Startling Starling
Reports
In the space of a few days in July I received images of three different species of bird from three different parts of Arran all with orange crowns.
We are used to plants being pollinated by insects and by the wind, but New Zealand Flax uses another method: it is pollinated by birds. The tubular flowers produce a rich, sweet nectar that many birds find irresistible. As they stick their beaks down into the flowers to feed, a small brush-like appendage dusts the tops of the birds’ heads with brightly coloured pollen, staining it a vivid orange or red colour. When they move on to feed from another flax flower, these birds bring the pollen with them, helping the plant to reproduce.
In New Zealand the main pollinator is a unique native bird called the Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae. It has even evolved a beak with exactly the same curvature as the flax flower to allow it to feed more easily. No Tuis on Arran but a Starling in Lamlash, House Sparrow in Kildonan and Blue Tit in Pirnmill were all tempted by the New Zealand Flax nectar in July 2022.
