The orange-tufted spiderhunter is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only on Mindanao and Eastern Visayas. It was originally considered a subspecies of the little spiderhunter.
Region
Southern and Eastern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with ample flowering plants. It frequents the understory to midstory, often along trails, gaps, and stream margins where nectar sources are concentrated. The species also visits gardens, coconut groves, and banana and ginger plantations near forest. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided flowering shrubs, vines, and gingers remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The orange-tufted spiderhunter is a sunbird relative specialized for probing tubular flowers with its long, decurved bill. Endemic to the southern and eastern Philippines, it was formerly treated as a subspecies of the little spiderhunter. Males display bright orange pectoral/axillary tufts during courtship. It is an important pollinator of native gingers and heliconias as well as cultivated bananas.
An orange-tufted spiderhunter displaying its tufts
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between flowers
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Nests are neat, purse-like structures suspended from the underside of broad leaves, bound with spider silk and plant fibers. Males display by flicking wings and revealing orange tufts; both sexes defend rich nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, thin tseet and tzip notes delivered in quick sequences, often while moving between flowers. Also gives a buzzy, slightly metallic chatter during interactions. Song is simple and repetitive compared to many sunbirds.
