Diet of the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta)

I previously reported on the food sources I had observed for the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta) – see reference. It compromises a predominance of nectar sources with some fruit and the occasional insect. In that list I omitted to mention personal observations of feeding on the nectar of Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Trees) that is a favourite of many Spiderhunters.

On 4^th July 2022 I saw an adult Grey-breasted Spiderhunter feeding on the nectar of the Zingiber spectabile (Beehive Ginger; Malaysian Ginger). The Zingiber spectabile inflorescences have been sprouting for many weeks in various parts of the forest but it is only in recent days that I have seen the small flowers emerge. I also spotted a female sunbird at the plant but missed getting images and identifying it.

Reference:

Amar-Singh HSS (2020). Grey-breasted Spiderhunter – food sources. Bird Ecology Study Group. <https://besgroup.org/2022/04/17/grey-breasted-spiderhunter-food-sources/

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS

Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

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