800 meters above sea level.

The IUCN has classified the species as being of Least Concern as it has a large range and it is common throughout. However, the population is declining due to deforestation in the Philippines throughout the country due to slash and burn farming, mining, illegal logging and habitat conversion.

It is found in multiple protected areas such as Pasonanca Natural Park, Mount Banahaw, Mount Kitanglad. Mount Apo, Mount Pulag and Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park but like all areas in the Philippines, protection is lax and deforestation continues despite this protection on paper.