The vibrant male of this bird species boasts a stunning scarlet color with a blue tail and yellow underside, resembling a precious gem. In contrast, the female’s feathers are less striking, exhibiting olive upperparts, yellow underside, and a grayish head. A unique feature to note is her pale rump which is easiest seen when she’s hovering. These birds are active foragers and often gather in blossoming trees. They usually inhabit hilly and montane forests as well as forest edges and can breed at high elevations of up to 4250 meters. The birds communicate through various calls such as a high-pitched “tzeeee” and a sharp “tzit.”
Southeast Asia is home to the delightful and petite Gould’s Sunbird, a bird species that is not only beautiful but also burst with vibrant colors. Its blue-purple head, green upper parts, and striking red underparts make it a sight to see. Notably, the male Gould’s Sunbird sports longer tail feathers than the female, making it stand out even more.
The small but mighty hummingbird is famous for surviving on a diet of sweet nectar, which serves a crucial role in the pollination process for plants and flowers in their natural habitats. While they tend to frequent wooded areas, they can be seen flitting about in any location where there are blooms to be found, including gardens.
Encountering a Gould’s Sunbird is an exceptional experience due to their rarity. These small birds showcase the stunning diversity and energy found in avian life, underscoring the importance of protecting the natural habitats that enable such wonders to exist.
