Purple-rumped sunbird

[Leptocoma zeylonica]

The purple-rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) is a sunbird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Like other sunbirds, they are small in size, feeding mainly on nectar but sometimes take insects, particularly when feeding young. They can hover for short durations but usually perch to suck nectar from flowers. They build a hanging pouch nest made up of cobwebs, lichens and plant material. Males are brightly coloured but females are olive above and yellow to buff below. Males are easily distinguished from the purple sunbird by the light coloured underside while females can be told apart by their whitish throats.

male

female

Purple-rumped Sunbird
  • Prominent bill
  • Several bright colours in plumage

Size: Sparrow 15± cm.

Predominant Colours: crimson, green, purplish, yellow

Associated Colours: green, metallic crimson, purple, yellow

Bill Length: 2.5 cm.

Bill Shape & Colour: curved, black