How to identify the Streaked Spiderhunter

To correctly identify the Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

16-20 cm

Wingspan

25-30 cm

Weight

25-40 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have an olive-green back, wings, and tail. The head, nape, and especially the underparts (throat, breast, flanks, belly) are heavily streaked with yellow to pale whitish. The streaking is most prominent on the breast and belly, giving the bird its common name. The primary and secondary flight feathers are dusky with olive-green edges. The undertail coverts are plain yellow. Some subspecies may show variations in the intensity and color of streaking.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, and strongly decurved (downward-curving) black bill, adapted for probing deep into flowers.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, often appearing black.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dusky greenish-black to dark grey.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The prominent yellow-to-whitish streaking on the olive-green underparts is the key diagnostic feature. Its long, curved bill and relatively large size for a spiderhunter also help in identification.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but often have duller plumage, less distinct streaking on the underparts, and sometimes a slightly paler bill. The streaking becomes more defined with maturity.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal changes in plumage are observed.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, with no significant visual differences.

Key field marks

• Plumage. Look for the olive-green upperparts and the diagnostic heavy yellow-to-whitish streaking on the throat, breast, and belly against a paler green or yellowish background.
• Bill. Observe the long, slender, and strongly decurved black bill, which is a key characteristic of all spiderhunters but particularly prominent in this species.
• Size. Note its relatively large size for a spiderhunter (16-20 cm), which helps differentiate it from smaller species like the Little Spiderhunter.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its loud, rapid, metallic 'chip-chip-chip' song or sharp 'chink' calls, which are quite distinct and often given from within dense foliage.
• Behavior. Watch for its active foraging style, probing deep into flowers or gleaning insects from leaves, often hanging acrobatically.

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