From Opus

Cinnyris jugularis

Nectarinia jugularis

Photo by remo
Photographed in an orchid garden in Singapore

Identification

Also known as Yellow-bellied Sunbird

12cm. Bright yellow underparts, dull brown back forehead, dark, metallic blue-black throat and upper breast.

Distribution

China, Philippines, Malaysia down to northeast Australia.

Taxonomy

This is one of the many Sunbirds that have recently been moved to the genus Cinnyris from the genus Nectarinia.

Habitat

Forest edge, second growth, towns, mangroves, farmlands.

Behaviour

Diet includes mainly nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young.

The male and the female build the flask-shaped nest, with an overhanging porch at the entrance, and a trail of hanging material at the bottom end. The nest is abandoned for about a week before the female returns to lay 1-2 greenish-blue eggs which are incubated for a week. Once hatched, both parents care for the young which fledge after a further two weeks.

External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID