The spiderhunters are birds of the genus Arachnothera, part of the sunbird family Nectariniidae. The genus contains thirteen species found in the forests of south and southeastern Asia. They are large representatives of the sunbird family, with drab plumage and long strongly curved bills. They feed on both nectar and a range of small arthropods.
Spiderhunter
A streaked spiderhunter about to feed on a banana palm inflorescence
This streaked spiderhunter has pierced the side of a closed hibiscus flower and is drinking the nectar without pollinating the flower - a tactic known as nectar robbing.
Image: Spiderhunter Sabah
Sunbirds and spiderhunters make up the family Nectariniidae of passerine birds. They are small, slender passerines from the Old World, usually with downward-curved bills. Many are brightly coloured, often with iridescent feathers, particularly in the males. Many species also have especially long tail feathers. Their range extends through most of Africa to the Middle East, South Asia, South-east Asia and southern China, to Indonesia, New Guinea and northern Australia. Species diversity is highest in equatorial regions.
Sunbird
The spectacled spiderhunter is the largest species of sunbird
Female Seychelles sunbird at the nest with prey
Sunbird drinking nectar from typical bird-pollinated flower
