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 … Continued
“An immature Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta modesta) coming out from the forest to feed on the nectar of a flowering banana (below). Note that there is a weak suggestion of gape and that the feet are pink (juveniles) rather than … Continued
“I went in search of spiderhunters and saw three different species at the same location – Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra), Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster) and Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta). “They tend to come out to the fringe of the forest … Continued
“I have often seen the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta modesta) feed on the nectar of coconut flowers LINK. This was an extended observation (above). “It seemed to pick certain flowers, possibly the ones that were open and with nectar. All … Continued
“When I posted an earlier image of the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta modesta) nectar feeding on the banana flowers of Musa ‘1000 Fingers’, I suspect few appreciated my description of this Malaysian banana. The above image shows the spiderhunter with … Continued
“Been wanting to document this feeding that I have seen a number of times… feeding by the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta modesta) on the nectar of Wild Banana (Musa ornata) (above). “The bird will probe every flower rapidly, often not … Continued
“A dismal day with much drizzle and dark clouds but this Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta modesta) made up for it. Met it at the fringe of the forest reserve where it had entered the gardens of some homes to feed … Continued
“I had previously reported fruit feeding (frugivory) by spiderhunters, focused on the Common Mahang (Macaranga bancana) and other fruit. See: Frugivory by spiderhunter Arachnothera species in Peninsular Malaysia. BirdingASIA 20 (2013): 76–81. LINK. “Today I saw the Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera … Continued
“I often feel then name ‘spiderhunter’ is inapt, as I have seldom seen spiderhunters take spiders as prey. The diet is more often fruits and nectar from a variety of flowers LINK. Of course, being used to that name for … Continued
Based on observations made over 10 days between October 2009 and March 2012 in Perak and Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia, Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS has finally published his findings (above). Spiderhunters, as the name suggests, feed mainly on spiders. In … Continued
