Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica)

Purple-rumped sunbird(Male)

The Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) is a small passerine bird belonging to the sunbird family, Nectariniidae.

Here are some specific characteristics and features of this delightful bird:

Physical Appearance:

Male: The male Purple-rumped Sunbird is characterized by glossy metallic green upperparts with a distinct purple patch on its rump, which gives it its name. It has a vibrant yellow breast and belly, and during the breeding season, its colors intensify.

Female: 

The female lacks the striking colors of the male. She has olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts, with a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and a faint purple wash on the rump.

Size:

Purple-rumped Sunbirds are relatively small birds, measuring around 10 cm (4 inches) in length.

Habitat and Distribution:

They are found in various parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Within their range, they inhabit diverse habitats such as gardens, scrublands, forests, and urban areas.

Diet:

Their primary diet consists of nectar from flowers, which they obtain using their long, slender bills. They play a crucial role in pollination as they feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants.

In addition to nectar, they also consume insects and spiders, particularly during the breeding season when they require more protein for nesting and feeding their young.

Behavior:

Purple-rumped Sunbirds are agile and adept fliers, capable of swift and acrobatic maneuvers as they forage for food among flowers and foliage.

During the breeding season, males may engage in courtship displays to attract females, including aerial displays and vocalizations.

Nesting and Reproduction:

The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using fine plant fibers, cobwebs, and other materials, often suspended from the tip of a branch.

They typically breed during the monsoon season, laying 2-3 eggs per clutch. 

Vocalizations:

Purple-rumped Sunbirds produce various vocalizations, including melodious chirps, trills, and whistles. Males may also sing to establish territory or attract mates.

Conservation Status:

While the Purple-rumped Sunbird is not globally threatened, localized threats such as habitat loss, urbanization, and pesticide use may impact their populations in certain areas. Conservation efforts focused on habitat preservation and sustainable land use practices are essential for their long-term survival.

The Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) is found in several countries across the Indian Subcontinent. These countries include:

India

Sri Lanka

Bangladesh

Nepal

Bhutan

Myanmar (formerly Burma)

These countries collectively make up the Indian Subcontinent, and the Purple-rumped Sunbird is a common resident bird species in suitable habitats across this region.

Overall, the Purple-rumped Sunbird is a charming and ecologically significant bird species, contributing to both pollination and the biodiversity of its native habitats.