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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. Crimson-backed sunbirds make altitudinal movements during the rainy season. They may move to the foothills during the monsoons and move higher up during the dry season.
They inhabit a variety of evergreen forests but are most common in flower-rich gardens at the edges of forests or plantations. These small birds fall victim to numerous predators, including larger birds, praying mantises and other large insects. The Crimson-backed Sunbirds mostly breed in December through March – but may nest nearly throughout the year in the southern Western Ghats. The male and female build the purse-shaped, moss-covered nest together – although the female takes on the part of lining the nest. The nest is often suspended from the underside of large fern fronds, or thin branch of a low tree or shrub.
The average clutch consists of 2 eggs which are mostly incubated by the female for about 18 – 19 days. The male assists with feeding the young. Their calls include short chik calls and longer chee-chee-which-chee. The photographs above were taken after the rescue of this tiny colourful male which was stuck in a spider web. Join us on a birding tour to get a chance to experience these tiny beauties.
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