The pale spiderhunter is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only the region of Palawan. Along with the orange-tufted spiderhunter, it was originally considered a subspecies of the little spiderhunter. They are predominantly greyish in color, with olive-green wings, a pale yellow belly and a bold yellow eyering.
Region
Palawan Archipelago, western Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Palawan and nearby islands in lowland and foothill forest, including primary forest, secondary growth, and forest edge. Frequently visits flowering trees, gingers, and bananas in clearings, plantations, and gardens adjacent to forest. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, moving rapidly between blossoms. The species tolerates moderate habitat disturbance if flowering resources persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pale spiderhunter is a sunbird relative specialized for probing deep tubular flowers with its long decurved bill. It also gleans spiders and small insects, often stealing spiders from their webs—hence the name. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the little spiderhunter, it is now recognized as distinct based on plumage and range. It is generally shy, most often seen at flowering edges and clearings.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Nests are purse-like, suspended beneath large leaves using plant fibers and spider silk. Both sexes participate in nest building and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and sharp tseet calls, often delivered from cover. Song phrases are simple and repeated, carrying well in forest edge habitats.
Plumage
Predominantly greyish with olive-green wings and upperparts, a pale yellow belly, and plain, lightly streaked underparts. Feathers appear sleek and smooth, with minimal patterning. The long, decurved bill and bold yellow eye-ring are distinctive.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers, including gingers and bananas, using its long curved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with spiders and small insects gleaned from foliage and webs. Will occasionally hawk small flying insects near flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open understory where flowering plants are abundant. Often visits gardens and plantations adjacent to forest, especially where bananas and ornamental gingers bloom.
