Copper-throated SunbirdLeptocoma calcostethaLarge sunbird of mangroves. Male is completely covered with iridescence and can appear dark all over; look out for glistening wine-red throat and overall blue-green tones in good lighting. Female is far plainer, with a yellow belly, a pale throat, and a thin dark line through the eye. Nominate female Plain-throated Sunbird can be similar, but Plain-throated has a yellow throat, a faint eyering, a less curved bill, and more extensive yellow underparts. Gives a squeaky, ringing trill and a inflected “tslee.”Nectariniidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 3 selected species
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Copper-throated SunbirdLeptocoma calcostethaLarge sunbird of mangroves. Male is completely covered with iridescence and can appear dark all over; look out for glistening wine-red throat and overall blue-green tones in good lighting. Female is far plainer, with a yellow belly, a pale throat, and a thin dark line through the eye. Nominate female Plain-throated Sunbird can be similar, but Plain-throated has a yellow throat, a faint eyering, a less curved bill, and more extensive yellow underparts. Gives a squeaky, ringing trill and a inflected “tslee.”
Purple SunbirdCinnyris asiaticusThe breeding male is a metallic blue and purple overall with maroon feathers on the breast. The female is olive above and yellow below. The nonbreeding male of this species is primarily olive-brown with blackish upperparts and yellow underparts with blue-black band running down the throat and chest. Females can be distinguished from female Purple-rumped Sunbirds by its yellow (not grayish) throat. Seen in pairs, feeding chiefly on nectar, but they also take insects. Breeding males display by fluttering their wings in front of females while singing. They are found in gardens, cultivated areas, and forests.Purple SunbirdCinnyris asiaticusThe breeding male is a metallic blue and purple overall with maroon feathers on the breast. The female is olive above and yellow below. The nonbreeding male of this species is primarily olive-brown with blackish upperparts and yellow underparts with blue-black band running down the throat and chest. Females can be distinguished from female Purple-rumped Sunbirds by its yellow (not grayish) throat. Seen in pairs, feeding chiefly on nectar, but they also take insects. Breeding males display by fluttering their wings in front of females while singing. They are found in gardens, cultivated areas, and forests.