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Nectarinia philippensis

Nectarinia philippensis

Philippines
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
garden borders, tree branches, and forest canopies

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
nectar, sweet fruits, insects, and soft seeds

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
primarily diurnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Lectotype (herein designated; see below for explanation): Specimen figured by Brisson (1760 a, pl. 30, fig. 2). This specimen was collected by Pierre Poivre in 1751 – 1754 at Manila, Luzon, Philippines, and was deposited in the collection of Abbé Aubry in France when Brisson examined it (Stresemann 1952: 513). Its later fate is unknown. Note that this specimen is also the holotype of Certhia philippina Linnaeus, 1766: 187. Paralectotypes (lost): Specimens figured by Brisson (1760 a, pl. 31, fig. 2 – 3; also Daubenton 1768, pl. 246, fig. 1 – 2). These specimens, which were collected by Pierre Poivre (1719 – 1786), were at first deposited in the collection of René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683 – 1757), then in the collection of King Louis XV of France (1710 – 1774), but now are lost (Stresemann 1952). Note that these specimens are also syntypes of Certhia sperata Linnaeus, 1766: 186. Paralectotypes (lost): Specimens figured by Sonnerat (1776, pl. 30, fig. A, B, D). They were probably collected by Pierre Sonnerat (1748 – 1814) on the island of Luzon, Philippines, but they were not preserved. Paralectotype (lost): ZMB 8075, ♂, (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 4 – 6 sub “ Nectarinia exspectata ”), collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. Paralectotype (lost): ZMB 8076 (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 7 sub “ Nectarinia exspectata ”), juv., collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. Paralectotype (lost): ZMB 8081 (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 8 – 12 sub “ Nectarinia gularis ”), collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. Paralectotype (lost): ZMB 8082 (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 8 – 12 sub “ Nectarinia gularis ”), collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. Paralectotype (lost): ZMB 8083 (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 8 – 12 sub “ Nectarinia gularis ”), collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. Paralectotypes (lost): ZMB uncatalogued (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 4 – 6 sub “ Nectarinia exspectata ”); two specimens, both collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. These specimens were presumably destined by M. H. C. Lichtenstein for exchange, but their fate remains unknown. Paralectotypes (lost): ZMB uncatalogued (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 8 – 12 sub “ Nectarinia gularis ”); two specimens, both collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 1 – 9 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Laguna de Bay, Luzon, Philippines; see below]. These specimens were presumably destined by M. H. C. Lichtenstein for exchange, but their fate remains unknown.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Nectarinia philippensis is officially designated as Unknown. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to garden borders, tree branches, and forest canopies, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of nectar, sweet fruits, insects, and soft seeds. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a primarily diurnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 8 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Nectarinia philippensis.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangePhilippines
Habitat Rangegarden borders, tree branches, and forest canopies
Lifespan8 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificNectarinia philippensis
Registry Info
Lifespan8 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyNectariniidae