I recently reported the Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex male’s role with fledglings (https://besgroup.org/2022/06/27/plain-sunbird-anthreptes-simplex-males-role-with-fledglings/). On that occasion, the adult male was feeding the juvenile the fruit of the Macaranga bancana.
On 4th August 2022, at the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, I had an opportunity to observe another fledgling feeding event. A single adult male (in feather moult, see image 1) was caring for and feeding a single dependent juvenile (see image 2); suggesting brood division for post-fledging care. The adult female and other juvenile(s) were not observed. On this occasion the adult was collecting the small flowers of the Poikilospermum suaveolens to feed the juvenile. As usual, the juvenile would follow the adult around, from perch to perch, and demand food with calls and fluttering of wings.
It is clear that adult males are involved in feeding fledglings.
NB: Birds feed on flowers of Poikilospermum suaveolens to get to the nectar.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
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