Van Hasselt's Sunbird
NameVan Hasselt's Sunbird
Common NameVan Hasselt's Sunbird
Scientific NameLeptocoma brasiliana
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)7
Plumage DetailsMales have an iridescent metallic green crown and upper mantle, blackish back and wings, a brilliant iridescent violet-purple gorget (throat and upper breast), and a deep red lower breast and belly. Females are duller, with olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of high-pitched, rapid, metallic chirps or trills, often described as 'tsit-tsit-tsit' or 'swee-swee-swee' notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southeast Asia, including parts of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), Brunei, and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Long, decurved bill, Iridescent metallic green crown (male), Iridescent violet-purple gorget (male), Deep red breast and belly (male)
Description
This small, active sunbird is known for its brilliant iridescent plumage in males, featuring a metallic green crown, purple gorget, and deep red breast. It primarily feeds on nectar, hovering or perching to access flowers, and also consumes small insects.
