The Bornean spiderhunter is a doubtful species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. The scientific name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett.
Region
Borneo, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found across lowland and hill forests of Borneo, including primary rainforest, forest edges, and well-vegetated secondary growth. It frequents flowering shrubs, gingers, and bananas in clearings and along streams. The species forages from understory to mid-canopy and occasionally visits gardens and plantations near forest. It is largely absent from heavily urbanized or open habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Everett's spiderhunter, this sunbird-relative is endemic to the island of Borneo. It uses its long, decurved bill to probe tubular flowers for nectar and to glean spiders and insects from foliage. Taxonomy has been debated, with some authorities historically treating it close to or within related spiderhunter forms, but it is widely recognized as distinct today.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, fast dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are typically purse-shaped structures suspended from broad leaves or palm fronds, bound with plant fibers and spider silk. Both sexes may participate in nest building and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, metallic chips and thin squeaks delivered from concealed perches. The song is a brief series of high, buzzy notes, often interspersed with rapid chipping when excited.
Plumage
Olive-green to olive-brown upperparts with yellowish underparts and often faint streaking on the throat and breast. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, emphasizing a streamlined shape. The long, downcurved bill is prominent.
Diet
Takes spiders and small insects gleaned from leaves, bark, and tangles, often picking prey from the underside of foliage. Also feeds extensively on nectar from tubular flowers such as gingers, heliconias, and bananas, using its long bill and brush-tipped tongue. Will opportunistically take small arthropods flushed by other birds.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in flowering thickets, and in the understory to mid-canopy of humid forest. Frequently visits flowering plants in clearings, stream margins, and adjacent gardens or plantations.
