Purple-naped Sunbird– nectar feeding behaviour

on 6th July 2015

“The Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum nuchale) is known to feed on insects.

“I have previously posted observations of frugivorous behaviour (a poorly recognised behaviour) LINK, LINK and LINK.

“There are no reported observations of nectar feeding. Wells (2007) states ‘I know of no definite area record of nectarivory ….’

“I was able to document a male Purple-naped Sunbird feeding on the nectar of the same tiny flowers [encountered earlier]. A number of feeding episodes were seen.

“Taking images of the actual feeding episodes for both the Purple-naped and Plain Sunbirds was challenging due the rapid nature of the feeding.

“This forest tree varies between 5-8 meters high, has ‘feathery’ green leaves with tiny flowers that are produced on the underside of the slender long branches. I measured the flower at 3mm in length by 2×2 mm at mouth. The tree produces tiny purple berries are favoured by leafbirds and bulbuls.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
30th June 2013

Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: A trail through mixed secondary & primary jungle of the forest reserve

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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