The crimson-backed sunbird or small sunbird is a sunbird endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Like other sunbirds, they feed mainly on nectar although they take insects, especially to feed their young. They are tiny birds that are resident and are found in forests but are particularly attracted to gardens at the edge of the forest where people grow suitable flower-bearing plants. They usually perch while taking nectar.
Region
Western Ghats, India
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Western Ghats from southern Maharashtra through Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala to Tamil Nadu. It inhabits evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, coffee and tea plantations, and village gardens with abundant flowers. The species is a resident throughout its range, moving locally to track blooming plants. It favors areas where native or ornamental tubular flowers are available, including Hibiscus and Ixora. It is common near human habitation when nectar sources are cultivated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny sunbird is confined to India’s Western Ghats and is often seen around flowering gardens at forest edges. Like many sunbirds, it usually perches to drink nectar rather than hovering. The female builds a neat, hanging purse-shaped nest from fibers and cobwebs, often suspended from low branches or around houses. Adults supplement their nectar diet with small insects and spiders, especially when feeding chicks.
Nest of a crimson-backed sunbird
Temperament
active and territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, with pairs defending rich flowering shrubs and trees. The female constructs a pendulous, purse-like nest using plant fibers and spider silk; 2 eggs are typical. Both parents feed the young with small arthropods. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks in forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched tsee-tsee and rapid twitters. Song is a brief series of sharp, squeaky notes and trills delivered from exposed perches near flowering plants.
