Gorgeous Mustachioed Bird With A Vivid Combination Of Red And Green Is A Stunning Member Of Their Species
Crimson sunbirds (Aethopyga siparaja) are part of the large sunbird family, which consists of 145 different species. These eye-catching sunbirds can commonly be found in tropical Southern Asia, including the Western Ghats of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.
The crimson sunbird is a relatively tiny species of bird, measuring around 11 cm and weighing between 0.16-0.31 oz, though females tend to max out around 0.24 oz. Although they are small, they can fly fast and direct on their short wings.
Crimson sunbirds have a simple diet; they primarily feed on nectar. Most can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually, they will perch to feed.
During the breeding season, they will eat insects to meet their protein needs and will also feed insects to their young. Their call matches their small size, producing a fast and airy chee-cheewee.
Crimson sunbird males and females work together to build their nests, but the female takes charge of lining the inside of the nest. These nests are purse-shaped and covered with moss, often suspended under large fern fronds or low-lying branches on a tree or shrub.
The nest is often suspended from the thin, low-hanging branches of a tree or shrub, or even the underside of large fern fronds. On average, their clutch (the number of eggs laid in a nesting attempt) consists of up to 3 eggs, which are laid within this dangling nest.
These eggs are primarily incubated by the female for about 18 to 19 days. The male stays around to help raise their chicks and assist with feeding the young.
Say "Hello!" to the Crimson sunbird.
Crimson sunbirds have mid-length, thin bills that curve downwards, making them look slightly disapproving of our life choices, along with a brush-tipped tubular tongue.
These adaptations assist them in consuming their preferred food: sweet nectar from tropical flowers. However, they are technically considered omnivores, as they will occasionally feed on insects, particularly while feeding their young.
The adult male is easily recognizable
With his bright crimson throat, chest, and sides, the male crimson sunbird is easy to spot. He also has deep, navy blue stripes under his beak that resemble a fancy, old-timey mustache.
I can only imagine that if he had thumbs, he'd twist his mustache while staring down at you disapprovingly.
His back is a warm maroon color, and his olive-colored abdomen blends nicely into the yellow on his rump. His dapper look is finished off with a dark blue-green tail.
In stark contrast, female sunbirds look quite dull
It's theorized that female birds have dull colors compared to the bright male coloration due to strong natural selection to avoid standing out. This may be because they spend more time on or near the nest and must be camouflaged.
A peek of crimson
So, the female crimson sunbird isn't crimson at all. Her colors are much more muted; she has an olive-green back, a yellowish breast, and white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Adaptation in action
She may not be flashy, but she is still beautiful! Her colors were obviously adapted to blend into their woody nests.
Just hanging out
As mentioned previously, crimson sunbirds build their nests suspended on low-hanging branches or on especially sturdy fern fronds.
Get a load of those two cuties peeking out, waiting for Mom or Dad to bring them some grub.
Long Live the Crimson Sunbird
The crimson sunbirds live long, full lives. Their lifespan ranges between 16 and 22 years!
Little Red Dot
In 2002, residents felt that the crimson sunbird was a fitting symbol of Singapore because of the male bird's brilliant red plumage and because it is small and active. Some commented that these attributes befit the “Little Red Dot” coined by the former President of Indonesia.
Out of a total of 1,038 persons who voted at a 3-day event, the crimson sunbird ranked number one, with 400 votes.
National Bird of Singapore
The crimson sunbird was declared the National Bird of Singapore when Dr. Shawn Lum, President of Singapore's Nature Society, announced it at the 6th Asian Bird Fair Fellowship Dinner in October of 2015.
Well, not quite "Official" National Bird
However, this turned out not to be an official declaration.
Shortly after, Dr. Lum clarified: "The information we hope will generate public interest in our natural heritage, and in that sense, it is meant for public discourse. The announcement is not, however, a decree and in fact reflects the wishes of people who came forward with these selections."
Mr. Alan Ow Yong, vice-chair of the Nature Society's bird group, said that they wanted to announce it at the fair to "claim it first" before others from the region laid claim to the bird.
The Crimson sunbird's conservation status is reassuring!
The total population size of the crimson sunbird in the world is unquantified.
Thanks to the crimson sunbird’s wide range and stable population, this species' conservation status remains listed as Least Concern, so no conservation is required in any part of the world for this bird.
You can watch and listen to the spectacular Crimson Sunbird here!
If you ever find yourself in their region of Southern Asia, keep an eye out for these crimson beauties. In the meantime, check out the video to enjoy their sweet tweets and admire their beautiful, vivid color combination.
Don't forget to share with your fellow ornithophiles!
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