Brown-throated Sunbird and Costus spicatus flowers

YC Wee
on 21st January 2014

The image above by Chan Yoke Meng and Melinda Chan shows a Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) apparently trying to pry open a flower of the Indian Head Ginger (Costus spicatus) to get at the nectar.

Nectar-feeding sunbirds birds are attracted to these flowers, as seen HERE and HERE.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and do not represent nor are they endorsed by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore (LKCNHM, NUS) or any of NUS’s affiliates or subsidiaries. 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.

Other posts by YC Wee

Hornbill feeding on Bush Grape (Cayratia mollissima) fruit

27th April 2025

Singapore Bird Society’s updated Bird Database is now available

22nd April 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group:Part 6. Bird Group played the religion card.

2nd March 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group.  Part 5. Looking and Studying Birds 

24th February 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group or BESG Part 4: Formation of BESG

14th February 2025

6 responses

  3. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Brown-throated Sunbird dealing with Costus spicatus flower
  4. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Flowers of Costus woodsonii or Scarlet Spiral Flag
  5. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Brown-throated Sunbird uses mandibles and foot to get at flower nectar of Costus woodsonii
  6. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Chan Yoke Meng: Photographer with a mission

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