Aethopyga nipalensis
The Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) is a jewel of the Himalayan and Southeast Asian montane forests, renowned for its striking plumage and acrobatic foraging. Measuring approximately 10-15 cm in length (including the elongated tail streamers of the male) and weighing 6-12 grams, males boast an iridescent green crown, nape, and back, contrasting with a vibrant crimson throat and breast, bright yellow belly, and distinctive iridescent purple-blue malar stripes. Its most iconic featu...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, often associated with rhododendron thickets and oak woodlands, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, particularly rhododendrons, supplemented with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark.
Green-tailed Sunbirds are diurnal and highly active, spending their days flitting between flowers and foliage. They are expert nectar feeders, often hovering in front of blossoms like hummingbirds or perching briefly to probe deep into flowers with their decurved bills. Beyond nectar, they glean ...
The Green-tailed Sunbird is a widespread resident species across the montane regions of South and Southeast Asia. Its distribution extends from the central Himalayas, encompassing Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India (including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), eastward through northern Myanmar. From ...
Least Concern
- The Green-tailed Sunbird is often referred to as the 'Himalayan Hummingbird' due to its similar size, iridescent plumage, and nectar-feeding behavior, although they are not related, representing a remarkable example of convergent evolution. - Despite its name, not all subspecies have prominent ...