Yellow-eared/Spectacled Spiderhunter? Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (1 Viewer)

[dixonlau]

Location: Julau, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Date: 20-Jan-2022

This are the only 2 shots I managed to get. I haven't seen either Yellow-eared or Spectacled Spiderhunter before. Therefore, I cannot tell how long the bill is considered long.

Pic #1 can see slightly visible yellow ear tuft.
Pic #2 can see the yellow eyering and partial of the bill.

My current finding suggested it is Yellow-eared Spiderhunter based on "Bill is bicolored: pinkish at the base and darker towards the tip" in reference to ebird (https://ebird.org/species/yeespi1). Not so thick yellow eyering comparing to Spectacled on ebird.

However, the main pic and 3rd pic for Spectacled on ebird (https://ebird.org/species/spespi2) also visible bicolored bill and pinkish at base. This makes me little confused between two.

Could someone confirm any visible features that can distinguish between Yellow-eared and Spectacled?

Thanks.

 

[andyb39]

Yellow-eared for me - extensive pink patch at the base of the bill, shaggy yellow ear-tuft and eye-ring not as thick or pronounced as in Spectacled.

 

[dixonlau]

Yellow-eared for me - extensive pink patch at the base of the bill, shaggy yellow ear-tuft and eye-ring not as thick or pronounced as in Spectacled.

Thank you very much for the help.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Yellow-eared for me - extensive pink patch at the base of the bill, shaggy yellow ear-tuft and eye-ring not as thick or pronounced as in Spectacled.

Agreed Yellow-eared but would also add eyeing is incomplete, clearly absent from the lower half of the orbital ring + it has a slightly longer, slighter bill.

Grahame

 

[andyb39]

Agreed Yellow-eared but would also add eyeing is incomplete, clearly absent from the lower half of the orbital ring + it has a slightly longer, slighter bill.

Grahame

Good point. That would explain why the eye-ring isn't that striking in the field, whereas with Spectacled it's the first thing you notice.