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Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker collecting nectar from flowers of Erythrina sp.

on 24th March 2013

In March 2013, Samson Tan photographed a Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos moluccensis) collecting nectar from the flowers of an Erythrina sp. (Not sure of the species but the stem appears to be covered with broad spines, as shown in the video clip).

The woodpecker directed its bill towards the base of the flower to get at the nectar. In the process the exposed stamens and style came into contact with the neck feathers of the bird (below). In this way the bird assists in cross pollination.

You can watch the video clip in Samson’s blog HERE

Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker takes mainly insects but also fruits and flower nectar (Winkler & Christie, 2002).

Samson Tan
Singapore
March 2013

Reference:
Winkler, H. & D. A. Christie, 2002. Family Picidae (Woodpeckers). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & J. Sargatal (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 7. Jacamars to Woodpeckers. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 296-555.

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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