Arachnothera flammifera
The Orange-tufted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flammifera) is a vibrant and unique passerine bird endemic to the Philippines, easily identified by the striking orange-yellow pectoral tufts of the male. Measuring approximately 14-15 cm in length, it boasts olive-green upperparts, contrasting with grayish-white underparts and a yellowish vent. Its most distinctive feature, beyond the tufts, is its relatively short, strongly decurved dark bill, perfectly adapted for its nectar-feeding habits. Taxo...
This spiderhunter primarily inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, favoring areas with abundant flowering plants. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,200 meters.
Primarily nectivorous, this species feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet significantly with small insects, particularly spiders, which it gleans from foliage and webs.
Active throughout the day, the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter is typically observed singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Its foraging strategy is characterized by agile movements, hovering expertly before flowers to probe for nectar with its specialized bill, and me...
The Orange-tufted Spiderhunter is entirely endemic to the Philippine archipelago, with its distribution spanning several islands across the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Specifically, the nominate subspecies, *Arachnothera flammifera flammifera*, is found on Mindanao, Dinagat, and Basilan. The se...
Least Concern
- The 'Orange-tufted' part of its name refers to the bright, almost fluorescent orange-yellow feathers on the male's chest, which are prominently displayed. - Despite its small size, it possesses a remarkably long, slender, and strongly decurved bill, perfectly adapted for reaching nectar deep wi...