This Loten's Sunbird is long billed and maroon breasted. Its exquisite coloured body receives even more brilliance of its feather coat during the monsoon months. The male bird is like the one above has a glossy purple crown and a grey-brown belly. It is larger than the purple Sunbird in the picture below. Its closest species is Malagasy green sunbird, which I am yet to spot in our garden.
What draws my attention to sunbirds is largely due to their immaculately groomed body at all seasons. The monsoon appearance is special as their feathers do not get soaked in the rain unlike in the Magpie Robins or Bulbuls. I have watched them groom the body by attending to the feather coat meticulously!
These energetic birds, which have ultra short stay on flowers for nectar gathering, had a phenomenal memory. They visit the same flowers every day around the same time in the morning and evening.
They are small birds. They are faster than other birds in flight. They fly high and stay fluttering over the flowers. They can gather nectar while fluttering in the air above the flower without having to rest on the flower!
A small bird with some exquisite features!
It is a message to all of us. Each of us has something good enough and special enough, which we need to identify and be glad for!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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