Loten's sunbird, also known as the long-billed sunbird or maroon-breasted sunbird, is a sunbird endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Named after Joan Gideon Loten, who was the Dutch governor of colonial Ceylon, it is very similar to the purple sunbird that is found in the same areas and also tends to hover at flowers for nectar, but can be distinguished by the longer bill, the maroon band on the breast and brownish wings. Like other sunbirds, it is also insectivorous and builds characteristic hanging nests.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across peninsular India and Sri Lanka in open woodlands, forest edges, scrub, gardens, and plantations. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, frequenting flowering shrubs, hedgerows, and urban parks. The species favors areas with year-round nectar sources, including coconut groves and mixed-crop smallholdings. It is less common in dense closed-canopy forest interiors but uses clearings and edges. In Sri Lanka it is widespread from the lowlands into the hill country.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Loten's sunbird has a noticeably long, downcurved bill adapted to probe long-tubed flowers, and males show a subtle maroon band across the breast. It often hovers briefly like a hummingbird while feeding, but usually perches to sip nectar. Common around gardens and plantations, it builds a characteristic hanging, purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider silk. It is easily confused with the purple sunbird; the longer bill and brownish wings help separate it.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, with males defending rich flower patches from rivals. During breeding, pairs construct a hanging, pouch-like nest from fibers and spider webs, often suspended from branches or human structures. Clutches are small, and the female primarily incubates while both parents may feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high, tinkling notes and thin twitters, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and metallic, buzzy phrases. Vocalizations are frequent during territorial displays around flowering plants.
