Orange-bellied Flowerpecker feeding on nectar

“The diet of the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma trigonostigma) is largely fruits (small figs, berries, especially Melastoma and also mistletoe fruits). It is also suggested that it takes nectar but I have rarely seen that behaviour.

“Here is a male taking nectar from small flowers of a jungle tree. The bird was meticulous and visited most of the flowers.

“David R Wells’ The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular, Volume 2, 2007, page 610.) states: “…and perhaps also for nectar (this species has a protrusive tongue).”

We have posted an account of the Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) harvesting nectar from the mistletoe Dendrophthoe pentandra.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS)
Perak, Malaysia
14th September 2009

Note: The image was taken at the Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia on 12th September 2009.