The smallest of the minivets

English Name: Small Minivets
Sinhala Name: Kuda Minivetta
Scientific Name: Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

The smallest of the minivets; males have a slaty gray crown, cheeks, and back. They have a black throat and wings, while their tails are black with pale yellow edges. The breast is orange, gradually fading into yellowish-white underparts. The black wings also display a patch of orange. In contrast, females are duller than males, featuring light gray upperparts, cheeks, and crown; dark gray wings; a white throat; and light yellow underparts.

Both males and females display an orange rump. They are usually seen in small flocks and frequently make high-pitched “swee swee” calls as they move around, feeding on insects. Sometimes, they catch insects mid-air like flycatchers. These birds inhabit various forested environments, particularly thorny jungles, scrub patches, and open dry forests.

This picture was taken in my home garden in Kumbukgatte, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

Amal Udawatta 

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