Arachnothera juliae
Whitehead's Spiderhunter (Arachnothera juliae) is a medium-sized passerine bird, endemic to the montane forests of Borneo, distinguished by its unique morphology and behavior. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) in length and weighing between 16-25 g (0.6-0.9 oz), its plumage is primarily drab olive-green on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow belly and undertail coverts. The head and throat are often dark, appearing blackish with subtle streaking, lending it a ...
Confined to submontane and montane primary forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,000 meters (3,000-6,600 ft).
Feeds primarily on nectar extracted from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by spiders and small insects gleaned from foliage and bark.
Whitehead's Spiderhunter is primarily diurnal, active throughout the day foraging singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Its foraging strategy involves hovering in front of flowers or perching to extract nectar with its specialized long, decurved bill. Additionally, i...
Whitehead's Spiderhunter is an obligate resident of the montane and submontane forests of Borneo, distributed across the highlands of both Malaysian Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) and Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan). Its range encompasses prominent mountain ranges such as Mount Kinabalu, the Crocker R...
Least Concern
- The scientific name *Arachnothera* literally translates to 'spider hunter', a fitting description of their diet. - It is endemic to the island of Borneo, found nowhere else in the world. - Its long, decurved bill is an adaptation for reaching nectar deep inside tubular flowers, much like a humm...