Arachnothera modesta
The Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta) is a fascinating, medium-sized passerine of the Nectariniidae family, characterized by its distinctive morphology and foraging strategies. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length and weighing 10-18 grams, it sports an olive-green back and wings, contrasting sharply with a dull grey breast and throat. Its most striking feature is a remarkably long, slender, and strongly decurved black bill, perfectly adapted for its spec...
Primarily inhabits lowland to lower montane moist broadleaf forests, including primary, secondary, and degraded forest edges, plantations, and dense undergrowth up to 1,500 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by insects (small beetles, ants, larvae) and spiders, which it extracts from webs and foliage.
This diurnal species is highly active, constantly flitting through vegetation, often observed singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. It utilizes its long, decurved bill with remarkable precision to probe deep into tubular flowers for nectar, frequently clinging up...
The Grey-breasted Spiderhunter is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, primarily inhabiting the Sundaic region. Its breeding range extends from extreme southern Myanmar and peninsular Thailand through peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia, including the large islands of Suma...
Least Concern
- The Grey-breasted Spiderhunter's common name accurately reflects its dietary preference for spiders, which it expertly extracts from their webs. - Its remarkably long, decurved bill is a specialized tool, perfectly adapted for probing deep into tubular flowers to reach nectar. - Unlike many sun...