Search

Black-throated Sunbird – nectar sources

on 1st September 2018

“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).

Black-throated Sunbird robbing nectar fro Abutilon pictum flower.

“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).

Black-throated Sunbird robbing nectar from Abutilon megapotamicum flower.

“Previous nectar sources I have seen/documented include:
1. Canna – often called Canna Lily. Nectar robbing technique used.

Black-throated Sunbird robbing nectar from Canna flower.

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

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories
Archives

Overall visits (since 2005)

Live visitors
1068
16774
Visitors Today
51731662
Total
Visitors

Clustrmaps (since 2016)