| I recently had the opportunity for extended observation of the Spectacled Spiderhunter. It (possibly two birds or more from plumage) spent one-and-a-half hours at the Macaranga triloba tree feeding.
Previously been very shy with brief visits, now possibly got used to
my presence. Also from plumage – either an immature bird or moulting.
Will approach from a branch high in the canopy and zoom down to this tree.
On this day it monopolised the tree, chasing away other sunbirds and spiderhunters – they came back very quickly or just moved to
another branch.
On this day it was brave enough to come to the branches nearest to me, offering good views.
Took many pictures and a few videos to document behaviour but lighting was poor – overcast & damp.
Some comments:
1. Although they came for the fruit, it is hard to reach, so needed to flutter or hover in the air, or do contortions to access the food.
2. They search diligently for fruit and their beaks were stained with pollen from the flowers - may be important for pollination.
3. They feed by picking the fruit with the tip of the long beak and then throwing it up in the air to catch & swallow it.
4. The eye size in the drawings of some field guides is not very
accurate as it is much larger when seen close up.
5. They have a loud call ta-chak (see Wells 2007) which is used often and appears to be territorial as well as used to show
displeasure (have a video of bird uttering calls). Sometimes the call is used repeatedly for long periods with odd fluttering of the wings and tail – very much like a juvenile asking for food (although this bird was feeding independently). - Amar |