Purple-naped Sunbird – nectar feeding

YC Wee
on 30th May 2015

“Spotted Purple-naped Sunbirds (Hypogramma hypogrammicum nuchale) on two occasions, 1.5 km apart, feeding on the tiny flowers of this creeping epiphyte that is found on a few trees (above female, below male).

“On the first instance a pair was visiting every single tiny pink-red flower for nectar. On the second I saw only a single female. The heads of the birds were stained with white sap due to this action (see top image).

“This creeping epiphyte is the Dischidia hirsuta, also known as an “Ant Plant” as they have close relationship with ants (myrmecophily).

“Note that David Wells (2007) states “I know of no definite area record of nectarivory ….”. I previously posted nectar feeding LINK [Note: Apologies for the wrong link. The “nectar feeding” has yet to be posted. Will do so soon. YC]. Now a second record.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
1st May 2015

Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: A trial along primary jungle, alongside a river

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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