Purple Sunbird look-alikes
Cinnyris asiaticus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Purple Sunbird. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Leptocoma zeylonica
Key differences
The Purple-rumped Sunbird male has a distinct maroon-red breast band and a purple rump, which the Purple Sunbird lacks. The female Purple-rumped Sunbird has a yellowish throat and breast, contrasting with the Purple Sunbird female's more uniform yellowish-white underparts.
Olive-backed Sunbird
Cinnyris jugularis
Key differences
The Olive-backed Sunbird male has a metallic blue-green throat and breast, but its back is olive-green, not iridescent purple-black. The female is also olive-backed with yellowish underparts, but typically has a more prominent yellow belly.
Vigors's Sunbird (Western Crimson-backed Sunbird)
Leptocoma vigorsii
Key differences
Found in a more restricted range (Western Ghats of India). Males have a prominent crimson-red back and rump, which is absent in the Purple Sunbird. Females are similar but can be distinguished by range and subtle plumage differences.
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