Aethopyga pulcherrima
The Metallic-winged Sunbird (Aethopyga pulcherrima) is a dazzling jewel of the Philippine avifauna, renowned for its striking sexual dimorphism and vibrant coloration. Males are undeniably spectacular, showcasing an iridescent metallic-blue to green crown and malar stripes, contrasted with a brilliant crimson throat and a yellow belly. Their elongated, metallic-blue central tail feathers add to their elegance, extending beyond the rest of their short, blackish-green tail. Females, while more ...
Primarily inhabits montane and submontane primary and secondary forests, often frequenting forest edges and clearings. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, using its specialized bill and tongue. It also consumes small insects and spiders, often hawking them in flight or gleaning them from foliage.
Highly active and acrobatic, the Metallic-winged Sunbird spends its day flitting among flowering plants and trees. Its foraging strategy primarily involves probing flowers for nectar with its long, decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue, often hovering briefly like a hummingbird or perching to fee...
The Metallic-winged Sunbird is strictly endemic to the Philippines, where it is widely distributed across many of the major islands. Its breeding range encompasses Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Leyte, Samar, and Cebu, among others. It is a resident species throughout its distribution, ...
Least Concern
- Despite their hummingbird-like appearance and feeding habits, Metallic-winged Sunbirds are entirely unrelated to hummingbirds, showcasing a remarkable example of convergent evolution. - Their stunning iridescent colors, particularly on the male's crown and throat, are not due to pigments but ra...