Malaysian garden bird
Olive-backed Sunbird
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One
bird that is most common in gardens that have flowering plants and that one bird
which has attracted more attention than others. Though most people only known it
as a "tiny bird". As for interest in bird itself, only those who has some knowledge of birds knows that there would be a male and female. That's why sometimes, a different yellow bird with a dark. patch came. 1. Olive-backed Sunbird - Cinnyris jugularis The Sunbird is among one of the most common birds in our garden. The fact that it seen almost everywhere we goes show that it is prolific breeder and simple in its diet. which is simply nectar. Seen here is the bird feeding on the flowers of the Malvaviscus plants, a favorite of the bird.So use to seeing this bird that I forgot that this is a tiny bird of 11 cm. Again another bird from the area of the greater Sundas, this bird is breeding in our garden, mangrove forest and places it hangs our regularly. Beside the pair of male and female, there is also an eclipse. The Eclipse would be a male bird with streak of black on its throat instead of a black patch. Size & diagnostic markings:- The Olive-backed is more roundish with a shorter tail at only 11 cm long. The upper part is olive green which earns the bird its name and the under part in bright yellow. The iridescent portion on this bird would be its fore head, throat and upper breast in blue-black. there is actually a rufous border to the black bib. typical of all female Sunbird she has plain colors
The Sunbird with the dark patch
and the curved beak. OK! This is the Male Sunbird Colourful or more colourful
than the plain looking one.
This is a scene looking very familiar, the bird seeking out nectar. Notice the plain looking yellow bird? This is the female.
Here to show the blue patch above the forehead
Another shot of the female approaching the flower
The main point about Sunbirds is that most species have iridescent patches. Those dark patches on the bird which would change in color when seen from different angles in bright sunlight. So the Olive-backed Sunbird is no different, actually have nice hue of dark blue.
In contrast the plain looking female. In real situation, most females of Sunbirds are plain looking. Needs some skills to tell them apart as different species.
The male again this time in better focus
Alternate - the female
The dark patches on the breast is developed in varying configuration
A good picture to compare the size the bird - 11.5 cm big
A good look at the dark patch
Now you see, the bird is not actually yellow in colour, liked - as seen from afar. Here is how the name "Olive backed" is given
in extreme light and angle, the blue hue becomes very prominent
No! not distort colours by the camera.
Funny natural happening. The patch on the throat has unfamiliar shape. This stage of the male bird is called "Eclipse".
The male bird reaching sub-adulthood, couldn't get it male coating yet. The transitional stage to show that it is male. In the next mottling, the proper male plumage with that full patch would appear.
Coming back to the topic of flowering plants, I have different types, attractive to the Sunbirds are Malvaviscus in front yard and Red button Costus in the back garden. Most of the pictures posted, are with Sunbirds coming to the front yard. They do on some occasions patronise the flowers in the back yard. But I noticed only on very rare occasions. Why and when? I have yet to find a rationale. One reason could be, the Brown-throated Sunbirds would be there in the back yard more often. Sunbird do come very often, something like once in every hour type of scenario. Likewise I could also hear the Olive-backed Sunbird chirping the whole day, more often in the morning hours. Habitats & preferences:- This is a bird of the open park, garden and mangrove forest. In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- You need not look for the bird a sit will be there in the park if you are patient enough.
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