- Xenodacnis parina
Identification
12.5 cm.
- Deep blue overall plumage
- Dark eyes, bill, and feet
Female of all subspecies is duller, with rufous-brown underparts.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Three subspecies are recognized1: petersi parina bella.
Habitat
Montane scrub forests from 3000 m to 4600 m elevation where Gynox shrubs are present.
Behaviour
It forages almost entirely by gleaning from the undersides of Gynox leaves, feeding on small insects and sugary secretions produced either by the insects or by the leaves. The diet also includes nectar.
It builds a tiny cup nest which is placed in a tree.
References
- Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
