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I love Sunbirds (Family: Nectariniidae). They are colorful, tiny and shiny with a distinct call. They are sprightly and difficult to photograph as they just don’t know how to sit still. To top it it’s a task getting a good view of them from the balcony and Lord, how they love to sit on far away wires. I loving call them sunnies!
I can see the Purple Sun Bird around my place and it’s sheer joy. The male is all shiny & colorful while the female are olive brown above with a yellow underside.
During courtship displays, the male raises his head, fans his tail and flutters with partly open wings that expose the bright yellow pectoral tufts (like the Loten’s sunbird) and sings before the female.
During breeding the male plumage has a metallic bluish to purplish sheen with a tinge of black on the upper & under parts. The wings are of dark brown shade. You may see a patch of bright blue and/or maroon too during this time. The non-breeding males look similar to the female though they have a central streak of black on yellow underparts.
I have often seen the males with yellow-cream underparts with black patches and neck above in scintillating blue-black-purple and dark brown wings. I came across it as adult male “intermediate morph” [“…..within species there can be different color forms also known as alternative phenotypes…..”] Some say it’s eclipse plumage. The debate is still on!
In it’s non breeding avtaar the male looks similar to the female. The only thing that differentiates them is the black streak in its yellow underparts.
The sunbirds are small in size (between 9-22 cm) and a characteristic is their down curved beaks, which in some species exceeds the length of the head.
I get to see them while the sun is rising and many a times the shine gets missed. I have been lucky on a few occasions and could capture the colorful gloss.
Sunbirds, birds like hummingbirds, honeyeaters, honeycreepers and spiderhunters, are known for ornithophily (pollination of flowering plants by birds)
With “stay at home” norms, the birds are enjoying the silence and the freedom. It has been a boon for nature. The tiny birds can be seen happily flitting about and yes there has been an increase in their number.
I had spotted the bright and sprightly Crimson Sunbird | Aethopyga Siparaja early in the morning in Pangot last year…… flitting around the crimson hibiscus flowers drinking nectar. Sharing a short video on it.
It’s a delight to watch them and I look forward to them every single day however far they sit and look like a speck ……. a customary photo is shot as a ritual hahahahahaa.
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Do watch out for my next post on another species from my #BalconyBirding list
Posts shared so far on:
1. Rosy Starlings
2. Alexandrine Parakeet
3. Rose-Ringed Parakeet
4. Plum Headed Parakeet
5. Indian Spot-Billed Duck
6. Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon
7. Black-Winged Stilt
8. Indian Peafowl
9. Indian Purple Sunbird
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….and, if you like what you see or read, do ‘like it’ & ‘share it’. Non WordPress users please ‘rate’ it to express your appreciation. Also do not forget to ‘follow the blog’ to remain updated about newer posts.
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The Soul Is Here For It’s Own Joy!
Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe
This published post is being shared as part of:
#WordlessWednesday hosted by Natasha & Esha
and some more Sue , Betty , Zina
Monica, even I am in love with these tiny birdies or I shall call it your sunnies. 🙂 Excellent captures, especially the courtship display picture is amazing.❤️
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Thanks a lot Sarmistha 💖
They are irresistible. Tiny but so attractive. They just don’t sit still 💙
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Exactly, they are super active 😀
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💙💜💙💜💙
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Aha..such a delight to see these tiny chirping birds sucking nectar from here to there…Once these birds made nests in our garden trees.it was so much fun to see them weaving so skillfully.
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Sun birds are my favourites. I love their restless energy and the way they bustle around from flower to flower and branch to branch.
When I was a kid this sunbird would make its nest every year in the tiny rose bush, around monsoons, lay eggs and then the rains would play havoc, bringing the nest down. It really pained me but it was heart-warming to see how it didn’t give up easily and built a nest again around the same time. I guess after a few lessons lost, it decided to choose another spot.
Thanks for sharing your “sunnies’ with us Monika. 🙂
Have a bedazzling rain drenched week my friend.
https://natashamusing.com/2020/07/sky-watch-and-our-pet-babies-natasha-musing-wordless-wednesday/
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They are indeed. Energetic, chirpy and so full of life.
