Olive-backed Sunbird

Tentang

The Olive-backed Sunbird, locally known as Burung Sriganti, is a small, active passerine bird found across a wide range of habitats in Southeast Asia and Australia. Renowned for its iridescent plumage, particularly in males, and its long, decurved bill adapted for nectar feeding, it is a common and conspicuous species in its range.

Ukuran dan masa hidup

Panjang

10-12 cm

Bentang sayap

14-16 cm

Berat

6-11 g

Masa hidup

3-5 years in the wild (estimated)

Makanan

Nectarivore (primarily nectar), Insectivore (insects and spiders)

Ciri fisik

Bulu

Adult males typically have a metallic, iridescent blue-black throat and upper breast, contrasting with a bright yellow belly and olive-green back. The rump is often yellowish. Adult females lack the iridescent throat, having a duller olive-green head and back, and a yellow underparts, sometimes with a faint greyish wash on the throat. Both sexes have dark flight feathers and tail.

Bentuk paruh

Long, slender, and distinctly decurved (downward-curved) black bill, perfectly adapted for probing into flowers for nectar.

Warna mata

Dark brown.

Warna kaki

Dark grey to blackish.

Ciri pembeda

The iridescent blue-black throat of the male is a key feature. The long, curved bill is characteristic of sunbirds. The bright yellow belly is also a prominent field mark.

Penampilan muda

Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally duller, with a paler yellow belly and a less distinct olive-green back. Young males may show some dusky streaking on the throat before developing the full iridescent plumage.

Perubahan musiman

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are generally similar, though the iridescence might appear more vibrant during breeding displays.

Dimorfisme seksual

Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored with iridescent blue-black throat and breast. Females are duller, predominantly olive-green and yellow, lacking the iridescent throat patch.

Cara identifikasi

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Small, slender bird with a long, thin, decurved bill. Active and quick.

2. 2

   Male Plumage

   Look for the striking metallic blue-black throat and upper breast, contrasting with a bright yellow belly and olive-green back. The iridescent throat can appear black in poor light.

3. 3

   Female Plumage

   Duller than males, with an olive-green head and back, and a plain yellow belly. Lacks the iridescent throat.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Observe its feeding behavior: hovering or perching at flowers to sip nectar. Its rapid, darting flight is also characteristic.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its high-pitched, rapid, and often complex song, or its sharp 'chip' call.

Habitat dan persebaran

Bioma

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, mangroves, shrublands, gardens, urban parks, plantations.

Persebaran geografis

Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent (eastern parts), Indochina, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia.

Rentang ketinggian

Sea level up to 1,700 meters, occasionally higher.

Lingkungan yang disukai

Highly adaptable, preferring areas with abundant flowering plants, including coastal areas, forest edges, secondary growth, cultivated areas, and urban gardens. They are often found in close proximity to human habitation.

Perilaku

Waktu aktivitas

Diurnal, most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Kebiasaan makan

Primarily feeds on nectar, hovering or perching while probing flowers with its long bill and tubular tongue. Also consumes small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young, gleaning them from foliage or catching them in flight. They are important pollinators.

Perilaku sosial

Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, they may form small, loose foraging groups. Generally not shy and can be quite bold in urban environments.

Pola terbang

Fast, direct, and often darting flight, characterized by rapid wing beats. Can hover briefly in front of flowers.

Pola migrasi

Mostly resident throughout its range, with some local movements in response to flowering seasons or food availability. Not considered a long-distance migrant.

Teritorialitas

Males are territorial, especially during the breeding season, defending feeding and nesting areas from rivals with vocalizations and aggressive displays.

Reproduksi

Musim kawin

Varies geographically, but generally occurs during the warmer, wetter months when food resources (nectar and insects) are abundant. Can breed almost year-round in some tropical regions.

Kebiasaan bersarang

Builds a distinctive, purse-shaped or pear-shaped nest, suspended from a branch or foliage, often under an overhang or in a sheltered location. The nest is constructed from fine grass, plant fibers, spider webs, and often decorated with bits of leaves, bark, or even rubbish, giving it a camouflaged appearance. The entrance is a small hole near the top.

Jumlah telur

2-3 eggs.

Deskripsi telur

Typically 2-3 eggs, whitish or pale greenish-blue, often speckled or blotched with brown or grey, particularly at the broader end.

Masa inkubasi

Approximately 13-15 days, primarily by the female.

Masa terbang

Chicks fledge around 13-16 days after hatching. Both parents feed the young.

Perawatan orang tua

Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings, though the female does most of the incubation. After fledging, the young are fed by both parents for several weeks.

Di mana ditemukan

Tips lapangan

1. Look for flowering plants. Focus your search on areas with abundant flowers, as nectar is their primary food source. They are often seen actively feeding.
2. Listen for calls. Their distinctive, high-pitched songs and calls are often the first indication of their presence, even before you see them.
3. Observe movement. They are very active birds, constantly moving between flowers or darting through foliage. Look for quick, jerky movements.
4. Be patient. While common, they can be small and quick. Patience will often reward you with good views.

Spesies serupa

Fakta singkat

Diet:

Nectar and insects

Habitat:

Gardens, forests, mangroves

Status:

Least Concern

Bill:

Long, decurved

Male Plumage:

Iridescent blue-black throat, yellow belly

Fakta menarik

• The Olive-backed Sunbird is an important pollinator for many tropical plants due to its nectar-feeding habits.
• Its nest is a marvel of engineering, often incorporating spider webs for elasticity and camouflage.
• Despite its small size, the male is quite aggressive in defending its territory, especially during breeding.
• It was formerly placed in the genus Nectarinia, but recent phylogenetic studies moved it to Cinnyris.

Klasifikasi ilmiah

Kerajaan

Animalia

Filum

Chordata

Kelas

Aves

Ordo

Passeriformes

Famili

Nectariniidae

Genus

Cinnyris

Spesies

Cinnyris jugularis

Jelajahi Olive-backed Sunbird