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.

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

Behaviour/Ecology:

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

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

Photos:

Male Crimson Sunbird at Mandai Orchid Garden. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Male Crimson Sunbird at Jelutong Tower. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Male Crimson Sunbird at Dairy Farm. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Male Crimson Sunbird at Jelutong Tower. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Female Crimson Sunbird at Upper Peirce Reservoir

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link

Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia