Brown-throated Sunbird feeding on Nephelium lappaceum fruit

on 16th September 2016

SunbirdBrTh-rambutan [JWee] 1

A total of the 14 species of birds has been recorded feeding on the rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruits LINK. Of these, only one species, the Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) has been documented HERE and HERE.

SunbirdBrTh-rambutan [JWee] 2

Now, Johnny Wee has provided proof of the Brown-throated Sunbird feeding on rambutan fruits. The above image shows the sunbird with its narrow tubular tongue still extended beyond the tips of the mandibles. This would suggest that was feeding on the sweetish juice exuding from the damaged fruits, as shown in the image below.

SunbirdBrTh-rambutan [JWee] 3

Birdwatchers and photographers are encouraged to keep an eye on other species of sunbirds feeding on rambutan fruits.

Johnny Wee
Singapore
24th July 2016

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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