Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker collecting nectar from flowers of Erythrina sp.

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.