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This tiny bird is an uncommon breeding resident found primarily in the dry lowlands and ascends the hills up to about 1500 meters. Global destribution of this speceis extends from India to Indonesia across southern Asia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

Thick-billed Flowerpecker is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

These restless little birds occur in low country dry zone forests, but small populations have been recorded in some locations in the wet zone as well. They feed mainly on small berries but supplement their diet with insects. I have seen them feed on Loranthus fruits and Katu Pila Flueggia leucopyrus fruits. However, unlike its smaller cousin the Tickell’s Flowerpecker they do not swallow the fruit whole but break it open and feed on the pulp with its much bigger stronger beak. I have seen this species at most national parks in the dry zone such as Udawalawa, Wasgomuwa and Yala but most regularly at Randenigala, Koslanda and Wellawaya. The highest altitude at which I have seen them so far was at Makulalla in Bandarawela at 1316 meters. The nests of these birds take the appearance of small purse but are seldom seen since they are built high up on tall trees.

The Thick-billed Flowerpeckers are regular visitors to the Jam fruit trees in our garden at Wilpattu and compete with the smaller Tickell’s Flowerpeckers to feed on the ripe berries. Photographing them is not an easy task as they are restless by nature and seldom stay still.