How to identify the Purple-rumped Sunbird

To correctly identify the Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

9-11 cm

Wingspan

12-14 cm

Weight

5-9 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult male: Glossy metallic green crown, mantle, and throat. A broad maroon breast band separates the green throat from the yellow belly. The rump is iridescent purple, giving the bird its name. Wings and tail are dark brown to black. Adult female: Olive-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, with a faint yellowish supercilium. No iridescent plumage. Juvenile: Similar to female but duller, with a more mottled appearance on the underparts.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, decurved (downward-curved) black bill, adapted for probing flowers.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Male's iridescent purple rump and maroon breast band are key. Female's plain olive-brown upperparts and yellowish underparts with a pale supercilium. The long, curved bill is characteristic of sunbirds.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally duller, with less distinct markings and often a more yellowish wash on the underparts. Young males gradually acquire iridescent plumage.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; plumage remains consistent year-round for adults.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are brightly colored and iridescent, while females are duller and cryptically colored.

Key field marks

• Male Plumage. Look for the iridescent metallic green head and back, the distinct maroon breast band, the bright yellow belly, and most importantly, the iridescent purple rump. These features are unique among sunbirds in its range.
• Female Plumage. Identify by its plain olive-brown upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, and a subtle pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe). The lack of iridescent plumage distinguishes it from males.
• Bill Shape. Observe the long, slender, and distinctly decurved black bill, characteristic of nectar-feeding sunbirds.
• Behavior. Watch for its active, darting movements, often hovering briefly at flowers or perching to feed. Its rapid, high-pitched song is also a good clue.
• Habitat. They are commonly found in gardens, parks, and areas with flowering plants, making them relatively easy to spot in human-modified landscapes.

Explore the Purple-rumped Sunbird