Gris-throated Minivet

The Gris-throated Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris) is a common resident bird in Taiwan, belonging to the minivet family. It mainly inhabits the upper layers of mid- to low-altitude broadleaf forests and is often seen in pairs or flocks moving among the treetops. The male has a gray-black head and back, a gray throat, and bright orange-red on its chest, belly, and lower back. Its black wings also feature striking orange-red wing patches. The tail feathers are also tinged with orange-red, with the two central feathers being black. The female replaces the male's orange-red with bright yellow, so when a flock of Gris-throated Minivets is active, you can often see a mix of red and yellow colors. Gris-throated Minivets primarily feed on insects but also eat berries. They often perch on the tips of branches, flying among the treetops to catch insects, and sometimes join mixed-species flocks. They are usually seen in pairs during the breeding season, but may form larger groups in autumn and winter. They also build small cup-shaped nests at branch forks using materials like moss and ferns. Due to their vibrant plumage, they are also known as 'Xibanzi' (戲班仔鳥) in Taiwan, meaning 'theater troupe bird'; the Forestry Research Institute has also described their striking appearance as 'little chili peppers'. Therefore, if you see a flock of small red and yellow birds rapidly flying among the treetops in the mountains, they are likely these conspicuous 'little chili peppers' – the Gris-throated Minivets. Image source: https://share.google/MFqBKPFrhhyQVPShu https://share.google/bXgH3mxCw4MtbsdYA