The thick-billed spiderhunter is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill evergreen forests, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth across Brunei, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia (Peninsular and Borneo), Singapore, and southern Thailand. It frequents flowering trees, gingers, and bananas, often foraging in the mid-storey to canopy. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where flowering resources remain but is most common in intact forest. Nests are typically placed in sheltered foliage near feeding areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This spiderhunter has a notably thick, decurved bill used to probe flowers for nectar and pick spiders from their webs—hence the name. It is an important pollinator of many forest plants and also takes small arthropods for protein. Typically shy, it forages high in the canopy but will descend to flowering shrubs and gingers.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between flowering plants
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, defending rich nectar sources from conspecifics and other nectar-feeders. Builds a small, pendant cup or purse-like nest attached to broad leaves or fine twigs, often near feeding sites. Clutch size is typically two eggs, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched tseet notes and thin whistles delivered from cover. Song is simple and repetitive, often interspersed with rapid chips during active foraging.
Plumage
Dull olive-green upperparts with yellow to yellow-olive underparts that are plain to faintly streaked; texture sleek and smooth. The bill is long, thick-based, and strongly decurved. Subtle pale supercilium and dusky ear-coverts are often visible.
Diet
Consumes nectar from a variety of forest blossoms, including gingers and bananas, using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements nectar with spiders and small insects gleaned from foliage and webs. Occasionally takes small fruits or sap when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-storey and canopy of mature forest and at forest edges, visiting flowering trees and epiphytes. Also forages at flowering shrubs in secondary growth and gardens near forest.
