Streaked Spiderhunter

Overview

The Streaked Spiderhunter is one of the largest members of the sunbird family, found in hill and montane forests from the Himalayan foothills through Southeast Asia. It shows heavy dark streaking across yellowish underparts, a pattern that sets it apart from the plainer Little Spiderhunter, along with an unusually long, strongly decurved bill used to probe flowers and spider webs.

• Family: sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
• Diet: nectar and small insects and spiders
• Range: Himalayan foothills through Southeast Asia

Feather Identification

• Upperparts: feathers are olive-brown to olive-green, without iridescence.
• Underparts: breast and belly are pale yellowish, overlaid with bold, heavy dark streaking, the species' most distinctive feature.
• Size: notably larger and more heavily built than most sunbirds, with a correspondingly long, thick, strongly decurved bill.
• Throat: the throat may show fine streaking as well, continuous with the breast pattern.
• Vs. similar species: the heavy streaking on the underparts combined with larger size distinguishes it clearly from the plain-bellied Little Spiderhunter.

Plumage Notes

Both sexes appear similar, with streaked underparts present year-round and little seasonal variation. Juveniles may show slightly less distinct streaking and a shorter bill until fully mature. Molt replaces feathers gradually without a marked seasonal change in appearance.

Habitat & Range

This species occupies hill and montane forest, forest edge, and adjacent scrub from the Himalayan foothills through Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, and parts of the Greater Sundas, typically at higher elevations than the Little Spiderhunter. It is generally resident, with some local altitudinal movement.

Behavior

Streaked Spiderhunters feed on nectar from large flowers, and also take small insects and spiders, sometimes robbing prey directly from spider webs using their long bill. Nests are typically attached to the underside of large leaves. The call is a loud, sharp, repeated note, often given from dense cover.