Hedge Bindweed Nectarbird
Bibinectarium sepium

Hedge Bindweed Nectarbirds, known also simply as "Bindweeds," are a predatory species that adds insects to its nectar diet. Keeping perfectly still, these nectarbirds will spread its vines out among other plants. When an insect such as a bee or butterfly comes to feed from its flowers, it quickly ensnares them with its quick, strong vines.

The diet of these large nectarbirds contributes to its size. However, being a true nectarbird, it still requires the specific nectar of the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium). Ornithologists believe these birds have evolved with smaller-than-normal heads to be able to fit into the narrow blooms of the Hedge Bindweed, while their bodies stay large due to their insect-rich diet. The smaller head, and thus brain, does not seem to have a significant effect on the intelligence of this nectarbird, though more research is needed to confirm this theory.


Acrylic on cold-press Arches