Poikilospermum suaveolens and birds

YC Wee
on 22nd May 2013

Goh Juanhui was at the Jelutong Tower in Central Catchment Reserve in May 2013 where he was attracted by a flowering epiphytic climber, Poikilospermum suaveolens (Family: Urticaceae). This appears to be the period when this plant is in flowers.

There were many birds attracted to the flowers because of their nectar – bulbuls, Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) (above), Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma), and in particular the Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati) (below).

This Greater Green Leafbird was observed to guard this plant against other ‘intruders,’ chasing them away.

Goh Juanhui
Singapore
May 2013

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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One Response

  1. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Streaked Spiderhunter feeding on flowers of Poikilospermum suaveolens

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