Johnny Wee photographed a Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense) pecking into the ripe fruit of the rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) in his garden in July 2014. Although woodpeckers eat mostly insects, they also, to a certain extent, eat fruits and flower nectar.
Common Flameback has also been reported to feed on the fruit of chempedak (Artocarpus integer) LINK.
Johnny Wee
Singapore
July 2014
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3 responses
Excellent documentation but would like to suggest that, since the skin of the fruit not broken, perhaps the bird was feeding on the ants and other insects that frequently inhabit the fruit surface. Seen this with may birds. I am sure if the fruit was open, the flesh would be consumed.
Amar
Yes, I would agree with Amar and black ants are favourite to seek refuge in these fruits especially the very sweet ones. A clue when purchasing rambutans, always go for the ones with crawling ants and sweetness is guaranteed.
Would be nice if stayed long enough to check out if woodpecker was just using fruit as support to cling on to inspect for ants or serious about eating the fruit or both.
Thanks for lovely shot.
Daisy