Black Sunbird
NameBlack Sunbird
Common NamePurple-throated Sunbird
Scientific NameLeptocoma sperata
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)6.5
Plumage DetailsMale plumage is predominantly velvety black with a metallic blue-green crown, an iridescent purple throat and upper breast, and a metallic blue-green patch on the lesser wing coverts. The tail is black. Females are duller, mostly olive-green with a yellowish belly and a pale supercilium.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid series of high-pitched, metallic chirps and trills, often delivered while foraging or in flight.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.
Identifying Featureslong decurved bill, iridescent blue-green crown, iridescent purple throat, metallic blue-green shoulder patch, velvety black body (male)
Description
This small, active sunbird is characterized by its long, decurved bill, perfectly adapted for nectar feeding. The male displays striking iridescent blue-green on the crown, iridescent purple on the throat, and a metallic blue-green shoulder patch, contrasting with an otherwise velvety black body. They are typically found foraging in flowering trees and shrubs.
