spiderhunter

Spiderhunter refers to a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the family Nectariniidae, commonly known as sunbirds. Despite their name, spiderhunters primarily feed on nectar, insects, and spiders. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australasia, inhabiting a variety of environments including forests, woodlands, and gardens.

These birds are characterized by their slender, down-curved bills, which are adapted for probing flowers to extract nectar. Their plumage varies greatly among species, with many males exhibiting vibrant, iridescent colors, especially during the breeding season, while females are typically more subdued in coloration, often olive-green or brown. Spiderhunters are agile fliers, often hovering briefly while feeding. They build intricate, pendulous nests, usually made of plant fibers and cobwebs, suspended from branches. The diet of spiderhunters consists mainly of nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders, which they catch by hawking or gleaning. They play a role as pollinators in their ecosystems.