Bird Guide

Little Spiderhunter vs Streaked Spiderhunter

Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)

Little Spiderhunter

Arachnothera longirostra

Tiny12 gForest

The distinctive long beak set it apart from other sunbirds. The sexes are similar, except that the female has a paler base on the lower mandible. Male has all black beak. They are found near their favourite nectar bearing trees, often species of wild Musaceae or flowers in gardens. They have a buzzy zick-zick call that is made regularly when disturbed or when foraging. Additionally, the song is series of rapid chipping notes and these can go on for long periods.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Oscar Hopgood · CC BY 4.0
Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna)

Streaked Spiderhunter

Arachnothera magna

Small31 gForest

It is similar in size to a sparrow. It is olive yellow in color, with multiple darker streaks. It has a long, curved black beak and yellow legs. Below, it is pale yellow streaked with black. Its beak is specially adapted for a nectar diet.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY 3.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Little Spiderhunter and Streaked Spiderhunter.