Identification
Tiny, compact bird, a typical flowerpecker with a short bill and very short tail. Ranges from the Tanimbar Islands northeast to the Kai and Aru Islands. Adult male glossy blue-black above, with a red chest; males on Aru Islands have a much brighter red patch than birds elsewhere in range, which have patchily pinkish-red underparts. Female gray above and pale below, with red rump and undertail coverts. Juvenile plain, with orange bill base and undertail coverts. Inhabits forest and forest edge habitats. Gives a high-pitched “tsee’ip”, a metallic trill, thin “tsip” notes, and short buzzy notes.