Arachnothera Galore

20th March 2011, Kemensah, Selangor

There are five species of Spiderhunters that can be seen here and on this day four species had decided to spend their morning  slurping nectar in one small area of an orchard deep inside Kemensah. 1. The Yellow-Eared Spiderhunter (Arachnothera  chrysogenys)  , with the yellow ear coverts!   2.  The Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera  flavigaster), they are the largest  of the Spiderhunters. Easily identifiable by their broad eyerings 3.  The Grey-Breasted Spiderhunter  (Arachnothera affinis). This one was resting on a palm frond after she was chased away by the Spectacled Spiderhunter.   4.  The Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)  drying herself in the morning sunshine. Yes, she is the little one compared to the others. Only the Long-Billed Spiderhunters were absent which  would  have otherwise  made it a full house.

Two Spiderhunters , Little & Large

21 June 2009, Kemensah, Selangor Took this photo of a Spiderhunter resting on a branch. Didn’t bother to confirm the ID thinking that it was a Spectacled Spiderhunter which I normally see in Kemensah. Upon further review, I’m almost certain that it’s a Little Spiderhunter (in which case , a lifer).

1. A Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra). Looks like she’s carrying an injury to the right shoulder but she seemed alright when she flew off after this shot was taken.

2. A rather robust looking Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster) photographed in March 2009. Quite a large bird, probably the largest among the Spiderhunters.

On a more technical note, the Little Spiderhunter was shot using the Nikon D90 whereas the Spectacled Spiderhunter on the D80 using the same lens. The difference in clarity and noise level are very distinct. I think it was well worth the money spent on upgrading to the D90.