“A small flock of different sunbirds enjoying the nectar of the flowers of Starfruit trees (Averrhoa carambola).
“The images at the top and above show juvenile female Crimson Sunbirds (Aethopyga siparaja siparaja) feeding on the nectar.
“Above shows an adult male and below an eclipse male Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) taking nectar from the flowers.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
7th November 2015
Location: Tambun, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth near limestone hills
Am
Can anyone recommend some easy-to-grow small plants/shrubs that I can add to a small balcony space that will attract sunbirds and bees, especially bees? I am already growing Thai basil and sweet basil, and whenever they flower I get droves of small honeybees visiting to collect nectar & pollen. I also have periwinkle & many flowering orchids, but these do not seem to attract any birds or insects.
YC
Firecracker plant, sure to attract sunbirds… http://www.besgroup.org/2010/09/12/olive-backed-sunbird-harvesting-nectar/
Sun Chong Hong
A good listing is in http://www.besgroup.org/2015/07/03/plant-bird-relationship-3-list-of-birds-2/#more. Some examples, Ixora sp., Heliconia sp., Hibiscus sp., Costus woodsonii, Melastoma malabathricum, etc…
For bees, Turnera ulmifolia…http://www.besgroup.org/2014/02/09/carpenter-bee-and-yellow-alder-plant/
Am
Thanks YC & Chong Hong!
YC
You are welcome, Am.