Post 1
I returned to the flowering Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree) where I again saw 4 species of Spiderhunters feeding on nectar, high up:
- Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta robusta
- Grey-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera modesta modesta
- Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster
- Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys chrysogenys
Post 2
The Spectacled Spiderhunter was the most aggressive species and often chased away the others from flowers or trees.
Post 3
All the Spiderhunters feed on this exotic tree nectar by dipping their heads into the large flowers (Post 1). However I noticed today that the Spectacled Spiderhunter also uses nectar robbing techniques and pierces the flower base to access nectar (Post 2). This may have to do with perch access or just convenience.
Post 4
Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Location: Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth adjacent to limestone outcroppings
Date: 7th December 2020
Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, handheld with Rode VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone
