Status Of Crimson Sunbird

Some birds surprise you with their appearance, and the crimson sunbird is one of them. It is very difficult to imagine that a small bird can look so beautiful. The crimson sunbird is a tiny bird, or we can say a small bird, but nature has given this bird a very attractive appearance and colour. The crimson sunbird is colourful and beautiful. In Nepal, flower gardens, deciduous forests, and forest gardens are home to this bird. One can find the crimson sunbird at altitudes ranging from 75 meters to 1200 meters above sea level. This bird is a species belonging to the sunbird family.

People often observe these birds suckling the nectar of blooming flowers, particularly the wax mallow, a member of the hibiscus family. By sucking the juice of the flowers, they spread the pollen from one tree to another. Research has indicated that their actions significantly contribute to the spread of various tree and plant species. During the winter season, they migrate to the lower Himalayas. When flowers bloom in the Terai region, these birds migrate to the area to get nectar.

While Aetopyga siparaja is the scientific name of this bird, it is known as Siparaja Bungechara in Nepali. Researchers first recorded this bird in Nepal during the 19th century. This species has 13 different subspecies.

The crimson sunbird fascinates birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with its vibrant plumage and dynamic presence. Praised for its striking red, black, and blue colours and melodious song, the crimson sunbird is also a symbol of beauty and agility in the bird kingdom. It is also the unofficial national bird of Singapore. This species of bird is also found in Nepal, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 Features

Crimson sunbirds have small to medium-length, thin, down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues. The belly of the male is olive-light yellow, the rump is light yellow, and the tail is long and green-blue, contrasting with their dark black upper parts and bright green cap. The bell on the head and the upper part are red and blue, so this bird looks very beautiful. The iridescent plumage of the males is especially beautiful in the sunlight. Females and juveniles are less colourful. There is a clear difference between males and females. Males are characterised by a red, black, and blue underbelly, while females have a wider colour palette. The female has olive-green plumage with a greenish-light yellow ground. They have a down-curved beak. This bird is 11 to 13 cm long and weighs 8 to 10 grams.

Habitat and Breeding

Crimson sunbirds prefer flowers with a high sugar content and hang on the flowers to sip the nectar. However, insects especially feed their chicks during the breeding season, and during this demanding period, they take protein into their diet to meet their own needs. They have curved beaks that extend from the front to the bottom. Its tongue has a brush-like structure, with the help of which it sucks the juice of the flower. These birds are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging, singing, and engaging in social interactions.

Though most sunbirds can take nectar by hovering like hummingbirds, the crimson sunbirds usually perch while taking nectar. The males establish feeding territories on flower-bearing shrubs and trees, which they aggressively defend.

Males are known for their melodious songs and calls, used both for attracting mates and marking territory. Visual displays, such as fluffing up their feathers, are also part of their communication repertoire. Before breeding, both male and female sunbirds build a pear-shaped nest out of grass, moss, and spider silk. The female lays two to three eggs and incubates them for about 18 to 19 days. The male and female feed and raise the chicks together.

According to Senior Research Officer Mohan Bikram Shrestha of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), the crimson sunbird is a common sight throughout much of its range. The male is bright red with a dark grey belly, an iridescent blue cap, and a “moustache.” The female is dull olive-yellow overall with brighter underparts. A high, squeaky, repetitive song is loud but often difficult to locate in high branches. It makes frequent calls and emits various squeaks and "tsip" notes while foraging.

Threats

This bird is in danger due to the clearing of flower gardens and thin forests in rural areas. Being small birds, crimson sunbirds face various predation threats in their natural habitat. Predators include larger birds such as hawks and eagles, as well as snakes and some species of larger lizards. Nestlings and eggs are particularly vulnerable to predation. Their primary defence is their agility and speed, which allow them to quickly escape potential threats. Their small size and the dense vegetation of their habitats also provide some level of camouflage and protection.

(The author is a wildlife photographer. The photos used in this article are by the author.)