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Food for Plain Sunbird Anthreptes simplex Juveniles

on 7th August 2022
Image 1: A single Plain Sunbird, adult male (in feather moult) caring for and feeding a single dependent juvenile. Kledang Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. 4 August 2022.
Image 2: The juvenile Plain sunbird, Anthreptes simplex, would follow the adult around, from perch to perch, and demand food with calls and fluttering of wings. Kledang Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. 4 August 2022.

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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If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

LW Teo

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