The spectacled spiderhunter is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. This is both the largest spiderhunter and the largest representative of the entire sunbird family. The total length of this species is around 22 cm (8.7 in) and body mass is around 38.4 to 49 g.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Malay Peninsula through Singapore, southern Thailand, and into Borneo, Sumatra, and parts of Indochina including Vietnam and Brunei. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland evergreen forest, swamp forest, forest edge, and hill forest, and also visits flowering gardens and plantations. Birds forage from the understory to the mid-canopy, especially where bananas, gingers, and heliconias bloom. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided suitable flowering plants and tall cover remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spectacled spiderhunter is the largest member of the sunbird family, with a notably long, decurved bill. Its bold whitish eye-rings give the 'spectacled' look. It often uses spider silk to attach its purse-like nest to the underside of large leaves such as bananas or gingers. An important pollinator, it also consumes spiders and insects, living up to its name.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone or in pairs, defending rich flowering patches from rivals. The nest is a small purse or cup suspended beneath a broad leaf, attached with spider silk. Breeding is presumed monogamous; the female undertakes most nest construction and incubation, with the male often guarding nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, clear, and piercing whistles delivered in short series, often repeated from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp, metallic notes and squeaky chips given during foraging.
