“I was walking along a straight section of the trail in this forest when, about 60-70 meters ahead, I saw a small yellow bird flew straight up into the crown of a tree. Such purposeful activity usually indicates a nest or young.
“I made my way to the tree and found a female Red-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes rhodolaemus) busy constructing a nest (above). It was located 9-10 meters up at the crown of a tree (below, for perspective), and anchored to one slender stem. It was still in the process of construction but the nesting entrance (hole) was clear, as was the dangling tail seen in this species.
“Nest building was only carried out by the female in the short time I observed it (below). The male was on ‘guard’ duty nearby in the same tree. The female was bringing what appeared to be dried grass or plant fibres.
“She was using her body to shape the nesting entrance and cavity (below). I kept my observation to a minimum so as to limit any impact on the birds.”
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
25th July 2018
Status: Currently considered Near Threatened
Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Trail along primary jungle
