Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus, Arachnechthra intermedia, Nectarinia mahrattensis]

Beautiful shimmer of a male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus]


This first photo is indicative of why this beautiful shining bird is called a 'Purple' sunbird; see its neck. Frankly, I had found no purple shade even while doing photography of this beauty until I looked at the above photo with more attention. It is a wonder for me why it is named so. Anyway, talking of its beauty, I must say that Purple Sunbird is one of the most beautiful birds I have seen yet. The Purple Sunbird is so beautiful that I can get lost looking at it and following :)

Extremely beautiful male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] shimmering its dhoop-chhaon colors


Mostly found in pairs, Purple Sunbird are sometimes seen in groups too! The female is not as beautiful, or rather I must say, the female is not such a show-off although beautiful. Bad luck that this male was wandering alone both the times; yes, my collection of photos of Purple Sunbird here in this post is from 2 sets of photographs, and may be updated later on as I do more Sunbird photography in the future.

Close-up of a male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] perched on a flowering plant


The female Purple Sunbird is nearly of the same size as the male, but the plumage is outrageously different. The tops of the wings are somehow dark green olive colored. The full plumage is matte finished as opposed to the glossy polish of the males. The bottom body is light yellow at the vent shading towards deep yellow at the neck.

Male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] whistling at full volume


The primary food of Purple Sunbird is nectar. However, they may sometimes eat small insects and even tiny fruits! Well, the rest of it is for the eyes. Enjoy the beauty of this sunbird in my photographs that follow…

Male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] busy drinking nectar from tiny flowers


Shining plumage of male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus]


Male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] chirping on a flowering branch


Stunningly beautiful male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] in photogenic pose


Male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] drinking nectar from a purple flower


Tongue of a male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] with his eyes closed


Male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] sitting on a branch drinking nectar from flowers


Ultimate close-up of a male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus]


Sleek male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus] perched on a purple flowering branch


Whistling male Purple Sunbird [Cinnyris asiaticus]