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Brown-throated Sunbird takes Nectar from Rain-soaked Tabebuia Flowers

on 18th December 2011

“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.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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.

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