“The trumpet tree (Tabebuia rosea) outside my apartment was in full bloom after a dry spell. Then a thunderstorm came. As it slowed to a drizzle, I went to the window to see if there was any bird seeking refuge in the tree. Soon a Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) appeared. It inspected a bunch of drooping rain-soaked flowers and appeared to have tried to insert its bill through the petal opening without success…
“The video which was recorded on 27 Oct 2011 can be viewed above.”
Sun Chong Hong
Singapore
9th December 2011
Note: This is the first report of birds taking nectar from Tabebuia rosea. The tree is native to tropical America, introduced to Singapore to provide colours to our Garden City. The flowers are bell-shaped, varying from white to purple. When in full bloom, the entire crown is covered with flowers, a spectacular sight to behold.
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