Aethopyga flagrans
The Flaming Sunbird (Aethopyga flagrans) is a jewel-toned passerine endemic to the Philippines, celebrated for the male's spectacularly vibrant plumage. Measuring around 10.5-12 cm in length, the male boasts a fiery scarlet crown and nape, a brilliant iridescent blue-violet throat and upper breast, contrasting with a bright yellow belly and olive-green back. Its distinctive long, pointed central tail feathers add to its elegant profile. Females are considerably duller, exhibiting an olive-gre...
Primarily inhabits forest and forest edges, secondary growth, and cultivated areas from lowlands up to approximately 1500 meters elevation across the Philippine archipelago.
Primarily feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, supplemented by a significant intake of small insects and spiders, typically caught by gleaning or hawking.
Flaming Sunbirds are highly active, diurnal birds, spending their days flitting between flowers and foliage. Foraging typically involves quick, agile movements, hovering like hummingbirds to extract nectar or gleaning small insects from leaves and bark. Males are often observed defending rich flo...
The Flaming Sunbird is entirely endemic to the Philippines, found across many of its major islands. Its breeding range encompasses Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, Panay, Cebu, Samar, Leyte, and various smaller associated islands. As a resident species, it does not undertake seasonal migrations, remainin...
Least Concern
- The male's striking red plumage gives it the "flaming" moniker, making it one of the most vividly colored sunbirds in the Philippines. - Like hummingbirds, Flaming Sunbirds can hover briefly in front of flowers to access nectar with their specialized tubular tongue. - They play an important rol...