Fire-tailed Sunbird
NameFire-tailed Sunbird
Common NameFire-tailed Sunbird
Scientific NameAethopyga ignicauda
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)11.5
Length (cm)20.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsThe male Fire-tailed Sunbird has a crimson-red body, an iridescent blue-purple crown and malar stripes, a black mask, olive-green wings, a yellow patch on the lower back, and a strikingly long, fiery red tail. Females are duller, predominantly olive-green with a shorter tail.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations are typically high-pitched, rapid, and often metallic-sounding, consisting of 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'swee-swee-swee' notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas, ranging from northern India (Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh) through Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and into parts of southern China (Yunnan).
Identifying FeaturesVery long, fiery red tail (male), Crimson-red body (male), Iridescent blue-purple crown and malar stripes (male), Long, decurved black bill, Yellow patch on lower back/rump (male)
Description
The Fire-tailed Sunbird is a small, vibrant passerine known for its brilliant plumage, especially the male's long, fiery red tail. These active birds primarily feed on nectar, using their long, decurved bills to access flowers, and also supplement their diet with small insects.
