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Red-throated Sunbird – nesting

on 12th September 2018

“I was walking along a straight section of the trail in this forest when, about 60-70 meters ahead, I saw a small yellow bird flew straight up into the crown of a tree. Such purposeful activity usually indicates a nest or young.

Nest of Red-throated Sunbird.

“I made my way to the tree and found a female Red-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes rhodolaemus) busy constructing a nest (above). It was located 9-10 meters up at the crown of a tree (below, for perspective), and anchored to one slender stem. It was still in the process of construction but the nesting entrance (hole) was clear, as was the dangling tail seen in this species.

Location of nest – for perspective.

“Nest building was only carried out by the female in the short time I observed it (below). The male was on ‘guard’ duty nearby in the same tree. The female was bringing what appeared to be dried grass or plant fibres.

Nest building by female Red-throated Sunbird.

“She was using her body to shape the nesting entrance and cavity (below). I kept my observation to a minimum so as to limit any impact on the birds.”

Female Red-throated Sunbird using her body to shape nest entrance and cavity.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
25th July 2018

Status: Currently considered Near Threatened
Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Trail along primary jungle

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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