New bird species spectacled flowerpecker discovered in Borneo rainforests
Last updated 15/01/2010 15:25:05
New bird species spectacled flowerpecker discovered in Borneo rainforests
Biologists are celebrating the discovery of a new species of bird in the rainforests of Borneo. Richard Webster from Leeds University spotted the bird from a canopy walkway 35m above ground.
The bird, which has been identified as the spectacled flowerpecker - a small, wren-sized, grey bird - was feeding on some flowering mistletoe in a tree and singing. It has distinguishing white markings around its eyes, belly and breast, but has not yet been given a scientific name.
"It's like a dream come true," said Dr David Edwards, a tropical ecologist at the University of Leeds. "I've spent all these years, decades, watching birds and all you want to do really is discover a new species to science."
The Oriental Bird Club's journal BirdingASIA, which reported the discovery, says the bird has been sighted since and experts say its shows the diversity of the area.
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