Purple-rumped Sunbird look-alikes
Leptocoma zeylonica
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Purple-rumped Sunbird. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Purple Sunbird
Cinnyris asiaticus
Key differences
Male Purple Sunbird is entirely iridescent purplish-black (appearing black in poor light) with no maroon breast band or yellow belly. Female Purple Sunbird has a more uniform yellowish wash on the underparts and lacks the distinct pale supercilium of the Purple-rumped Sunbird female. The Purple-rumped Sunbird male's distinct purple rump and maroon breast band are key differentiators.
Lotens Sunbird
Cinnyris lotenius
Key differences
Male Lotens Sunbird is larger, has a much longer, more decurved bill, and a longer tail. Its iridescent plumage is more purplish-blue, and it lacks the maroon breast band and yellow belly of the Purple-rumped Sunbird. Female Lotens Sunbird is also larger and generally darker on the underparts than the Purple-rumped Sunbird female.
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