Crimson Sunbird

Crimson Sunbird

Scientific Name: Aethopyga siparaja

Malay Name: Kelicap Merah Biasa

Chinese Name: 黄腰太阳鸟

Range: Found from Indian subcontinent to southern China and Southeast Asia

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: seheriae, labecula, owstoni, tonkinensis, mangini, insularis, cara, trangensis, siparaja, nicobarica, heliogona, natunae, flavostriata, beccarii.

Local Subspecies: siparaja

Size: 11-13.5 cm

Identification: Male has red head, mantle and upper breast, iridescent dark blue crown and tail, dark malar streak and greyish belly. Female is the dullest sunbird in Singapore with dull olive-coloured upperparts and slightly yellower-tinged underparts.

Similar looking species: Brown-throated Sunbird, Van Hasselt's Sunbird, Copper-throated Sunbird, Ornate Sunbird, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird

Habitat: Forest, forest edge, mangroves, secondary growth, gardens and parks.

Behaviour/Ecology:

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Any suitable patch of habitat like Central Catchment Forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Sungei Buloh.

References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Aethopyga siparaja. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103804411A94566535.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

To top