posted in: birds, Feeding-plants | 0

I have observed Olive-backed Sunbirds (Cinnyris jugularis) feeding on the nectar of Clitoria ternatea (blue pea or butterfly pea) flowers a number of times but missed image documentation. This is a new food source for the species.

I saw the activity again today, 31st January 2022, in Ipoh, Perak.

Nectar is taken by using a nectar robbing technique – piercing the base of the flower and hence does not aid with pollination.

Cinnyris jugularis is said to have originated from the Indonesian archipelago.

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

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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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