The Small Minivets (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) are resident (non-migratory) in tropical southern Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia, where they are common and widespread.
They typically form small flocks and live in thorn jungles and scrub.
Description
The Small Minivets measure about 16 cm in length. They have strong dark beaks and long wings.
The male has a grey head and upper plumage. The plumage below is orange underparts, fading to yellow on the abdomen. The tail is orange-tipped. The rump is also orange and he has orange wing patches.
The female is grey above. She is yellow below. Her tail is yellow-tipped. She has a yellow rump and wing patches.
Cuckoo-shrikes … Cuckooshrike Species Photos
Subspecies Variations:
The male P. c. pallidus of the northwest Indian subcontinent has a pale grey upper plumage. The plumage below is whitish except on the throat and flanks.
The male P. c. malabaricus of peninsular and southern India has a darker upper plumage. Below is a more extensive scarlet. The female is also brighter yellow below.
Diet / Feeding
The Small Minivets mostly feed on insects caught in trees by flycatching or while perched.
Breeding / Nesting
Their cup-shaped nests are typically placed in trees or bushes.
The average clutch consists of 2 – 4 spotted eggs that are incubated by the female alone.
Vocalizations
Their vocalizations are described as high, thin swee swee swee calls.
