Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Named after their most prominent looking color, Crimson Sunbirds are nectar feeders mistaken by many as hummingbirds in India which are never found outside of Americas in nature!! The flamboyant crimson color and high pitched calls of chweet-chweet-chweet make it easy to notice this bird though its very small (approx. 10cms in size). The beak is a typical nectar feeding one and most of the times, these birds are seen drinking nectar in weird ways like upside down, etc. Female Crimson Sunbirds look very similar to many other Sunbirds with olive-yellow colored wings with darker olive-brown body. Go through this Checklist to see other birds seen in the campus!
Common Name: Crimson Sunbird Scientific Name: Aethopyga siparaja
Global Status: Least Threatened Campus Status: number ~10
Local Names: Assamese: Size: ~ 10-12 cms
Distinctive Identifiers:
1. Crimson Mantle, throat and breast
2. Purple Crown
3. Olive wings with slightly light belly
4. Metallic violet streaks on sides of throat extending from beak
5. Shiny blue tail with extended middle feathers
Here are some pictures to your aid in identification and to enjoy their beauty!!
Crimson Sunbird
Crimson Sunbird
Crimson Sunbird showing purple crown
Crimson Sunbird showing violet streaks
Crimson Sunbird bottom view Picture Courtesy: Satyadeep Karnati
So beautiful shots!
Posted by Gaby | April 10, 2012, 5:39 PMThank you
Indeed the bird is very beautiful and so the pictures look so nice!
Posted by Hindupur Avinash | April 11, 2012, 12:32 AMHow beautiful! A very graceful bird. Striking color!
Posted by Bluebird Annie | April 11, 2012, 7:14 AMThanks for sharing. Beautiful pictures.
Posted by Wendy Miller | April 12, 2012, 9:30 AMI love the vibrant colours! I’ve never tried bird watching, but this photo makes me think that I should consider it!
Posted by Jodi | April 13, 2012, 11:22 PMYou should certainly try bird watching! In addition to brilliant display of colors, you get to watch wonderful action and hear melodious songs!
Posted by Hindupur Avinash | April 13, 2012, 11:31 PMWow what a beautiful bird! And such fantastic photos of it. I really must come to India and discover its wildlife.
Posted by Kay Haw | May 3, 2012, 12:28 PMThese are just a sample of what one can experience in India, you must certainly visit it to fully feel it
Posted by Avinash | May 6, 2012, 10:29 AM