any of the 10 bird species of the Asian genus Pericrocotus, belonging to the family Campephagidae (q.v.). Males of most species are black and red, females yellowish and gray. Minivets live in forests from Afghanistan to Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Small flocks, constantly chattering in loud, sweet tones, search the treetops for insects. A common and widespread species is the 23-centimetre (9-inch) scarlet minivet.