22 Feb 2009

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher taking a spider

by | posted in: Feeding-invertebrates, Kingfishers | 3

The arrival of the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Cyex erithacus) to Singapore, an uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant provided photographers a rare opportunity to document its food habits. Alvin Lok image shows the bird with a spider in its bill.

The image was sent to Joseph Koh, our High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, who is a spider enthusiast. Joseph kindly sent in this reply: “This looks like a ctenid spider (Ctenus sp., Family Ctenidae) although there is a possibility that it may be a huntsman spider (Family Sparassidae). But I think it is safe to say that kingfisher is holding a spider, probably Ctenus sp.” 


According to Alvin, ”I initially thought it was a huntsman, but after looking carefully it does very much look like a Wandering Spider (Ctenidae), although someone mentioned that it could be a wolfspider. Think Joseph Koh is right though.”

Follow YC Wee:

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

3 Responses

  2. YC
    | Reply

    Would be good if you could send in such images if we do not have them posted already. Never know when you are encountering new behaviour, etc.

  3. ctenidae
    | Reply

    […] spiders appear in Guinness World Records 2007 as the … Mail (will not be published) (required) …Bird Ecology Study Group Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher taking a …Family Ctenidae) although there is a possibility that it may be a huntsman spider (Family … much […]

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