Image of Pale-billed Flowerpecker

Description:

Pale-billed flowerpecker in the Loranthus bushes growing on a Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia). Flowers of Loranthus (Dendrophthoe falcata coccinea) contains substantial nectar to attract many nectar-feeders such as flowerpeckers and sunbirds. Producing good amount of nectar is a strategy used by plant to attract birds as the mature buds require external force like tripping to ensure it opens up. Once probed by bird's beak, buds eject a cloud of pollens which sticks to the head or beak of the bird, thus this helps plant to pollinate. However it is a parasite that grows on a tree and can quickly spread to the nearby trees. Nature has a solution to this too to check spreading of Loranthus. Common Jezebel butterfly (Delias eucharis) lay eggs on Loranthus leaves. When the eggs hatch, butterfly's lave munch on its leaves and thus prevent this parasite to spread out of control.