Purple Sunbird

The Purple Sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus, is a diminutive yet striking member of the sunbird family, primarily inhabiting South and Southeast Asia, with its range extending westward into the Arabian Peninsula. These birds are renowned for their nectar-feeding habits, similar to the hummingbirds of the New World, but they are also known to consume insects, particularly during the breeding season when they are feeding their young. The males exhibit a remarkable iridescent purple sheen in favorable lighting conditions, though they may appear almost black under harsh sunlight. Females, on the other hand, present a more subdued olive above and yellowish below.

Identification Tips

The Purple Sunbird is less than 10 cm in length, with a down-curved bill and a short, square-ended tail. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males displaying a glossy metallic bluish to purplish black on the upper parts and dark brown wings. Breeding males are uniformly purplish black below, while non-breeding males may show a central streak of black on yellow underparts. Females are characterized by an olive brown upper side, a yellowish underside, a pale supercilium beyond the eye, and a darkish eye stripe. Both sexes have outer tail feathers tipped in white.

Habitat

These birds are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including thin forests and gardens, even thriving in densely populated urban areas.

Distribution

The Purple Sunbird is widely distributed across West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. They are generally resident birds, showing little large-scale movement, although some local movements have been noted, particularly in the drier regions of northwestern India and Pakistan.

Behaviour

Purple Sunbirds are gregarious and vocal, often seen in pairs or small groups. They may form larger aggregations in gardens with abundant flowers. Their flight is fast and direct, and while they primarily feed on nectar, they also consume fruits and insects. They are known to mob predators and are important pollinators for certain plant species.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Purple Sunbird includes a rapid rattle followed by ringing, metallic notes. Additional calls include "chwit" or "chwing!" sounds.

Breeding

The primary breeding season coincides with the pre-monsoon period. Males engage in courtship displays, raising their heads, fanning their tails, and fluttering with partly open wings to expose their pectoral tufts. The female constructs a pouch-like nest almost entirely on her own, using cobwebs, thin strips of vegetation, lichens, and bark. Two eggs are typically laid, and only the female incubates them. Both parents, however, participate in feeding the chicks.

Similar Species

The breeding male Purple Sunbird can be confused with the syntopic Loten's Sunbird, which has a longer bill and a distinctive broad maroon breast band.

Diet and Feeding

Purple Sunbirds feed mainly on nectar but also take fruits and insects. They play a role in pollinating several plant species and occasionally engage in nectar theft by slitting flowers at the base.

Conservation Status

The Purple Sunbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.