Van Hasselt's sunbird, is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Northeast India, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from Northeast India and Bangladesh through Myanmar and Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, extending to Sumatra and Java. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and mangrove forests. The species is generally a lowland bird but can range into foothills locally. It adapts well to flowering gardens and parks near natural habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males are striking with an iridescent purple throat and metallic green forecrown, while females are much duller and olive-yellow, a strong example of sexual dimorphism. It feeds mostly while perched rather than hovering, unlike hummingbirds. The species often frequents mangroves and flowering edges and builds a suspended, purse-like nest bound with spider silk. It has sometimes been confused with the closely related Purple-throated Sunbird where ranges approach.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Males defend nectar-rich feeding territories. The species builds a hanging, pouch-like nest of plant fibers and spider webs with a side entrance. Clutches are typically two eggs, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid, squeaky trills interspersed with sharp ticks. Calls are quick metallic chips given while foraging and during territorial chases.
