Cinnyris asiaticus
The Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) is a captivating passerine of the Nectariniidae family, renowned for its dazzling, jewel-like plumage and agile movements. Males in breeding plumage are entirely iridescent metallic purple-blue, often appearing black in poor light, with a distinctive long, slender, decurved bill perfectly adapted for nectar feeding; they measure approximately 10-11 cm in length and weigh 5-10 grams. Females, in contrast, sport duller olive-green upperparts, yellowish un...
This adaptable species inhabits a wide range of open environments, including dry open forests, scrublands, gardens, orchards, and urban parks. It is typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations of around 2,400 meters.
The primary diet consists of nectar, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders. They forage by probing flowers and gleaning arthropods from foliage or catching them in flight.
Purple Sunbirds are diurnal and highly active feeders, spending their days foraging energetically before roosting in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves probing flowers for nectar with their specialized bills, but they are also adept at gleaning small insects and sp...
The Purple Sunbird boasts an expansive distribution across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, signifying its adaptability to diverse environments. Its breeding range spans from eastern Iran, through the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, UAE), Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangl...
Least Concern
- Despite their hummingbird-like appearance and feeding habits, sunbirds are Old World passerines and not closely related to New World hummingbirds. - Males of the species can enter an 'eclipse' plumage outside the breeding season, losing much of their vibrant iridescence and appearing duller. - ...