A lot of birds are nesting now & I always wonder about their nests & hatchlings…… And not to miss the predators.
I can imagine your delight in watching them ….. All busy All day 😍
Happy Monsoon Natasha 🌧️🤍🌧️🤍🌧️
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Lovely images, as usual! And the equilibrium of birds is so perfect! 🙂
Thank you for this new act of magic, Monika!
Wishing you a lovely week!
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Suzana you make me feel so good with all the appreciation 💙💜 Thank you so much. Nature is beautiful, isn’t it 🙂
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Yes, Nature is a beautiful miracle! And the ‘appreciation’ is only another person’s observation that your photos are so good! But I suppose you know that! 🙂
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Gratitude 💜✨🙏🏻✨💜
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Nice catch. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I realized you love birds.
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Thank you Arvind 💜 I was thinking about you today & here you are ✨
I love them….. “Nature”
Today was a good day @birding 😍
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That’s cool. 👍😊
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Beautiful bird, excellent photos, especially the one in which the male is courting the female. Congratulations!
P.S. Can I borrow the photo for a future Wordless Wednesday? Of course I will link to your blog.
Have a fine day!
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Thanks a lot Zinaida 💖💖 That’s my favourite too
You are most welcome to use the photo with a ping back 🙏🏻
Have a happy Sunday!
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Thank you, Monika!
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Yes, they are beautiful. Very interesting post on Sun birds.
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Monica your pictures are a true treat for my eyes ….. Always looking forward for more….
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Thank you my dear 💜🐦💜🐦💜 you are always motivating 🙏🏻
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We love birds too. We feed all the birds and many of our neighbors aren’t happy about that. What’s a little bird poop on the fences. We also have a fountain that they can drink water or bathe. They are most delightful.
Have a fabulous day. ♥
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Yes Sandee they are a beautiful creation and give so much joy. I can understand your neighbours too. I can even relate to your happiness ❤️ I too had a bird feeder and water is put out for them in the corner of the balcony. I love the fountain bit though one needs a bigger space / garden for it.
Hope you have a beautiful & chirpy day 💖🐦💖🐦💖
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Wonderful images.
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Thanks Rupali 💖
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These are wonderful recordings dear Monika,
the little birds give a lot to an animal friend
Joy, also in my garden paradise.
I wish you a nice time and thank you for yours
Visit to my blog, sincerely Karin Lissi
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Thank you Karin. Yes they are a source of immense joy. 🐦💓🐦💓🐦
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Nice one of the male and female together.
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Thanks ….. The moment was a surprise gift for me & my camera ✨🙏🏻
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Wow, that’s a beautiful bird! How lovely to see one I’d never see myself I have to say the crimson one in your video is so, so striking!!
Your support for ‘My Corner of the World’ is much appreciated! Thanks for your link this week.
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Thanks a lot Betty ✨ they are actually very striking …..tiny but scintillating 😄 The world is vast, imagine how many such nature’s treasures would be there in every corner. ……. Wow!!! I am glad to be a part of your corner of the world Betty 💓
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WOW! What a beauty! Its head looks like it’s covered with sequins!
Happy Saturday, Monika!
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Thanks Veronica. Nice way to look at it ….. Shiny sequins indeed ✨ Happy Saturday to you too 💖
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WOW, you have such an amazing outdoor for bird sighting. Wonderful captures, Monika!
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Thanks a lot (by the way what is your name) 😍 The balcony is my solace and it’s wonderful to see nature’s treasures 💖
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Sitting in balcony and bird watching must be so serene. Nothing better than admiring nature. I am Megha but you call me Nanchi! 😉🤗
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M 💖
Balcony with a view is a boon. I stand else whatever limited sky view & clickable range I have between buildings will reduce further 😆 it really tests my endurance & patience but nature keeps me going ✨
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You can* call me Nanchi! 😁
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Alright Nanchi 💓
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🤗
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He shimmers in the light, doesn’t he? Thanks for sharing this lovely fellow with us at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/07/sunflowers-beauty-on-stem.html
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Yes the light brings out the shine of their metalic hues. In good sunlight they are a sight to behold . Thanks for all the appreciation & motivation 💓
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