UAE Dubai Sunbird - no picture (1 Viewer)

Hi all -

I am in Dubai with no field guide. I was at Safa Park this morning and saw an unusual sunbird.

It was with Purple Sunbirds, which were in winter / juv plumage. It was considerably smaller, with rusty orange / black very varied plumage - to be honest the colouring reminded me of a Varied Thrush. Unfortunately I couldn't get a very clear look at it. I have a picture, but suspect it is useless - and no cable to upload it yet.

Any thoughts ?

Wilts_Birder

Hi Wilts,

Purple Sunbirds are small at only 10cm, think we might need to see an image!

M

Hi Rockfowl -

Thanks for your reply.

The mystery sunbird was mixed in with easily identifiable Purple Sunbirds, in drab winter plumage - olive green and yellow.

It stood out because of its even smaller size, and rust orange/ black markings. It did look pretty scruffy, so I can only assume moult.

My question is - does anyone know of an orange/black sunbird that could be found in UAE ?

Wilts_Birder.

Wilts_Birder said:

Hi Rockfowl -

Thanks for your reply.

The mystery sunbird was mixed in with easily identifiable Purple Sunbirds, in drab winter plumage - olive green and yellow.

It stood out because of its even smaller size, and rust orange/ black markings. It did look pretty scruffy, so I can only assume moult.

My question is - does anyone know of an orange/black sunbird that could be found in UAE ?

Wilts_Birder.

Click to expand...

Basically no, which Is why I hinted about the size in the first place. 10cm is very small and Purple is the smallest sunbird in the region. Perhaps the only black/orange on a worn bird would be a Shining Sunbird which is 13cm and I'm pretty sure doesn't occur :smoke:

UAE Mystery Sunbird - now with added pictures...

OK. I uploaded the pictures.

You're going to have use some faith and some imagination. The sunbird was mixed in with a bunch of Purple Sunbirds in winter plumage. It was significantly smaller. To the best of my knowledge, it was NOT a Purple Sunbird.

It did have sunbird characteristics - long curved bill, similar (although less frenetic) feeding activity. It has noticeably rusty colouring on it - colouring similar to a Varied Thrush, although less dark.

The pictures are SO BAD, you are REALLY going to have to search for the bird !!

This one is going to bug me forever - any thoughts ?