“I have seen Black-throated Sunbirds (Aethopyga saturata wrayi) feed on a wide range of nectar sources, occasionally using nectar robbing techniques. I am sure the full list is protean and there are many where I am not able to ID the plant (especially wild flowers).
“Nectar sources seen on this occasion:
1. Abutilon pictum – commonly known as Redvein Abutilon, Red Vein Indian Mallow, Redvein Flowering Maple or Red vein Chinese lanterns (native to South America) (above).
2. Abutilon megapotamicum – called the Trailing Abutilon (native to South America). Nectar robbing technique used. See below (composite image of two shots merged to bring flower into focus).
“Previous nectar sources I have seen/documented include:
1. Canna – often called Canna Lily. Nectar robbing technique used.
2. Numerous Hibiscus spp. Nectar robbing technique used.
3. Euphorbia species (very much like Euphorbia pulcherrima – Poinsettia). Conventional nectar feeding.
4. Callistemon spp. (Bottlebrush). Conventional nectar feeding.
5. Poikilospermum suaveolens (family: Urticaceae) – seen feeding on the flowers (they eat the flowers to get to the nectar) LINK.
6. Lantana camara. Conventional nectar feeding LINK.
7. Fuchsia. Nectar robbing technique used LINK.
8. Pyrostegia venusta, known as Flamevine or Orange Trumpetvine (originally from Brazil). Nectar robbing technique used.
9. Thunbergia mysorensis, called Lady’s Slipper Vine, Mysore Trumpet-vine or Indian Clock-vine (native to southern tropical India). Conventional nectar feeding.
10. Malvaviscus arboreus – resembles a partially closed hibiscus flower. Nectar robbing technique used.
11. Rhododendron malayanum. Nectar robbing technique used.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
7th July 2018
Location: 1,700m ASL, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Habitat: Garden on the fringe of primary jungle