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IUCN status: Least ConcernScarlet-headed Flowerpecker at a glance
The Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trochileum) is a bird in the family Dicaeidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in south-east Sumatra and Bangka, southern and eastern Kalimantan, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and Lombok. Diet: small fruit, nectar and insects; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Dicaeum trochileum |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Cabai jawa |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Dicaeidae |
| Observation records | Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 5,249 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — small fruit, nectar and insects · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — south-east Sumatra and Bangka, southern and eastern Kalimantan, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and Lombok · BirdLife DataZone |
In this guide (12)
What is the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker refers to Dicaeum trochileum, in the genus Dicaeum, family Dicaeidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
The scarlet-headed flowerpecker is an Indonesian-endemic dicaeid; the male's red head is a clue, making sex and age relevant to identification.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 5,249 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker with Zitting Cisticola, Metallic Starling, Pied Bushchat. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicaeidae |
| Genus | Dicaeum |
| Species | Dicaeum trochileum |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker
What is the scientific name of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
The scientific name of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is Dicaeum trochileum, in the family Dicaeidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Cabai jawa.
What kind of animal is the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
The Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is a bird in the family Dicaeidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a small fruit, nectar and insects. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker summarised in this guide mainly come from Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.
The Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in south-east Sumatra and Bangka, southern and eastern Kalimantan, Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands and Lombok. Source: BirdLife DataZone.
What does the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker eat?
The Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is a small fruit, nectar and insects. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker reproduce?
The Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker nocturnal?
The cited source records the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker?
Scientific classification of the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Dicaeidae, genus Dicaeum, species Dicaeum trochileum.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- BirdLife DataZone ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trochileum). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicaeum-trochileum/